CCNA or CompTIA Network+ - Which Certification Is Right for You?

CCNA and CompTIA Network+ certification are both highly recognized certifications in the industry. However, there are a number of differences between the two. If you are considering getting a certification in networking, this article will help you to understand the differences between the two and also, help you decide which certification is right for you. We will look at the different aspects in which the two certifications differ, but to start with, let's look at a brief overview of both the certifications.
CCNA: The CCNA Routing and Switching certification validates one's ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.
CompTIA Network+: This certification demonstrates knowledge of networking features and functions, including network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security


So how are the two different? Let's have a look.

1. Vendor-neutrality: This is the most important difference between the two. The fact that CCNA is a Cisco certification shows that CCNA is specifically designed for Cisco's networking products, though it does cover other networking topics as well. CompTIA's Network+ certification, on the other hand, is a completely vendor neutral certification and covers the fundamentals of networking.

2. Difficulty level of the certification exam: The CCNA certification exam is by far the tougher of the two examinations and assumes that you have a basic knowledge of networking concepts. So effectively, Network+ is a more fundamental examination whereas CCNA is the advanced certification.

3. Industry popularity: Both the certifications are highly popular in the industry. For e.g. Dell, Sharp, HP and others recommend or require that their network technicians have a CompTIA Network+ certification. As the N+ is vendor-neutral, the certification is recognized in almost all companies. A CCNA certification is in high demand in all the organizations where Cisco's networking products are installed. Given Cisco's 54% market share in the networking market space, it is evident that a CCNA certification will stand one in good stead in a vast majority of companies. Even companies which do not user Cisco products respect the CCNA certification because of the difficulty level of the exam.

4. Type of jobs post-certification: Network+ certification is great at opening doors for entry level networking jobs, like a network technician, network administrator, network installer, help desk technician or IT cable installer. Prior experience in networking is recommended, but not necessary for landing these jobs. CCNA, on the other hand, is for entry level network engineers, network specialists or network administrators who have been working in the networking space for one to three years. Thus, a CCNA will make you eligible for more advanced networking jobs where Cisco products are deployed.

Hence, depending on the level of your experience and the type of networking products your current or target organization is using, you can decide on which certification to go for, based on the parameters mentioned above.

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