CCNA vs Network+ is the first decision most aspiring network engineers in Australia have to make, and getting the order right in 2026 can save you months of study time and hundreds of dollars in exam fees. Both certifications open doors into IT support and networking roles across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, but they sit at different levels and suit different starting points. This guide compares CCNA vs Network+ on cost, difficulty, vendor-neutrality, and what Australian employers actually ask for so you know exactly where to start.
CCNA vs Network+: Quick Comparison Table
| CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Vendor-neutral | Cisco-specific | Depends on career path |
| Prerequisites | None | None (recommended: basic networking) | Network+ easier for true beginners |
| Typical Cost (AUD) | $550–$650 exam only | $400–$500 exam only | Network+ slightly higher exam fee |
| Difficulty | Entry-level | Associate-level, harder | Network+ is the gentler start |
| Job Roles | Help desk, IT support, junior network tech | Network engineer, network admin, NOC roles | CCNA opens more networking-specific roles |
What Is CompTIA Network+?
Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification covering foundational networking concepts IP addressing, network topologies, protocols, troubleshooting, and basic security. It doesn’t tie you to any single vendor’s equipment, making it a broad, transferable credential for IT support and help desk roles across almost any Australian workplace.
See the official exam objectives on CompTIA’s Network+ page.
What Is Cisco CCNA?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) goes deeper into networking, covering IP connectivity, network access, automation, security fundamentals, and Cisco-specific configuration using IOS. It’s the benchmark entry-level credential for anyone aiming at a dedicated network engineer or network administrator career, and it’s widely recognised across Australian enterprise and telco employers running Cisco infrastructure.
See the official exam blueprint on Cisco’s CCNA page.
CCNA vs Network+: Which Should You Do First?
For most Australian job seekers with little to no networking background, the recommended order is Network+ first, then CCNA. Network+ builds the foundational vocabulary and concepts that make CCNA far less overwhelming, and it gets you job-ready for entry-level IT support roles faster while you continue studying towards CCNA.
That said, if you already have some networking exposure through a related IT role, a diploma, or hands-on home-lab experience you can reasonably skip straight to CCNA and save the Network+ exam fee entirely, since CCNA covers most of the same foundational ground in more depth.
When to Skip Network+ and Go Straight to CCNA
- You already work in an IT support or help desk role and understand basic networking concepts
- You have a related IT diploma, degree, or bootcamp background
- You’re specifically targeting Cisco-heavy employers (telcos, ISPs, large enterprise networks)
- You’ve done meaningful home-lab practice with routers, switches, or packet tracer tools
When Network+ First Makes More Sense
- You’re completely new to IT and networking
- You want a faster, cheaper entry point into a help desk or junior support role
- You’re not yet sure if networking is the specialisation you want long-term
- You want vendor-neutral knowledge before committing to Cisco-specific study
CCNA vs Network+ Job Demand Across Australia
Both certifications appear regularly in Australian job ads, but demand skews slightly by city and industry:
- Sydney — strong CCNA demand from telcos and large enterprise networks; Network+ common in MSP/help desk roles.
- Melbourne — balanced demand across both; CCNA favoured for network engineer titles.
- Brisbane — growing infrastructure and government networking roles favouring CCNA.
- Perth — mining and resources IT support roles often list Network+ as sufficient.
- Adelaide — defence-adjacent roles increasingly ask for CCNA.
- Canberra — government networking roles frequently require CCNA or equivalent.
Ready to start? CCNA certification training and CompTIA Network+ training are both available as live online courses through Logitrain. You can also check CCNA salary Australia 2026 to see how each certification affects earning potential city by city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CCNA harder than Network+?
Yes. CCNA covers more advanced topics and Cisco-specific configuration, and is generally considered a step up in difficulty from the entry-level Network+ exam.
Can I get a job with just Network+ in Australia?
Yes Network+ is enough for many entry-level IT support, help desk, and junior technician roles, though dedicated network engineer roles usually expect CCNA or higher.
Do I need Network+ before I can sit CCNA?
No Cisco doesn’t require Network+ as a prerequisite for CCNA. It’s a helpful stepping stone for beginners, but not mandatory.