CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ are both highly recognized entry-level IT certifications in the European and American markets. They have clear positioning, outstanding cost-effectiveness, and are both globally recognized competency certificates. However, there are significant differences in the career directions and skill requirements they are suitable for.

The core logic of choosing which one to deepen digital transformation, upgrade network security threats, and promote hybrid cloud architecture in the European and American markets in 2026 depends on your career goals, existing technological foundation, and future track planning. Here are our analysis and recommendations:

1. Find the right career direction to match

(1) CompTIA Network+: A General Beginner's Foundation for Network Technology

CompTIA Network+ focuses on the design, deployment, operation, and troubleshooting of enterprise level basic networks, and is a core certification that breaks away from pure theory and masters practical network skills.

In 2026, its exam syllabus has been iterated to meet the hybrid cloud networking needs of the European and American markets, with core skills covering LAN/WAN architecture construction, IPv4/IPv6 address planning, basic configuration of switches and routers, network service deployment, network performance monitoring and fault diagnosis, and basic network security protection.

The core value of this certification is to solidify the underlying capabilities of the network, not limited to a single manufacturer's equipment or technology. It is recognized as a "universal entry-level certificate for network practitioners" in the European and American markets, suitable for those who want to enter the basic network operation and maintenance, technical support, system integration and other fields.

(2) CompTIA Security+: The Gateway to Cybersecurity

CompTIA Security+ is the most mainstream entry-level network security certification in the European and American markets, positioned higher than Network+. It not only requires mastery of basic network knowledge, but also focuses on core capabilities such as security risk identification, defense solution implementation, and compliance control.

In 2026, its exam syllabus added modules such as zero trust security foundation, cloud security protection, IoT device security, and ransomware defense, which fully meet the current security needs of European and American enterprises. Core skills coverage: threat type identification, access control policy configuration, encryption technology application, implementation of security compliance standards, security incident response and investigation.

The core value of this certification is to directly enter the field of network security, and it is a priority employment condition for European and American companies to recruit junior security operation and maintenance engineers, SOC analysts, security compliance specialists, and penetration testing entry-level positions. It is suitable for people who want to enter the high growth security field.

2. Look at needs, foundations, and prospects

(1) Scenario 1: Prioritizing CompTIA Network+

If you are an IT novice with no network or security foundation, Network+ is a more secure starting point. Its knowledge system is more inclined towards "underlying infrastructure," with a lower learning threshold, which can help you establish a complete network logic framework. Network knowledge is the universal foundation for all IT positions, including security positions.

If you want to work as a network engineer, system integration engineer, enterprise IT technical support, data center basic operation and maintenance, etc., Network+ is the entry-level hard indicator for European and American enterprises. In 2026, there will be a strong demand for hybrid cloud networking among European and American enterprises, with a stable shortage of such positions. Network+ is an excellent prerequisite for obtaining certifications from vendors such as CCNA and CCNP in the future.

IT generalist positions and remote technical support positions in small and medium-sized enterprises in the European and American markets often require practitioners to have both network, system, and basic security capabilities. The knowledge system of Network+ can cover the core needs of such positions, and holding a certificate can broaden the job application prospects.

(2) Scenario 2: Prioritizing CompTIA Security+

In 2026, the shortage of cybersecurity talents in Europe and America continues to widen. According to CompTIA data, the vacancy rate for security positions in Europe and America has exceeded 15%, and the salary premium is significant. The entry-level annual salary for Security+ certification holders is 10%-25% higher than that of Network+ certification holders. In cities such as Silicon Valley and New York in the United States, the annual salary for junior security positions can reach $80000 to $120000, and in cities such as London and Munich in Europe, it can reach €60000 to €90000.

If you have CCNA or equivalent network practical skills, or have 1-2 years of network operation and maintenance experience, you can directly take the Security+ exam to quickly achieve career advancement. The knowledge system of Security+ will be based on the network foundation to carry out security applications, without the need to repeatedly learn underlying network content, resulting in higher exam preparation efficiency.

Network security is a long-term high growth track in the IT industry in Europe and America, and Security+ is a necessary path for advanced high-level security certification; The advanced direction of Network+ is mostly vendor network certification, and the career path is relatively vertical. In addition, IT positions in European and American government agencies and financial enterprises generally require practitioners to hold Security+ certification to meet compliance requirements, which is an irreplaceable advantage of Network+.

3. Additional considerations for the European and American markets in 2026

The exam fees for both will be $392 in the European and American markets in 2026, with similar preparation periods. Full time exam preparation takes 1-2 months, while part-time exam preparation takes 2-3 months.

Manufacturers such as Microsoft and Cisco provide free learning resources that are compatible with both, and license renewals are completed through the accumulation of CEUs. There are abundant channels for accumulating CEUs in the European and American markets, and the long-term holding cost is extremely low.

Both are universal certifications for "no vendor lock-in" in the European and American markets, and no additional local certifications are required for job hunting in all European and American countries. But the "compliance attribute" of Security+ makes it more adaptable in high paying industries such as government, finance, and healthcare, while Network+ is more suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and system integrators.

Conclusion: If you have zero IT foundation and your goal is to steadily enter the IT industry, choose CompTIA Network+, solidify your foundation, and then plan your future direction.If you have a strong foundation in networking or a clear desire to enter the high paying, high growth security track, choose CompTIA Security+ to directly lock in more promising career paths.

Of course, the two are not mutually exclusive—many European and American IT practitioners will first take the Network+ exam to lay a foundation, and then take the Security+ exam to achieve career upgrading, forming a composite ability of "network+ security" and becoming more competitive in job hunting.

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