Do I Need Network+ Before Security+?


Layers of Security: Circuit-Level Firewall

Do I Need Network+ Before Security+?

CompTIA is widely known to provide certifications focused on general technologies and concepts and they cover different fields. Network+ and Security+ belong to the cybersecurity branch, the former being on a lower level than the latter. However, is Network+ required before you take the Security+ exam? 

You need a lot of knowledge that is covered in Network+, but you do not need to be certified in it to get Security+. Getting Network+ first might ease up the process of getting Security+, but that would last longer, and your career goals might not really need the objectives covered in Network+.   

Below, I have discussed the reasons why it is not necessary to get Network+ prior to Security+. I have also elaborated on the advantages of getting Security+ as your first certificate. Once you understand these reasons, you will get a clearer image when it comes to these two exams, and you will know what you really need according to the directions of your career path. 

Is Network+ Needed Before Security+? 

CompTIA certifications are a great choice for those who want to obtain general knowledge of technologies and enter the IT world. Since CompTIA is not vendor-specific, it is perfect for the candidates who do not want to concentrate on only one company in the IT industry. This is good because it gives you independence and the ability to qualify for different job positions. 

CompTIA and many other experts usually recommend taking the A+, then Network+, and at last Security+. This is the order made based on the difficulty of the exams, i.e. from easiest to hardest. For those who really want to cover everything from the basics, this is the perfect sequence of getting certified in IT fields. 

However, if your career is specifically focused on network security, then you might not follow this particular order and take Security+ as your first certification. It is understood that the previous ones cover many concepts and they might ease your process for getting Security+, but it is not required to do so. 

The reasons I have explained below might really help you understand why you can pursue Security+ even if you do not have Network+. 

Why Should You Opt For Security+? 

Certifications that you possess might get you a bigger salary, or a better position, but you do not need many of them if you have the one that is valued the most. Security+ is widely recognized, and as it is on the highest level on the rank, it is definitely the most needed of all. This is especially important if your career path is headed towards the network security field. 

Security+ Leads To a Real Job In Cybersecurity

Security+ is the easiest road to getting a job in cybersecurity. Being certified in Network+ will not enable you this opportunity since it does not cover objectives that are needed for this field. Therefore, if you are oriented towards network security and you want to be certain that you will work on security assignments, then Security+ will do the trick for you. 

It is the most valued certification when it comes to this position, while it is the easiest CompTIA exam that is based on security. Without it, you cannot achieve this kind of job, and Network+ will not serve you much in this purpose. 

Higher Salary

It is commonly known that jobs in the network security sector are paid higher than other positions. Possessing a certification in this field means an even higher salary since you are proven to possess the skills needed in this branch. 

Nowadays, cybersecurity plays one of the most important roles in the IT industry, so it is no surprise that companies are willing to pay these experts more when they have the certification for their knowledge and skills. You might not be concerned with money as much, but do not exclude the chance to earn more if you think that you might be suitable for a job like this and it is in your area of interest. 

Greater Knowledge Of Cybersecurity

When it comes to choosing a certification, you might base the choice on your knowledge preferences. If you are a person who is interested in cybersecurity, then Security+ is all you need. Network+ covers some of the objectives, but not as much as Security+ does. 

This certification is considered the stepping stone in developing a career in network security. It gives you the skills and procedures that enable you to perform basic security functions to protect and secure data on the network. 

Even though Security+ is an entry-level certification in the network security field, it is one of the most difficult exams provided by CompTIA. By getting certified you gain the needed skills for performing basic security functions in hardware, software, and network. Also, these skills are greatly valued by employers, so you will have a lot of benefits from getting certified in Security+. 

All Tech Jobs Require Security

Nowadays, everything that you do in the digital world requires security. Each action you take on the computer or some other device needs to be protected in order to prevent attacks or incidents. 

This means that having a Security+ certification might get you anywhere in the IT industry. In other words, you will be able to find a job easily, and you will probably have a lot of options. 

When Network+ Would Be Needed First? 

Even though Security+ is more valued, especially if you are focused on cybersecurity, there are points in which Network+ would be more suitable. Security+ might not work for everyone, and some candidates need more time to get to the level of this certification. 

Network+ would be suitable if your network knowledge is not good enough and you do not possess enough skills. If you look into the objectives, and you notice that many of the topics are not familiar to you, then taking this certification first would be the right choice. 

The Network+ is not a requirement for getting the Security+ certification. If your goals include cybersecurity, then you can easily pursue just Security+. However, in some circumstances, taking Network+ first might be the better option. 

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