Is Security+ enough to get a job in cybersecurity?

Security+ is a recognized entry-level credential that provides a broad, vendor-neutral understanding of security threats and risk management. Its sufficiency for employment is dependent on the specific requirements of the hiring organization and the candidate's broader portfolio of skills.

Does CCNA cover cybersecurity topics?

Yes, the official CCNA exam topics include modules on network security fundamentals, such as access control lists, VPNs, and wireless security, though it is not a dedicated security certification.

Which certification is harder to pass?

Difficulty is subjective and depends on the candidate's background. The CCNA requires the configuration and troubleshooting of network devices, whereas the Security+ is more heavily focused on conceptual security knowledge and terminology.

CompTIA Security+ vs. CCNA: A Strategic Roadmap for Cybersecurity Beginners

Question: Should a cybersecurity beginner pursue CompTIA Security+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) as their first professional certification?

It depends Choice Score: 85/100

Direct answer

There is no universal 'superior' path; the decision depends on whether the candidate prioritizes security-specific terminology and policy (Security+) or technical proficiency in network infrastructure (CCNA).

Summary

The decision to pursue either CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA as a first professional certification requires a clear distinction between conceptual security frameworks and technical infrastructure mastery. CompTIA Security+ is designed to provide a broad, vendor-neutral overview of security threats, risk management, and mitigation strategies, as outlined in its official exam objectives. Conversely, the CCNA focuses on the technical domains of network access, IP connectivity, and security fundamentals within the Cisco ecosystem. This report provides a comparative analysis to assist beginners in aligning their certification choice with their specific career trajectory. Because these certifications serve different pedagogical purposes—one prioritizing policy and threat awareness, the other prioritizing the configuration and operation of network hardware—the selection should be based on whether the candidate aims for a role requiring broad security terminology or deep-dive technical proficiency in network operations. The following analysis utilizes illustrative, user-adjustable assumptions to model the time and cost investments required for each path, ensuring that candidates can tailor the decision-making process to their personal circumstances.

Choice Score breakdown

Security+ Alignment 95/100 — Highly aligned with entry-level security concepts and terminology.
CCNA Technical Depth 90/100 — Provides superior networking knowledge, essential for infrastructure-focused security roles.

Best for / Not best for

Best for

Security+: Aspiring security analysts and those needing a broad, vendor-neutral overview of security compliance, architecture, and threat mitigation.
CCNA: Aspiring network security engineers and those who require deep technical knowledge of network protocols, IP connectivity, and the configuration of network devices.

Not best for

Security+: Those seeking deep, hands-on technical configuration experience with specific vendor network hardware.
CCNA: Those seeking a high-level, vendor-neutral overview of security policy, risk management, and organizational security frameworks.

Scenarios

The Security-First Path (33% likely)
Candidate prioritizes entry into security-specific roles by focusing on security terminology and compliance. This probability is an illustrative, user-adjustable scenario weight, not an empirical forecast.
The Infrastructure-First Path (33% likely)
Candidate builds a robust foundation in networking before specializing in security. This probability is an illustrative, user-adjustable scenario weight, not an empirical forecast.
The Dual-Certification Path (34% likely)
Candidate pursues both, starting with Security+ for breadth, followed by CCNA for technical depth. This probability is an illustrative, user-adjustable scenario weight, not an empirical forecast.

Calculations

Metric	Result	Formula
Estimated Study Time Investment	180 hours	weekly_study_hours × total_weeks
CCNA Complexity Multiplier	270 hours	SecurityPlus_Complexity × 1.5
Total Certification Cost (Illustrative)	550 USD	exam_fee + study_materials

Pros & cons

Pros

Security+: Provides a broad, vendor-neutral understanding of security threats, risk management, and mitigation strategies as defined in the official exam objectives.
CCNA: Develops deep, hands-on networking skills, including IP addressing, routing, and switching, which are foundational to understanding network operations.
Both: Widely recognized by industry stakeholders as indicators of professional intent and baseline knowledge in their respective domains.

Cons

Security+: Lacks the deep technical configuration depth required for network-level security engineering.
CCNA: Highly vendor-specific, focusing heavily on the Cisco hardware and software ecosystem.
Both: Require significant time and financial investment for study materials and exam fees, which are subject to individual variation.

Assumptions

Average Study Pace: 15 hours/week — Illustrative baseline for a working professional.
Exam Fee: 400 USD — Illustrative average cost for exam fees.
Illustrative scenario probability — The Security-First Path: 33% — A user-adjustable modeling weight used to compare scenarios; it is not a measured probability or forecast.
Illustrative scenario probability — The Infrastructure-First Path: 33% — A user-adjustable modeling weight used to compare scenarios; it is not a measured probability or forecast.
Illustrative scenario probability — The Dual-Certification Path: 34% — A user-adjustable modeling weight used to compare scenarios; it is not a measured probability or forecast.

Practical next steps

Step 1: Evaluate current networking knowledge. If you are unfamiliar with fundamental concepts like IP addressing, subnetting, or the OSI model, consider foundational networking study before or alongside security certifications.
Step 2: Review the official exam objectives. The CompTIA Security+ objectives focus on threats, architecture, and operations, while Cisco CCNA objectives focus on network access, IP connectivity, and security fundamentals.
Step 3: Define your career role. If you are targeting a Security Operations Center (SOC) role, Security+ provides relevant terminology. If you are targeting network engineering, CCNA provides the necessary technical rigor.
Step 4: Establish a study schedule. Allocate consistent time for both theoretical study and practical application, particularly for the configuration-heavy requirements of the CCNA.
Step 5: Utilize official resources. Use the CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives and Cisco CCNA Exam Topics documents to track your progress against official requirements.

Methodology

This report synthesizes official exam objectives from CompTIA and Cisco. Decisions are modeled using illustrative study-hour requirements and cost assumptions. The analysis focuses on the distinction between conceptual security knowledge and technical infrastructure configuration.

Sources

FAQ

Is Security+ enough to get a job in cybersecurity?: Security+ is a recognized entry-level credential that provides a broad, vendor-neutral understanding of security threats and risk management. Its sufficiency for employment is dependent on the specific requirements of the hiring organization and the candidate's broader portfolio of skills.
Does CCNA cover cybersecurity topics?: Yes, the official CCNA exam topics include modules on network security fundamentals, such as access control lists, VPNs, and wireless security, though it is not a dedicated security certification.
Which certification is harder to pass?: Difficulty is subjective and depends on the candidate's background. The CCNA requires the configuration and troubleshooting of network devices, whereas the Security+ is more heavily focused on conceptual security knowledge and terminology.

Related decisions

Disclaimers

Certification requirements and exam costs are subject to change by vendors; always check official websites.

These recommendations are for informational purposes and do not guarantee employment or career advancement.

Probability percentages are illustrative modeling weights and are not empirical data.