Are you looking for the best career in the IT industry? Or do you find difficulty in choosing the best path among CompTIA Security+ and CCNA? If yes, then you landed on the right page. These two certifications are the most demanding ones and are mostly chosen by professionals who want to have a great career either in cybersecurity or networking.Â
But the real question is how they are even relatable as both have different dimensions to cover.Â
So for you, we have shared each point which can be set as parameters for making a professional career decision. In this blog, we are going to share their comparison. We will discuss their objectives, main exam details, outline of syllabus, cost incurred, and possible benefits that a professional will get after attaining these certifications.
Real comparison between CCNA or CompTIA Security+
Both CCNA and CompTIA Security+ credentials are globally recognized certifications. They increase proficiency among candidates from different departments of the IT industry. Although the basic objectives of both are different, their target audience is entry-level graduate students. If you want to aim your career in the networking and switching department, you can take CCNA certification but if you want to step into the security department, the Security+ is more suitable for you.
Overview of Security+ Credential
The Security+ credentials were offered by CompTIA. It is a globally recognized and vendor-neutral certification. This is the initial step towards upgrading knowledge and expertise in security and system concepts. It possesses a strong foundation for professionals to implement and maintain basic security techniques. Practitioners get real situations to solve problems and exhibit strong skills in the IT industry.
Overview of CCNA Credential
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate is specially designed for updating basic understanding and expertise regarding networking, security, and IP services. This is developed by CISCO Systems to offer advanced troubleshooting solutions to professionals to identify and evaluate internal and external threats. The professionals will gain a strong familiarity with the CISCO network structure.
Exam Details of Security+ and CCNA Certifications:
For Security+
Name | CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Certification |
Lunch Date | November 7th, 2023 |
Number of Questions | 90 Questions |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions or Performance-Based Questions |
Time Limit | 90 Minutes |
Passing Score | 750 (Scale of 100 - 900) |
Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish |
Retirement Date | Three Years After Launch |
Approved Work | DoD 8140 |
Testing Provider | Pearson VUE (Testing Centers | Online Testing) |
For CCNA
Name | CCNA 200-301 Certification |
Lunch Date | 24 February 2020 |
Number of Questions | 50 - 60 Questions |
Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions |
Time Limit | 120 Minutes |
Passing Score | 800 - 850 (Total of 1000) |
Languages | English and Japanese |
Retirement Date | Three Years After Launch |
Testing Provider | Pearson VUE (Testing Centers | Online Testing) |
Main Domain for CCNA & Security+ Certification
Security+
Main Domain | Weightage |
General Security Concepts | 12% |
Threats, Vulnerabilities, & Mitigations | 22% |
Security Architecture | 18% |
Security Operations | 28% |
Security Program Management & Oversight | 20% |
CCNA
Main Domain | Weightage% |
Network Fundamentals | 20% |
Network Access | 20% |
IP Connectivity | 25% |
IP Services | 10% |
Security Fundamentals | 15% |
Automation & Programmability | 10% |
Skill Set for professionals for Secruity+ and CCNA Certifications
Both possess different industry expertise in Information Technology Markets.Â
For CompTIA Security+
Following are some mastering proficiency of CompTIA Security+ certification:
- Offer updated knowledge detection tools and penetration testing techniques
- Create and utilize different network systems to examine and detect organizational security issues.
- Deploy a basic understanding of network architecture and implement updated management controls, risk administration techniques, and wireless security settings.
- Explore and troubleshoot security vulnerabilities and threats.
For CCNA
Below-mentioned are some expertise, a professional will get after attaining this certification;
- One will get basic networking fundamentals and problem-detection techniques to secure organization networks.
- Utilize a diverse range of IP addresses, follow redundancy standards, and get familiar with different domains of the routing table.
- Examine and deploy different training programs to get practical experience in ensuring the security of official devices and networks.
- Employ different techniques of application programming interface, configuration, and network management while offering detailed differences between traditional and controller-based networking.
Prerequisites
For Security+ credentials, a professional should have Network+ certification and also have 2 years of prior working experience in Security and systems administration jobs.
While there is no need for any prerequisite for CCNA, a practitioner should be the one who wants to take advantage of executing and directing updated Cisco Solutions.
Target Audience
The target audience for CCNA is all professionals having all levels of experience in the IT industry. Moreover, they possess expertise in networking and looking for advanced job opportunities.Â
While Security+ targets those who have experience in security and system management. This certification is a great choice for those wanting to start their cybersecurity career.
Find out the worth of CCNA CertificationsÂ
Cost incurred for Security+ Certification
The cost of Security+ SY0-701 Credential is $404 (USD) and they are offering the following four bundles of services for the exam, Let’s have a look at them;
Bundle Title | Exam Voucher | Basic Bundle | Exam Prep Bundle | eLearning Bundle |
Price Incurred | $404 | $581 | $741 | $1005 |
Service | CompTIA Security+ Exam Voucher | Exam Voucher + Retake
Self-Paced Study Guide | Exam Voucher + Retake
Self-Paced Study Guide
CertMaster Practice | Exam Voucher + Retake
CertMaster Learn + Labs |
CCNA is an Associate level exam so it costs $300 (USD).
