What are the Differences Between CompTIA Security+ and Network+ Certifications?
In this day and age, the digital world is marred with a whole universe of information and a fair share of threats. The global computer network is inarguably vulnerable. Why? Because almost all information is accessible to anyone who has an internet connection.
Data theft continues to rock giants like Yahoo and Google. Organizations around the world invest millions of dollars to safeguard their online frameworks. Companies are being informed about the imminent threats and are trying to protect their frameworks by employing CompTIA CySA+ certification and Security+ professionals. In a 2021 Tech Salary Report released by The Dice, these IT professionals’ salaries grew by over 3.5% from 2019 through 2020. This pay increase epitomizes an unscathed industry in a rather uncertain time with colossal budget cuts during the pandemic.
According to Nick Kolakowski, senior editor at Dice Insights, certification gives you an edge when negotiating for lucrative roles and benefits. Without a doubt, the combination of skills, experience and CompTIA Security+ or Network+ certifications can improve your job prospects. These certifications have distinct purposes, so here is a breakdown of their differences:
CompTIA Security+ Certification
CompTIA Security+ certification includes practical skills that prepare you to handle a wide range of issues. It is one of the preliminary ways to establish core knowledge and identify and resolve cybersecurity incidences. The course also acts as a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Security+ training can prepare you to work as a system and network administrator, security administrator, security specialist, consultant, engineer or penetration tester.
The responsibilities of a CompTIA Security+ specialist involve enforcing web security. This includes identifying strategies developed by hackers to understanding the principles of organizational security and security policies. The demand for CompTIA Security+ professionals is always astronomically high because the industry keeps on growing.
CompTIA Network+ Certification
This course acts as a precursor for IT professionals who want to go further into a networking environment or work in a similar capacity as a network administrator. It is a precursor in IT infrastructure, covering configuring, troubleshooting, and managing networks. Network+ certification also ensures you have the skills to design, implement, manage and maintain essential networks.
You will also learn how to use essential networking devices like routers and switches. This will help you create efficient networks, segment traffic and minimize signal attenuation. The course covers critical networking concepts on infrastructure, network operations and troubleshooting tools. It thoroughly prepares you to work as a network administrator, field technician, system engineer, support specialist and network analyst.
Cost and Examination
The Network+ examination is quite difficult and requires experience in the field for you to have a solid grasp of all the concepts. The topics covered are comprehensive and may require you to perform real-life simulations. Setting up your functioning network will undoubtedly require practical experience. Termed as the N10-007, this examination consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 720 and you have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
Security+ accreditation, on the other hand, is even more challenging. As a course characterized by constant advancements, you will need to be well-versed with current advances. If you are already working in a cybersecurity field, you will certainly have an edge in answering the questions, but that does not eliminate the need for studying. Like the Network+ exam, the Security+ examination consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, which you will be expected to answer in 90 minutes.
Keep in mind that once you get your accreditation, it is not the end of the road yet. Staying relevant in the tech world means you have to renew your accreditations every three years.
At the same time, continuing education units, CEUs are essential in the certificate renewal process. Your original certification only requires 30 CEUs, but renewing the Network+ accreditation needs 50 CEUs. CEUs include work experience, tech-industry activities, and published articles.
Conclusion
The more companies deal with colossal volumes of digital data, the greater the risk of corruption and theft. If you want to pool your wealth of experience and skills into the team of professionals mitigating such threats, taking a Network+ or Security+ certification is one of the preliminary steps.
In a pay scale report published by CompTIA, the average annual salary of a Security+ professional is slightly over $93,000. For a Network+ specialist, the average salary is $82,600. The hard truth is that cybercriminals will continue hammering organizations’ networks. That means cybersecurity certification will be super beneficial in securing lucrative job roles.