Which Certification Is Better: CCNA Security vs Security+? This thorough study of IT Exams compares and contrasts the CCNA Security and Security+ certifications, covering test objectives, career opportunities, and industry recognition. Make an informed decision and select the best cybersecurity certification for your profession.
What Are CCNA Security And Security+?
If you want to work in IT security, acquiring a certification can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills. The CCNA Security vs Security+ certificates are two popular credentials in this industry. While they may appear identical at first look, there are several major distinctions that might influence which one is best for you.
CCNA Security
Cisco’s CCNA Security certification program certifies a candidate’s abilities and knowledge in establishing network security using Cisco technology. Security principles, VPNs, firewalls, intrusion prevention, endpoint security, and secure access are all covered in the CCNA Security certification. The certification is intended to provide candidates with the skills needed to protect network devices, build a security architecture, identify network risks and vulnerabilities, and mitigate security threats. Obtaining the CCNA Security certification validates a person’s competence to deliver security solutions for Cisco network environments.
Cisco is a global technology leader in networking and communications equipment, as well as a supplier of cloud, security, and collaboration solutions. According to Statista, the corporation owns 41% of the company. Statista estimates that the corporation controls 41% of the enterprise network infrastructure market. Huawei, its nearest competitor, controls just 10% of that market.
As a result, a very high proportion of the potential employers you approach will almost certainly have Cisco architecture in place. They’ll want you to have a thorough understanding of a Cisco networking and switching setup. The CCNA validates this expertise, which is why it is sought for.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) also serves as the basis for higher accreditations, such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
Security+
Security+ is a well-known and globally recognized cybersecurity credential.CompTIA created this certification to examine the abilities and knowledge of individuals responsible for dealing with basic security concerns and executing entry-level security activities. This certification covers a wide range of security-related topics, including network security, threat management, and cryptography. The goal of Security+ is to provide individuals with a thorough awareness of the security area as well as best practices for installing security measures and responding to security crises.
Security+, unlike CCNA, is vendor-neutral. Rather than focusing on a certain sort of architecture, it intends to assist you in developing and validating your understanding of security challenges. Rather than focusing on a single sort of architecture, it seeks to assist you in developing and validating your understanding of the types of security concerns you’ll experience across a wide range of network settings.
In terms of specificity, obtaining the Security+ certification allows you to show abilities and knowledge pertaining to the following general concepts:
- Assessing an enterprise’s security posture and the information required to suggest and execute effective security solutions.
- Monitoring and safeguarding hybrid settings such as cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things.
- Operating with an understanding of applicable laws and rules, including governance, risk, and compliance concepts.
- Detecting, evaluating, and reacting to security occurrences and events.
On this website, we provide both CompTIA Sec+ practice test and CCNA practice test. Try some sample questions to know which certification is better for you!
What Is The Similarity Between CCNA Security Vs Security +?
Both CCNA Security and Security+ are entry-level information security certifications. Both certificates are designed to confirm the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed to protect network devices, manage network security, and identify and mitigate security threats.
Cryptography, access control, network security, and security protocols are all included in both certificates. VPNs, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and network segmentation are among the network security technologies and ideas covered. Candidates must show their understanding of typical security risks and assaults, such as malware, social engineering, and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Furthermore, both certificates demand that applicants comprehend and follow security policies, rules, and regulations. This involves knowledge of HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOX compliance requirements.
What Is The Difference Between CCNA Security Vs Security +?
Eligibility Requirements
While both of them are junior certificates, the required experience and qualifications differ.
The CCNA certificatation has no formal eligibility criteria; that is, you do not need to hold any other sort of certification to take the test. Cisco does, however, suggest at least one year of experience delivering and maintaining Cisco products.
Do not get disheartened if you lack this specific experience. Online courses are a very effective means of learning the underlying knowledge required for the test.
There are no official prerequisites for taking the Security+ exam. However, CompTIA recommends that you have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus as a non-essential need.
CompTIA recommends a basic networking certification as a soft requirement. Of course, they suggest their own Network+, but the CCNA is also a viable choice to meet this need. Again, it is not essential but strongly advised.