Job Opportunities for Security+
Following are some job roles that Security+ certification possesses:
- Cloud Penetration TesterÂ
- Network Security OperationsÂ
- Penetration TesterÂ
- Network Security AnalystÂ
- Web App Penetration TesterÂ
- Security Architect
Job Opportunities for CCNA
Some job outlooks for CCNA certification are mentioned below:
- Network Engineer & Administration
- Help Desk Management
Salary Expectation for Security+ & CCNA Exam:
The average salary per year for CompTIA Security+ Credential is $85,000(USD). This will increase up to $142,000. The annual pay scale for CCNA Certifier is $88,000 (USD) and this will be improved up to $166,000.Â
Estimated salary according to job role:
For Security+
Job Title | Average Salary |
Systems Administrator | $71,413 |
Cyber Security Analyst | $81,256 |
Information Security Analyst | $77,091 |
Network Engineer | $82,963 |
Cyber Security Engineer | $101,625 |
For CCNA
Job Title | Average Salary |
Network Engineer | $83,223 |
Senior Network Engineer | $113,400 |
Network Administrator | $68,114 |
Information Technology (IT) Manager | $93,633 |
Information Technology (IT) Director | $117,346 |
Average Salary expectation according to location
For Security+
Locations | Average Salary |
Santa Clara, CA | $87,740 |
Federal Way, WA | $86,660 |
Washington, DC | $86,392 |
San Francisco, CA | $84,536 |
District Heights, MD | $83,653 |
For CCNA:
Locations | Average Salary |
Berkeley, CA | $139,802 |
Daly City, CA | $132,307 |
San Mateo, CA | $128,315 |
Irvine, CA | $128,005 |
Orange, CA | $127,387 |
Read more about CCNA Certification cost and salary
Potential Benefits of CCNA or Security+ Exam
For CCNA
Some of the benefits a professional will offer to different organizations after acquiring this credential;
- One will implement advanced security standards, and direct and apply methods for fixing security threats.Â
- Get practical and master skills in employing upgraded solutions.Â
- Opens doors of new job opportunities in the networking and security department.
For Security+
Below mentioned are some benefits one will possess in an organization:
- When one practitioner starts their career, he has to perform diverse duties, including threat and network management, cryptography, and network resources.Â
- As it is a vendor-neutral certification, one will apply basic concepts in the creation of networks, platforms, and operating systems.
Read more: CompTIA Network vs CCNA: Which one is Best
Preparation techniques for CCNA and Security+ credentials
1. Download the official syllabus and guidelines
2. Appropriate helping materials and dumps
Edurely has recently upgraded their dumps, videos, and practicing questions for both credentials to help practitioners in monitoring preparation.
3. Learning Plans
Our official website offered diverse learning plans for professionals to ace in both exams.
3. Online Webinar & Preparation Resources
Our official website offered diverse learning plans for professionals to ace in both exams.
4. Online Webinar & Preparation Resources
CCNA also organizes preparation resources which include quizzes, webinars, and preparation maps. Moreover, Cisco CCNA also conducts an online webinar to get you familiar with the latest network technologies. This webinar consists of three episodes:
Webinar Series | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 |
Topics | The CCNA Certification and Networking Basics | CCNA – Getting Acquainted with Internet Protocol (IP), Connectivity & Services | CCNA - Building on the Basics with Security, Automation, & Programmability |
Duration | 90 Minutes | 60 Minutes | |
Languages | English | ||
These above-mentioned three episodes help you clear the complex understanding of topics.Â
While security+ also provides exam objectives and practice questions. This certification facilitates e-learning materials, virtual labs, and training sessions for exam preparation.
5. Digital Community Forums
Most of the forums and social groups are designed to deliver extensive discussion sessions, study materials, quiz questions, and on-time feedback with senior professionals in the field. They will share the right directions with seniors.
6. Video Tutorials
Every official website shares relevant videos for each topic. With our detailed exam dumps, Edurely also shares comprehensive videos of experts with professionals so that they have a strong grip on topics.
Read more: How Difficult is CompTIA Security+
Conclusion
To conclude this all above, one will get a detailed overview of both CCNA and Security+ certifications. Before making a wise decision, one needs to decide which credentials will fulfill the basic purpose. If someone wants to pursue a career in networking at a Cisco organization, he needs to choose a CCNA credential. But if one wants to have a career in cybersecurity, he will take Security+ exams.Â
For you, we already dissected both certifications and shared all relevant information with you. So, we hope you make a wise decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the main purpose of CCNA and Security+ Certification?
The CCNA is designed by CISCO organization to share advanced knowledge about security, IP services, and networking, while Security+ is introduced by CompTIA, the basic objective of this is to upgrade the basic knowledge and expertise about security and systems concepts.
What is the target audience of CCNA and Secruity+?
The target audience for both exams is entry-level and junior IT professionals.
Among CCNA or Security+, which one should be chosen first?
If you want to have some in-depth knowledge about Cisco networking and security, you need to start your journey with CCNA certification. Then after gripping a strong command in the network, one can pursue Security+ credentials.
How much time is required for CCNA and Security+?
The Ideal time for preparation for CCNA and Security+ certifications is two months.
