CCNA vs Network+: Which Certification Do Employers Prefer?

Breaking into the networking field can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with one big question: Should you get CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA first? Both certifications are highly respected, beginner-friendly, and often listed in job descriptions for entry-level IT roles. But when it comes to employer preference, the answer isn’t always straightforward.

Let’s break down how these two certifications compare and which one may give you the edge in the job market.

What Is CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification designed to validate foundational networking knowledge. It covers a wide range of concepts without focusing on a specific brand or technology.

Key topics include:

·       Networking fundamentals

·       OSI and TCP/IP models

·       IP addressing and subnetting

·       Network security basics

·       Troubleshooting and network tools

·       Wired and wireless networking

Because it’s vendor-neutral, Network+ teaches you how networking works in general, not just how to configure one company’s equipment. This makes it an excellent starting point for beginners with little to no IT experience.

What Is CCNA?

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a vendor-specific certification focused on Cisco technologies. However, since Cisco dominates the networking hardware market, CCNA skills are widely applicable in real-world environments.

CCNA covers:

·       Network fundamentals

·       IP connectivity and services

·       Security fundamentals

·       Automation and programmability

·       Routing and switching using Cisco devices

·       Network troubleshooting

CCNA goes deeper into practical configuration, especially using Cisco routers and switches via command-line interface (CLI). This makes it more hands-on and technical than Network+.

How Employers View Network+

Employers often see Network+ as proof of foundational knowledge. It tells hiring managers:

·       You understand core networking concepts

·       You can speak the language of networking

·       You have baseline troubleshooting skills

For help desk roles, IT support positions, and junior technical roles, Network+ is often enough to meet the “networking knowledge required” line in a job description. Follow network vs ccna.

However, for roles that involve actually configuring network equipment, Network+ alone may not be considered sufficient. Employers may view it as theoretical rather than deeply practical.

Where Network+ shines:

·       Entry-level IT support

·       Field technician roles

·       Organizations using mixed vendor environments

·       Candidates switching from non-IT careers

How Employers View CCNA

CCNA is often viewed as a more technical and job-ready certification. Many employers associate CCNA with:

·       Hands-on networking skills

·       Ability to configure routers and switches

·       Understanding of real-world network operations

·       Stronger troubleshooting capabilities

In job postings for Network Technician, Junior Network Engineer, or NOC (Network Operations Center) roles, CCNA is frequently listed as “preferred” or even “required.”

Because Cisco equipment is so widely used in enterprises, having CCNA suggests you can step into a networking environment and start contributing faster than someone with only theoretical knowledge.

Where CCNA stands out:

·       Network support and operations roles

·       Managed service providers (MSPs)

·       Enterprises using Cisco infrastructure

·       Roles with direct responsibility for network devices

When Network+ Might Be the Better First Step

Even though CCNA is often preferred, Network+ can be the smarter starting point if:

·       You are completely new to IT

·       You struggle with technical jargon

·       You want a broad understanding before specializing

·       You’re aiming for general IT support, not networking specifically

Network+ builds confidence and foundational knowledge that can make CCNA less intimidating.

The Smart Strategy: Why Not Both?

Many successful IT professionals choose a progression path:

Network+ → CCNA

This approach gives you:

1.     Strong foundational knowledge

2.     Vendor-neutral understanding

3.     Hands-on Cisco skills

4.     A more impressive resume

Training providers like 591cert, which offer professional online certificate courses including Cisco and other networking certifications, can help learners prepare efficiently for both exams with structured guidance and practice resources.

Final Verdict

If your goal is specifically to work in networking, employers generally prefer CCNA because it proves more practical, hands-on ability with real network equipment.

If you are just entering IT and want to build a solid base, Network+ is a great starting point — but adding CCNA later will significantly boost your job prospects.

In today’s competitive job market, certifications are more than just credentials — they’re signals to employers. And when it comes to networking roles, CCNA sends the stronger signal, while Network+ lays the groundwork that helps you get there.