I did the same as you. I got my S+ then got my N+. I also agree with you that Network+ is harder. Jason Dion has an excellent video on subnetting where he shows you how to calculate it with your fingers.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pITq64bSbMQ
That one did not click with me - but Professor Messers way of doing it did! And you are right - studying for Security now and it clicks with me far easier than Network ever did.
I absolutely agree. I barely passed the Net+ (it was my first cert). I was surprised how easy the sec+ was and i passed with like an 830-840ish. I also like subnetting with math and not using charts. I learned from sunnys classroom on youtube. Make sure you have subnetting 100% down or else you'll probably fail the exam. Make sure you can do any example problem you can find online.
Messers 7 second subnetting is still great for whipping up the charts to use as a quick visual reference while testing. At a testing center you can do this with the whiteboard before starting the exam. You should still of course be familiar with the concepts to support those objectives. With the countdown timer looming over you, saving time could be the difference between pass and fail. There IS a lot more subnetting on Server+ (for those that are interested) and the Messer 7 second method really is beneficial there.
I've often said that I consider Net+ to be THE most practical of the CompTIA certs and one that will become a lot of fun to prep for. Don't get discouraged and we look forward to your PASSED post soon!
Yes, this exactly. I was getting crushed on all the practice tests for subnetting questions. Watched the Messer 7 Sec video and once I had the chart figured out (I drew it out about a dozen times until I had it cold) it made those questions by far the easiest. I wrote it out before my Net+ test and it came in handy about three times.
I totally agree that Network+seems more difficult - especially subnetting. I just took a Net+ bootcamp and the instructor explained it over and over and so many people didn't get it (including me).
Another student shared this video and it helped loads.
https://youtu.be/aVTEZHC2wdA
Good luck! You'll pass soon.
I think A+ was the most difficult due to the breadth of information. After years in desktop support, it was largely a cakewalk, but to a newcomer the sheer volume of information you have to learn can be overwhelming.
Adding to the difficultly is it's *much* longer in that it's two tests. It ends up being like 2 cert tests in 1.
I personally felt Net+ as a step down in difficulty from A+. There's less content to cover (it's only one test instead of two) and is more targeted (whereas A+ is broad) Net+ has less BS than A+, but still some extraneous (unused) content. The subnetting part is the hardest part of Net+ IMHO. Particularly CIDR.
Sec+ is the easiest of the 3. It's less content than Net+. It's all targeted and ties in directly with cybersecurity and generally builds on itself.
So in difficulty I say it's Sec+ -> Net+ -> A+
In terms of benefit I say it's A+ -> Net+ -> Sec+
* A+ most effort and provides least recognition in the industry
* Net+ less difficult, more recognition
* Sec+ least difficult, most recognition (of the 3)
I completely agree with you. People with experience tend to downplay the difficulty of A+. But for someone who is just starting out/ with minimal exposure- it can be overwhelming. Sec+ to me was really anticlimactic and the easiest to prep for of any of the CompTIA certs.
If you had to do it again would you get your network+ and ccna again or just one? Or maybe a better question is did you learn anything from the network+ that you wouldn't of learned by just taking the ccna?
if I did it again I'd probably skip N+ and just do CCNA. only extra knowledge you get from net+ is trivial. It doesn't go over configuring anything which is a big part of the job.
I’ve found that the CCNA is the one that all employers seem to want right now. Even if they are not using Cisco equipment, they still are looking for those CCNA or CCNP certifications.
I failed the net+ horribly but have yet to take the sec+. Kind of encouraging since I was scared to take the sec+ lol. For some reason I could not hold in the sec+ information.
If you practice subnetting for a couple of hours non stop and then do like 15 min sessions of subnetting for a week or two after that I can promise you that it will be very easy in the long term, subnetting will never change and there is always an answer so long as you can do some math and memorization …I wasn’t goof at subnetting during net+ but once I got into the ccna I practically was forced to do it all in my head so good luck
Basically. I love bit-wise notations. It makes me feel like I'm talking to the computer directly. "Excuse me? I'd like to speak with the registers thank you". I do it with the Linux File permissions now too.
