Which One is best? : CompTIA Network+ or CCNA Routing and Switching

Many network professionals faced with the predicament as to which industry certification to take, especially in the very beginning of their career. The choice usually boils down to the two prominent certifications: Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching and CompTIA Network+.

Let’s take a nearer look at them to answer the question: CCNA R&S or Network+? Is it worth having both? If yes, then why and in which mandate? But first, what’s the dissimilarity between the two?

Opportunity

Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching Certification: authenticates the candidate’s skill to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

CompTIA Network+ Certification: validates one’s knowledge of networking features and functions, including network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security.

Not to hurdle to any conclusions just yet, but the descriptions suggest Network+ being a vital certification, with CCNA R&S confirming more advanced knowledge and proven hands-on experience.

Vendor Connection

The most significant variance between these certifications is the fact that Network+ has developed as a vendor-neutral certification. It provides candidates with information and understanding of networking in common, and you can apply this knowledge to most networks.

CCNA, on the other hand, was precisely designed for Cisco’s networking technology and products. Although the program does shelter other networking topics too, the difference and the focus are apparent.

Exam Difficulty

Many network specialists tend to choose Network+ certification because it’s said to be more comfortable to pass. In truth, it does provide more basic knowledge and understanding of concepts compared to CCNA. Similarly, those who have given Network+ with flying colors may be extremely disappointed if they expect the same level of difficulty from CCNA.

Let’s face it: CCNA isn’t a joke. It is hard. That’s why employers so value it. Even though it is an ‘entry level’ exam, you should have 1–3 years of networking knowledge to attempt it. CCNA needs lots of studying, as well as practical experience (and you should get your hands on some Cisco routers and switches, even if those low-end ones — to have some knowledge of their technology. It’s not something to get away with observing up a few articles online). In contrast, many users share their experience of passing Network+ after ‘reading a book or two.’

Don’t mislead into thinking that Network+ is a no-brainer because it isn’t. CompTIA recommends having an A+ accreditation and nine months networking experience before trying to clear Network+ certification. But it’s always worthy to know that at least somebody didn’t have much misfortune with it, right?

Keeping Your Knowledge in Mind

If you don’t have much networking experience and want an entry-level yet professionally renowned certification, Network+ is a smart way to go. It is a very well-organized and planned program that aims to fill the knowledge gaps most people have at the opening of their networking career.

Network+ shows you what networking technology is. It may be a useful substance for Cisco’s CCNA (or Microsoft, or other vendor-specific certifications for that matter), which explains you to configure and troubleshoot this technology. So, if you are a novice, don’t look in the CCNA course for now. 

For persons who have a few years’ networking knowledge and understanding, CCNA may be a very logical and career-boosting way to go. It is a very in-depth study of networking as a whole, including routing, protocols, network design and more. Even corporations that don’t use Cisco systems value the CCNA for the complexity and difficulty of the certification. It is nearly unbearable to achieve a CCNA without hands-on lab experience, and this practical knowledge, combined with growing education, is tremendously valuable.

Industry Penetration

As the Network+ is vendor-neutral, it is known by almost all businesses. Many of them, including Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp, and Xerox need it.

Highly valued as they are, Cisco certifications occasionally cause some prevention. ‘What if I spend in my certification, and my next employer does not use Cisco technology?’ some candidates ponder. 

While this is a valid opinion for any vendor-based approach, Cisco has made a name for themselves — not only regarding their technology but with favors to the quality and level of their certifications, too. Former but not least, with well over 50% of marketplace penetration of Cisco technologies, the chances are that your next employer will consume it.

At The End

Whichever certification you go for, you require starting with assessing your career aims, as well as the present level of knowledge and understanding. Even those who have years of expertise under their belt should think of to clear their schedule for lots of studying time since the exams are tough. Hard as it all may be, your exertion will pay off, whether you choose the foundational Network+, or CCNA certification as a more advanced option.