Exam Details
You must pass the 200-301 CCNA exam to obtain your CCNA certification. This is a 120-minute exam with around 100 multiple-choice questions and simulation tests. It is graded out of 1,000, with a pass value of 825.
You can take the exam in person or through Pearson VUE‘s online proctored exam. If you are taking it online, ensure sure your system is set up to fulfill Cisco’s online testing requirements.
The test covers the six domains listed below:
- Network fundamentals (20%): How various network components work, types of network topology architectures, wireless principles, virtualization fundamentals, and switching concepts.
- Network access (20%): Configuring VLANs across switches, understanding and comparing various Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes.
- IP connectivity (25%): Interpreting and applying routing table components.
- IP services (20%): Demonstrating your knowledge of a range of critical network services that enable you to deploy, manage and control an IP network consisting of Cisco architecture.
- Security fundamentals (15%): Understanding key security concepts and risk mitigation processes.
- Automation and programmability (10%): Understanding the role of automation in streamlining network management, including the use of vendor-specific management tools such as the Cisco DNA Center.
To obtain your CompTIA Security+ certification, you must complete a 90-minute test.SY0-601 is the current exam version. According to CompTIA, the exam will consist of “no more than 90 questions.” It is graded out of 900, with 750 being the passing score.
The Security+ exam, like the CCNA, may be taken in person at a test center or online using the Pearson proctoring platform. For vital information on online and in-person tests, see CompTIA’s testing options page.
The exam material is divided into five topic domains:
- Attacks, threats and vulnerabilities (24%): An understanding of penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and compromise detection.
- Architecture and design (21%): How to deploy network components while implementing measures to support organizational security.
- Implementation (25%): How to implement secure network architecture concepts.
- Operations and incident response (16%): Understanding the concepts involved in identifying and addressing threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks.
- Governance, risk and compliance (14%): Best practice in areas such as risk management and gauging business impacts.
The test will largely consist of multiple-choice questions, with some practical problem-solving tasks called Performance Based Questions (PBQs) by CompTIA.
The multi-choice Security+ questions will frequently provide you with a situation and ask you to choose the appropriate course of action. Similarly, you may be asked questions to assess your comprehension of relevant ideas (for example, different sorts of penetration testing methodologies).
PBQs entail performing simple behaviors in a virtual setting. You could be required to drag and drop security hardware components into their proper placements on a network map, for example.
Exam Difficulty
The CCNA exam needs a solid understanding of core networking subjects such as the roles of various network components, access, connection, and security.
It is also worth noting that this is a vendor-specific certification, which means it’s assessing your knowledge of a certain sort of setting. As a result, in addition to general principles, there is a significant quantity of Cisco-specific material for you to analyze and master.
You will, for example, need to show your competence to use Cisco IOS commands in a simulated environment to configure this vendor’s components. Similarly, basic scripting languages are required for queries relating to the setting of Cisco’s own management automation tools and software modules.
The Security+ exam is intended to assess your fundamental understanding of a wide variety of cybersecurity issues. Although the scope is broad, be assured that this is an entry-level test. You should be well-prepared for success if you are ready to put in the hours of study.
Those hands-on Security+ PBQs we described previously need a great deal of practice. Remember that CompTIA wants you to practice implementing cybersecurity ideas in real life, not merely learning about them. Consider the following example.
Cost and Recertification
Each exam has its own starting cost and ongoing obligations. Let’s see how these stack up.
Each try at the CCNA certification exam costs $300.
The certification lasts three years. Following that, you can recertify through a single activity or many ‘Continuing Education’ phases.
You can only do one activity.
Obtain a higher level Cisco exam
Retake the CCNA exam
You must obtain credits through Cisco’s Continuing Education Portal as part of the multi-step recertification procedure. Through the Cisco Continuing Education portal, you will be given a list of approved activities, such as Cisco live technical sessions, boot camps, seminars, and select industry events. Recertification for the CCNA needs 30 CE points.
The Security+ exam costs $392 for each try.