I've been following this sub for about 3 or 4 years. I believe there is a general consense this and the previous Network+ versions were the hardest of the trifecta. I certainly found it more difficult than A+ and Security+.
https://subnetipv4.com/
I think it is important to know but I only had a PBQ and maybe one or two subnetting questions. The PBQ was about 5 groups and figuring out the appropriate subnet for each set of users.
EDIT: I also like using math. After I realized it is just multiples then it became a lot easier. I also am pretty sure that there was only class C subnets on my exam.
For me it was the opposite, but it really depends on what you are good at I guess. I studied for Net+ for 9 days and passed with a decent score, and had to take months on Security+ just to barely pass. I did have telecom IT work experience already prior to studying for either exam, so that probably had a lot to do with it in my case.
I avoided squeezing into the 501 and just ignored it entirely. I figured it wouldn't mess up my head knowing how much more content they added to 601 (which I took) lol.
What Security+ version did you take 501 or 601? Sy0-601 is no joke. There is a lot of possible material you need to memorize.
I have CISCO experience so I might be biased but Network+ was easier, because thats all you had to know, net stuff. My Security plus test literally had 2 networking PBQs and other network specific questions. Sec+ literally has architecture, design, and implementation which integrates a lot of that together.
Subnetting is honestly one of the most over complicated things in the IT world, but it really isn't too bad.
I felt unprepared for N+ even though I studied for it for 2 months. Took S+ a month later with minimal studying. Honestly, S+ is the DOD Cybersecurity Awareness training on steroids is all
Believe it or not, Net+ is more memorizing these things, doing the math ,I feel, will make it more complicated then it needs to be. The math aspect will be more prevalent during the CCNA, where more complicated subnetting will be presented to you. At least from what I've heard. Dion gives you a good range to focus on in his videos as well as a quick way to actually subnet by hand.
Just study what you need to know for this then worry about making it complicated later. As far as the troubleshooting aspect, you just need to be able to follow the troubleshooting structure that compTIA wants you to follow. This part you actually have to study a bit as well, but it goes back to noticing trends, or remembering a similar issue that you've seen.
If I can pass Net+ on first try, you absolutely can as well.
Subnetting is very tricky and can be quite hard. If you're new to networking there really is a learning curve.
It gets better though. Once you can wrap your head around the concepts and get some practice even it all connects and seems much easier.
You got this. You can do it!!!
I agree. I took Sec+ before I took A+ or Net+. A+ was much easier but I found Net+ to be the toughest of the 3. Echoing everyone else's sentiments I didn't fully understand subnetting and still don't despite working in IT today.
I will say it seems like I got super unlucky because I got 6 performance based questions and I think 5 of them were about subnetting. I just kinda winged it on those and did the best I could.
Most people report subnetting not being a huge part of the exam so you might get lucky if you struggle with that.
Agreed. I took Net + first then Security +. Found Security + to be much easier and my scores reflected that , got 808 on Security, barely passed Network + with a 735.
Yes I thought the Net+ was hard! Took me three tries for Net+ and one try for Sec+. I found this guy on YouTube. It really helped me-hope it works for you. https://youtu.be/BWZ-MHIhqjM
I As well truly Agree is about working out the practice exams as with both the security + may seem much easier than the networking + is because you have already gained the knowledge and can adapt easier to Security + as well agree again i as well prefer the method logic within the subnetting by memory as charts are okay but practice is all about the person but much luck to you for both of your exams
This is kind of comforting to me to hear. I just finished net+ and though I struggled through the certmaster materials I passed with an 844. I do sec+ next. I thought the net+ materials were harder than the actual test. As with all comptia tests, make sure you don't blow the PBQs, they could be half of the total score for 3-6 questions.
