If you want to enter or advance in IT and cyber security, getting certifications and more certifications is the way to go. Two major certifying bodies are CompTIA and Cisco. The question is: which certifications are more suitable for you in the pursuit of your IT career goals?
Look no further: we’ve got you covered. In this article comparing CompTIA vs Cisco, we’ll break down the roles of CompTIA and Cisco in the IT industry, their certifications, and the intended candidates for Cisco vs CompTIA certification exams.
Knowing which one to take is important to achieve your career goals sooner and prove to prospective employers you have the necessary skills to excel at your dream tech job. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
What Are CompTIA and Cisco?
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a vendor-neutral IT credentialing nonprofit organization providing education and training for aspiring and existing IT professionals.
According to CompTIA, “CompTIA certifications align with IT infrastructure and cybersecurity career paths, with each added certification representing a deepening of your expertise. Core certifications, like CompTIA A+, lay the groundwork for the specialized pathway certifications, and additional professional certifications cover necessary IT skills like project management.”
Well-known CompTIA certifications include:
- A+
- Network+
- Security+
- PenTest+
- CySA+
- CASP+
- Linux+
- Cloud+
- Project+
CompTIA certifications focus on technological concepts and are vendor-neutral, which means they assess your understanding of general knowledge in IT fields such as networking or security, irrespective of any particular product or service. Training for these certifications enhances your ability to apply these concepts broadly to existing technologies.
On the other hand, Cisco is a multinational technology company that manufactures and markets networking hardware, software, and other telecommunications products and services. Therefore, Cisco certifications focus on Cisco networking equipment and are more hands-on—they test you on the capabilities of specific Cisco products at various levels.
The stated purposes of Cisco’s certifications are
- Launching a new career in tech
- Amplifying your current tech skills
- Preparing you for a range of tech roles
Cisco certifications come in four levels: Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert. The best-known among them are:
- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco CyberOps
- Cisco DevNet
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
CompTIA and Cisco offer training programs on all their certifications.
Who Are CompTIA and Cisco Certifications For?
Suppose you’re starting in IT or cyber security or want to prove your understanding of concepts for tech roles that span multiple disciplines, such as desktop support and cyber security. In that case, CompTIA is a good fit because it’s vendor-neutral and covers a broad scope. It gives you a solid foundation, especially for those wanting to work in cyber security someday.
Suppose you have a solid IT foundation and intend to dedicate yourself to the networking industry in networking administration and engineering roles. In that case, a Cisco certification is preferable because the ubiquity of Cisco systems makes Cisco certifications valuable to employers and essential for aspiring and current networking professionals.
Comparable CompTIA and Cisco Certifications
This section concerns the similarities and differences between major Cisco and CompTIA certifications.
CompTIA A+ and Cisco Certified Support Technician
The following table summarizes what each exam is about:
| Certification | CompTIA A+ | Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) |
|---|---|---|
| Domains | CompTIA A+ consists of two exams, Core 1 and Core 2. You must pass both to get A+. Core 1: 1. Mobile Devices 2. Networking 3. Hardware 4. Virtualization and Cloud Computing 5. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Core 2: 1. Operating Systems 2. Security 3. Software Troubleshooting 4. Operational Procedures | CCST consists of two concentrations: CCST Networking and CCST Cybersecurity. Unlike A+, passing either gives you a CCST certification but in the stated concentration, such as cyber security for CCST Cybersecurity. CCST Networking: 1. Standards and Concepts 2. Addressing and Subnet Formats 3. Endpoints and Media Types 4. Infrastructure 5. Diagnosing Problems 6. Security CCST Cybersecurity: 1. Essential Security Principles 2. Basic Network Security Concepts 3. Endpoint Security Concepts 4. Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management 5. Incident Handling |
| Prerequisites | None | None |
| Target audience | • Professionals who intend to start a career in IT • Nine to 12 months of hands-on experience in technical roles in academia or industry or equivalent training | • Individuals interested in starting or shifting to a career in IT • Late high-school, secondary, and immediate post-secondary students, technical schools, and entry-level IT and Networking professionals |
| How to take the exam | In-person: Pearson VUE test centers Online: OnVUE via Pearson | In-person: Certiport Authorized Testing Centers (CATCs) Online: OnVUE via Certiport |
| Latest exam code | Core 1: 201-1101 Core 2: 201-1102 | N/A |
| Exam cost | $246 USD for each of the two exams | $125 USD for each of the Networking and Cybersecurity exams |
| Exam time | 90 minutes for each of the Core 1 and Core 2 exams | 50 minutes for each of the Networking and Cybersecurity exams |
| Available exam languages | English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai, Spanish | Networking: English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese Cybersecurity: English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Portuguese |
| Renewal requirements | 20 Continuing Education Units while the certification is still valid | None. |
| Certification validity | Three years | Lifetime |
CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate
The following table lays out briefly what each exam is about. Don’t forget to check out our in-depth comparison article Network+ vs CCNA.