The certification lasts three years. After that, you must either retake the test or gain educational credits, which CompTIA refers to as Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
CEUs can be earned by completing additional security-related courses, gaining certifications, and attending conferences and other industry events. To recertify using this path, you must acquire 50 CEUs.
You may also renew your Security+ certification by obtaining a more advanced CompTIA certificate, such as Pentest+ or CySA+.
There is no additional recertification charge if you renew Security+ by getting a more advanced certificate. If you renew with non-CompTIA credentials, you must pay a $150 cost.
What Jobs Can You Get With CCNA Security And Security +?
Probably the best way to answer one of the most common questions “Is Comptia Security+ worth it?” or “Is The CCNA Security worth it?” is through the jobs and salary offered by each certification. CCNA Security vs Security+ certificates are two common information security certifications that can lead to a variety of work options. Here is the information we have collected from LinkedIn and StationX.
CCNA Security Jobs
There are now slightly under 11,000 available possibilities.
The vast majority of them are for network engineer, technician, and IT support positions. The majority are for entry-level employment. This is to be expected, as the CCNA requirement is likely to be overtaken by the need for more sophisticated credentials as you move up the chain.
An entry-level IT support associate job posting is pretty common. Handling technical inquiries from other employees via a ticketing system is part of the job. The annual compensation ranges from $32,000 to $37,000.
Some of the employers who have posted jobs look to be highly involved in Cisco architecture. CCNA is, predictably, stated as an essential need for these. A Junior Cisco Network Engineer employment with a pay range of $55,000 to $80,000 is an example of this.
Many other job advertisements, on the other hand, state that they desire a fundamental networking degree and include CCNA as one of many alternatives (typically alongside the vendor-neutral CompTIA A+).
This demonstrates that the CCNA qualification is appreciated by firms that use Cisco architecture. Employers frequently want to know that you grasp the fundamental concepts of network engineering when applying for entry-level positions. Regardless of the specific components you’ll be dealing with, CCNA is an excellent approach to demonstrate this.
Security+ Jobs
There are presently over 8,000 available positions for Security+ Jobs.
As with CCNA, there are other positions such as junior network engineer, technician, and IT support. There is also a large share of junior jobs with more security-focused responsibilities, such as assistant security analysts and information security administrators.
A junior security administration analyst for a bank is a typical illustration of a junior position. The role entails ensuring that the bank’s information security program satisfies regulatory criteria and granting personnel-compliant system access permissions. The annual compensation is $46,000.
Both CCNA and Security+ Jobs
There are now 1,269 positions available where both CCNA and Security+ are necessary or desirable.
These are often broad-based support tasks that include parts of network performance management as well as security monitoring.
A network service technician is a common example. Employers require someone to look after the network, which includes routers, bridges, and network connections. The candidate will also be in charge of threat monitoring and assisting in the development of safe usage and incident response rules. The charge is $71,000 per year.
How To Prepare For The CCNA Security Or Security+ Exam
Study Materials And Resources
Both CCNA Security and Security+ exams require a solid understanding of various security concepts and technologies. To prepare for the exams, candidates can use a variety of study materials and resources, such as:
- Official study guides and textbooks:
- For CCNA Security: “CCNA Security 210-260 Official Cert Guide” by Omar Santos and John Stuppi
- For Security+: “CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-601” by Mike Chapple, David Seidl, and James Michael Stewart
- Online courses and video tutorials
- For CCNA Security: “CCNA Security 210-260” course on Udemy by Lazaro Diaz
- For Security+: “CompTIA Security+ Certification (SY0-601): Complete Course” on LinkedIn Learning by Mike Chapple
- Practice exams and quizzes
- For CCNA Security: “CCNA Security 210-260 Practice Exam” on Boson.com
- For Security+: “CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests: Exam SY0-601” by David L. Prowse
- Hands-on labs and simulations
- For CCNA Security: “CCNA Security Labs: Learn CCNA Security by Practicing” by Kiel Martin
- For Security+: “CompTIA Security+ Virtual Lab” on Store.SimulationExams.com
- Discussion forums and study groups
-
- Cisco Learning Network for CCNA Security: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccna-security
- CompTIA Security+ LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/137795/
Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and there are many other study materials and resources available online and in print. Candidates should choose the ones that work best for their learning style and schedule.