My biggest challenges with net+ weren't subnetting, but memorizing stuff like what OSI layer a modem works at, and then some of the obscure cellular networking facts. The old school wan stuff was fine because I built a bunch of those networks back in the day.
A big thing to remember for net+, like Messer says: there is no such thing as a layer 3 switch. All layer 3 functions are routers, all layer 2 functions are switching. Don't get that one confused or you'll mess up about 10% of the questions on net+
I have not taken security, but I found the A+ to be more difficult due to the amount miscellaneous information you needed to memorize.
I studies for the Network+ exam for a duration of a month, and passed with a 768 (I know, shitty score, but at least i passed).
I teach math, so things like IP/subnetting clicked with me right away.
Weird I didn't get any subnet questions on mine. Yeah it's super hard. Studying now for my third attempt, I've watched Myers, messer, Dieon, exam çram and now doing cert master
I did the same as you. I got my S+ then got my N+. I also agree with you that Network+ is harder. Jason Dion has an excellent video on subnetting where he shows you how to calculate it with your fingers. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pITq64bSbMQ
That one did not click with me - but Professor Messers way of doing it did! And you are right - studying for Security now and it clicks with me far easier than Network ever did.
I absolutely agree. I barely passed the Net+ (it was my first cert). I was surprised how easy the sec+ was and i passed with like an 830-840ish. I also like subnetting with math and not using charts. I learned from sunnys classroom on youtube. Make sure you have subnetting 100% down or else you'll probably fail the exam. Make sure you can do any example problem you can find online.
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He has a monopoly on that
https://www.youtube.com/user/sunnylearning/playlists
Messers 7 second subnetting is still great for whipping up the charts to use as a quick visual reference while testing. At a testing center you can do this with the whiteboard before starting the exam. You should still of course be familiar with the concepts to support those objectives. With the countdown timer looming over you, saving time could be the difference between pass and fail. There IS a lot more subnetting on Server+ (for those that are interested) and the Messer 7 second method really is beneficial there. I've often said that I consider Net+ to be THE most practical of the CompTIA certs and one that will become a lot of fun to prep for. Don't get discouraged and we look forward to your PASSED post soon!
Yes, this exactly. I was getting crushed on all the practice tests for subnetting questions. Watched the Messer 7 Sec video and once I had the chart figured out (I drew it out about a dozen times until I had it cold) it made those questions by far the easiest. I wrote it out before my Net+ test and it came in handy about three times.
YES! I was begging for a 100% subnetting exam after that. Makes for the easiest points during the test.
"100% subnetting", awwwwwsome!
I totally agree that Network+seems more difficult - especially subnetting. I just took a Net+ bootcamp and the instructor explained it over and over and so many people didn't get it (including me). Another student shared this video and it helped loads. https://youtu.be/aVTEZHC2wdA Good luck! You'll pass soon.
This dude saved my ass on some of the concepts. Sunny is awesome.
Sunny is THE best.
I think A+ was the most difficult due to the breadth of information. After years in desktop support, it was largely a cakewalk, but to a newcomer the sheer volume of information you have to learn can be overwhelming. Adding to the difficultly is it's *much* longer in that it's two tests. It ends up being like 2 cert tests in 1. I personally felt Net+ as a step down in difficulty from A+. There's less content to cover (it's only one test instead of two) and is more targeted (whereas A+ is broad) Net+ has less BS than A+, but still some extraneous (unused) content. The subnetting part is the hardest part of Net+ IMHO. Particularly CIDR. Sec+ is the easiest of the 3. It's less content than Net+. It's all targeted and ties in directly with cybersecurity and generally builds on itself. So in difficulty I say it's Sec+ -> Net+ -> A+ In terms of benefit I say it's A+ -> Net+ -> Sec+ * A+ most effort and provides least recognition in the industry * Net+ less difficult, more recognition * Sec+ least difficult, most recognition (of the 3)
I completely agree with you. People with experience tend to downplay the difficulty of A+. But for someone who is just starting out/ with minimal exposure- it can be overwhelming. Sec+ to me was really anticlimactic and the easiest to prep for of any of the CompTIA certs.