| Certification | CompTIA Network+ | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) |
|---|---|---|
| Domains | CompTIA Network+ is a single exam covering the following domains: 1. Networking Fundamentals (24%) 2. Network Implementations (19%) 3. Network Operations (16%) 4. Network Security (19%) 5. Network Troubleshooting (22%) | CCNA is a single exam covering the following domains: 1. Network Fundamentals (20%) 2. Network Access (20%) 3. IP Connectivity (25%) 4. IP Services (10%) 5. Security Fundamentals (15%) 6. Automation and Programmability (10%) |
| Prerequisites | None. CompTIA recommends that candidates hold CompTIA A+ or equivalent certifications and at least nine to 12 months of hands-on experience in a junior network administrator or network support technician role. | No formal prerequisitesAccording to Cisco’s in-house CCNA training page, you should have: 1. Basic PC operating system navigation skills 2. Basic Internet usage skills 3. Basic IP address knowledge Cisco also recommends at least one year of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions before taking up the CCNA certification. |
| Target audience | • Professionals who want to develop their networking careers • CompTIA A+ certification • At least nine months of networking experience | • Early-career networking professionals • Those who want to build or support IT infrastructure |
| How to take the exam | In-person: Pearson VUE test centers Online: OnVUE via Pearson | In-person: Pearson VUE test centers Online: OnVUE via Pearson |
| Latest exam code | N10-008 | 200-301 CCNA |
| Exam cost | $358 USD | $300 USD or use Cisco Learning Credits |
| Exam time | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Available exam languages | English, German, Portuguese, Spanish | English, Japanese |
| Renewal requirements | 30 Continuing Education Units while the certification is still valid | Pass another Cisco qualifying exam or earn 30 continuing education credits |
| Certification validity | Three years | Three years |
CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Professional Security
Here’s a table explaining what each exam is about:
| Certification | CompTIA Security+ | Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security |
|---|---|---|
| Domains | CompTIA Security+ is a single exam covering the following domains: 1. General Security Concepts (12%) 2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) 3. Security Architecture (18%) 4. Security Operations (28%) 5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) | CCNP Security combines two exams: a mandatory Core exam and the candidate’s choice of Concentration exam. Core exam domains: SCOR: 1. Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement (15%) 2. Security Concepts (25%) 3. Network Security (20%) 4. Securing the Cloud (15%) 5. Content Security (15%) 6. Endpoint Protection and Detection (10%) Concentration exams: SNCF: Securing Networks with Cisco Firewalls SISE: Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine SESA: Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance SWSA: Securing the Web with Cisco Secure Web Appliance SVPN: Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks SAUTO: Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions SCAZT: Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints |
| Prerequisites | • A minimum of two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security • Hands-on experience with technical information securityBroad knowledge of security concepts | • No formal prerequisites • Candidates often also have three to five years of experience implementing security solutions |
| How to take the exam | In-person: Pearson VUE test centers Online: OnVUE via Pearson | In-person: Pearson VUE test centers Online: OnVUE via Pearson |
| Latest exam code | SY0-701 | Core: 350-701 SCOR Concentration: 300-710 SNCF, 300-715 SISE, 300-720 SESA, 300-725 SWSA, 300-730 SVPN, 300-735 SAUTO, 300-740 SCAZT |
| Exam cost | $392 USD | Core: $400 USD Concentration: $300 USD each |
| Exam time | 90 minutes | Core: 120 minutes Concentration: 90 minutes each |
| Available exam languages | English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese | English |
| Renewal requirements | 50 Continuing Education Units while the certification is still valid. |
|
| Certification validity | Three years | Three years |
CompTIA vs Cisco Certifications: Which One Is Best for Me?
Both organizations have well-respected certifications, so your goals are the most important determining factor when choosing between CompTIA and Cisco certifications.
What do you want to learn, and what IT careers are you aiming for?
CompTIA certifications demonstrate a high-level understanding of concepts broadly applicable to different areas of IT. This bird’s eye view is especially useful to those who want to work in cloud computing, cyber security, and IT consulting or auditing, as CompTIA certifications underscore the interconnectedness of IT disciplines.
Networking is the forte of Cisco certifications. Unlike CompTIA, which emphasizes the conceptual aspects of technology, Cisco is intensely practical and focuses on networking technologies developed by the parent company. Therefore, Cisco certifications are a hot catch for networking careers such as network engineers, architects, and administrators.
Lastly, look at tech job descriptions in the regions where you plan to apply. Most countries recognize Cisco certifications, while CompTIA certifications mostly appear in job requirements in the United States, Europe, and a handful of Asian countries.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in training for CompTIA or Cisco certifications and leveling up in tech, remember to check out our StationX membership, which includes thousands of relevant self-paced online courses and a thriving community of professionals, giving you the most up-to-date information in IT and cyber security certifications and careers.
We’ve highlighted the main similarities and differences of beginner- to intermediate-level Cisco vs CompTIA certifications, and we hope this article comparing the merits of CompTIA vs Cisco certifications has been helpful to you in your IT learning and career journey. We wish you all the best if you plan to gain their certifications.
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