The CompTIA Network+ career path typically starts after CompTIA A+, which CompTIA recommends as background before Network+. From Network+, candidates commonly branch toward CompTIA Security+ for a security focus, or toward Cloud+, Linux+, Data+, DataSys+, Project+, SecAI+, CySA+, or PenTest+ depending on the specific direction they want to take next.
Network+ rarely stands alone. It sits in the middle of a sequence of vendor-neutral CompTIA certifications, and where you go next depends on which direction of IT work you are aiming at.
Where Network+ fits
CompTIA recommends holding the A+ certification, plus hands-on experience in a junior network administrator or network support technician role, before attempting Network+. That makes A+ the natural starting point if you have not already covered it. See prerequisites for the full detail on what is formally required versus recommended.
Once you have Network+, you have a foundation that several different CompTIA paths build on, rather than a single fixed next step.
Starting point: CompTIA A+
If you have not already covered A+-level fundamentals, CompTIA A+ Core 1 and CompTIA A+ Core 2 are the recommended starting point before Network+. They cover hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting basics that Network+ assumes.
After Network+: a security direction
For candidates heading toward security work, CompTIA Security+ is the common next step. Network+ already covers a Network security domain, so moving to a dedicated security certification builds directly on that. From there, deeper security specializations include CompTIA CySA+ (also available as the CS0-003 version) for analyst-level work, CompTIA PenTest+ for offensive security, and CompTIA SecAI+ for AI-related security topics.
After Network+: an infrastructure or cloud direction
If your interest is more in infrastructure than security, CompTIA Cloud+ extends the networking and operations concepts from Network+ into cloud environments, and CompTIA Linux+ builds the operating-system side that pairs naturally with strong networking fundamentals.
After Network+: a data or project direction
Not every path from Network+ stays purely technical-infrastructure focused. CompTIA Data+ and CompTIA DataSys+ suit candidates moving toward data-focused roles, while CompTIA Project+ suits candidates moving into IT project coordination rather than hands-on technical work. These are less directly connected to Network+ content than Security+ or Cloud+, but they are common next credentials for people building a broader CompTIA portfolio.
Choosing your direction
There is no single correct next exam after Network+; the right choice depends on the kind of role you are aiming for. If you are not sure yet, Security+ is the most natural extension of what Network+ already covers, since it builds on the Network security domain you have already studied. If you already know you want to specialize in cloud infrastructure, data, or project work, the certifications above map more directly to those directions.
Building a portfolio over time
Many candidates treat Network+ as one entry in a broader portfolio of CompTIA certifications rather than a single destination. A common pattern is to pair Network+ with Security+ fairly quickly, since the two overlap on foundational security concepts, and then branch into a specialization such as Cloud+, CySA+, or PenTest+ once a general direction becomes clear. There is no requirement to plan your entire sequence upfront; it is reasonable to complete Network+, work in the field for a while, and let the next certification follow from the work you actually end up doing rather than a plan made before you have any of that context.
Before you move on
Make sure your Network+ preparation is actually solid before committing time to a follow-on certification. Review the exam objectives, work through sample questions, and take a full practice test so you are building your next certification on a genuinely confident foundation rather than a narrow pass.
Exam facts on this page come from CompTIA’s own pages (official exam page). Prices, versions and policies change — confirm there before you book.