CCNA / CCNA vs Security+
CCNA vs Security+: Which Certification Fits Better?
CCNA suits career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role. Security+ suits IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume. If you plan to earn both, start with CCNA: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into Security+. Tackling Security+ first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
| Category | CCNA | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundational | Intermediate |
| Vendor | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Exam | 200-301 | SY0-701 |
| Exam format | Single proctored certification exam (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, lab simulation) | Single proctored exam (multiple-choice + performance-based questions) |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years, renew by re-taking, advancing to CCNP, or earning Continuing Education credits | 3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX (formerly CASP+), or re-taking |
| Recommended experience | Foundational networking familiarity plus repeated lab practice | Baseline IT literacy with some networking and systems exposure (Network+ recommended but not required) |
| Training hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Course price | $499 | $699 |
| Typical Canadian salary band | $45K-$95K CAD | $55K-$100K CAD |
| Best-fit roles | Network Administrator | Security Analyst |
| Recommended starting point | No prior certification is required. | No formal prerequisite, but basic networking and systems knowledge help. |
When CCNA is the better choice
- Career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role
- Help desk or desktop support professionals ready to move into network operations
- Students who want a vendor-recognized certification with strong employer awareness
When Security+ is the better choice
- IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume
- Students targeting SOC, analyst, compliance, or security operations roles
- Career changers who want a recognized baseline cybersecurity certification
What CCNA training covers
- Network fundamentals and IP addressing
- Switching, VLANs, and spanning tree
- Routing, NAT, and basic services
- Security controls, automation, and wireless fundamentals
What Security+ training covers
- Threats, attacks, and defensive controls
- Identity, access, and network security
- Risk management, governance, and response
- Security operations and practical hardening
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: CCNA or Security+?
CCNA is the better entry point for most beginners, while Security+ usually fits students with more prior experience or a narrower goal.
How do the CCNA and Security+ exams compare?
CCNA is earned by passing one exam, Cisco 200-301. It runs 120 minutes. The question count is not published by Cisco (candidates report about 100). Results are pass or fail, and Cisco does not publish the cut score. Security+ is earned by passing one exam, CompTIA SY0-701. It has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. The passing score is 750/900 on CompTIA's scaled scoring.
How should I choose between CCNA and Security+?
CCNA suits career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role. Security+ suits IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume. Pick the one that matches the job you want next.
Which pays more: CCNA or Security+?
Typical Canadian roles tied to CCNA run $45K-$95K CAD, while Security+-related roles run $55K-$100K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both CCNA and Security+?
If you plan to earn both, start with CCNA: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into Security+. Tackling Security+ first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
Need a direct recommendation between CCNA and Security+?
Talk to CISNET and get a recommendation based on your current skills, not generic internet rankings.
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