5 Taking-Test Strategies
To perform well on the exam, candidates should also employ test-taking strategies that can help them manage their time and reduce stress. Here are some strategies that candidates can use:
- Read the exam questions carefully and understand what is being asked.
- Manage your time effectively by dividing it between different sections of the exam.
- Eliminate obviously incorrect answers to narrow down the options.
- Take breaks if needed to avoid mental fatigue.
- Double-check your answers before submitting the exam.
It is important to note that candidates should not rely solely on test-taking strategies to pass the exam. A solid understanding of the exam topics and concepts is crucial for success.
What To Consider When Choosing A Certification?
It might be difficult to choose between CCNA Security vs Security+ certificates, especially when both offer potential job options in the cybersecurity area. To alleviate this load, it is critical to assess your professional objectives, degree of expertise, and budget.
- Career Goals: Do you aspire to be a network security specialist or a well-rounded cybersecurity expert? CCNA Security focuses on network security, making it ideal for network professionals who want to specialize in this field. Security+, on the other hand, provides a wide view of security and is excellent for IT workers seeking a thorough grasp of cybersecurity.
- Level of Experience: Are you a seasoned IT expert or a newcomer to the field? Security+ is a fantastic choice for students who are just getting started in cybersecurity because it covers a wide variety of topics and needs no prior knowledge. Due to its emphasis on network security, CCNA Security is best suited for individuals having a good foundation in networking and security.
- Budget: Budget for test fees, study materials, and training courses when determining the cost of attaining certification. CCNA Security tests are less expensive than Security+ exams; however, they need numerous examinations, which raises the entire cost.
CCNA Security vs Security+: Which Certification Should You Choose?
As you can see, comparing Security+ to CCNA is a difficult task.
Other side-by-side comparisons, such as CCNA versus Network+ or SSCP vs Security+, compare credentials that cover generally comparable topic areas. Making the proper decision entails knowing the objectives and level of complexity for each one, as well as comparing them to your real professional goals, as discussed in the previous section.
If you want to work in IT, you need to have a solid understanding of networking as well as cyber security. Both of these credentials are equally significant.
But suppose you are just getting started with IT training for junior or entry-level positions. What should your next step be? Which is better, CCNA or Security+?
Whatever precise industry you are interested in, a solid understanding of networking is a great starting point. It provides context. Even if you’re passionate about topics like penetration testing and cyber attack response, it is always a good idea to first master network design.
Employers are aware of this as well. That is why, even for junior professions with a strong emphasis on cyber security, networking certification is sometimes required, with CCNA being one of the most sought-after.
So, if you want to complete both CCNA and Security+, we recommend starting with CCNA. CompTIA and Cisco both provide you with complete freedom in how you prepare for your examinations. StationX offers classes and study resources to guarantee you are completely prepared for the Security+ and CCNA examinations.
Read more >> CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Which Certification Suits You?
FAQs
Is SEC+ harder than CCNA?
CompTIA Security+ is often thought to be simpler than Cisco CCNA; however, this varies based on the individual and their experience.
Should I study Security+ before attempting the CCNA?
If you start from scratch on both, you should be able to pass Security+ significantly faster than CCNA. The CCNA course covers a lot more information and requires a lot more simulation work. After getting your AS in Computer Networking, you should be able to go right into the CCNA content. It’s material you can do in your leisure time that’s rather safe.
Is CCNA security in demand?
Is Security+ Plus certification worth IT?
Can I take security+ without experience?
Final Words
The decision between CCNA Security vs Security+ is influenced by your professional ambitions and interests in the cybersecurity industry. Both certificates have distinct advantages and areas of specialization, and they are both recognized and regarded in the business. It is critical to investigate the test objectives, prerequisites, and job opportunities connected with each certification to choose which one best fits your ambitions.
Finally, the selection between CCNA Security vs Security+ should be based on your own interests and professional goals. Whichever certification you select, be prepared to devote yourself to the process and to continue studying and growing your abilities throughout your cybersecurity career.