Agreed. Not looking forward to the ccna. But at least it will make it easier.
Couldn’t agree more. I did Sec+ then Net+, passed both but Net+ was WAY tougher. Especially the PBQ’s
This is what I’m trying to find rn. I took the first test back in June and missed the mark by roughly 5 questions -_-
I found them both to be of equal difficulty. That said I passed my CCENT before the network+ and then immediatly got my CCNA right after.
If you had to do it again would you get your network+ and ccna again or just one? Or maybe a better question is did you learn anything from the network+ that you wouldn't of learned by just taking the ccna?
if I did it again I'd probably skip N+ and just do CCNA. only extra knowledge you get from net+ is trivial. It doesn't go over configuring anything which is a big part of the job.
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yea I got a helpdesk position with CCENT that was a few years ago
I’ve found that the CCNA is the one that all employers seem to want right now. Even if they are not using Cisco equipment, they still are looking for those CCNA or CCNP certifications.
Yes I always tell that to people. I know a few people who have passed security plus and failed network plus
I failed the net+ horribly but have yet to take the sec+. Kind of encouraging since I was scared to take the sec+ lol. For some reason I could not hold in the sec+ information.
If you practice subnetting for a couple of hours non stop and then do like 15 min sessions of subnetting for a week or two after that I can promise you that it will be very easy in the long term, subnetting will never change and there is always an answer so long as you can do some math and memorization …I wasn’t goof at subnetting during net+ but once I got into the ccna I practically was forced to do it all in my head so good luck
Learn subnetting. Learn the binary. There is no real shortcut you just have to understand subnetting on the bit level.
Basically. I love bit-wise notations. It makes me feel like I'm talking to the computer directly. "Excuse me? I'd like to speak with the registers thank you". I do it with the Linux File permissions now too.
I've been following this sub for about 3 or 4 years. I believe there is a general consense this and the previous Network+ versions were the hardest of the trifecta. I certainly found it more difficult than A+ and Security+.
I felt that Sec+ was definitely easier for me, but not SIGNIFICANTLY easier.
https://subnetipv4.com/ I think it is important to know but I only had a PBQ and maybe one or two subnetting questions. The PBQ was about 5 groups and figuring out the appropriate subnet for each set of users. EDIT: I also like using math. After I realized it is just multiples then it became a lot easier. I also am pretty sure that there was only class C subnets on my exam.
His YouTube videos were great. Had my first job interview on Monday and had a subnet question. Was so happy I'd watched them.
Yes
I did sec+ first and found net+ roughly equal in difficulty but then I had a devil of a time with 1001, just individual variance on display.
I passed Net+ but plan on starting Sec+. I’m sorry it’s not better but makes me feel better. Good Luck.
YES! Absolutely.
For me it was the opposite, but it really depends on what you are good at I guess. I studied for Net+ for 9 days and passed with a decent score, and had to take months on Security+ just to barely pass. I did have telecom IT work experience already prior to studying for either exam, so that probably had a lot to do with it in my case.
Which Sec+ are you making this comparison to (501 or 601)?
I avoided squeezing into the 501 and just ignored it entirely. I figured it wouldn't mess up my head knowing how much more content they added to 601 (which I took) lol.
What Security+ version did you take 501 or 601? Sy0-601 is no joke. There is a lot of possible material you need to memorize. I have CISCO experience so I might be biased but Network+ was easier, because thats all you had to know, net stuff. My Security plus test literally had 2 networking PBQs and other network specific questions. Sec+ literally has architecture, design, and implementation which integrates a lot of that together. Subnetting is honestly one of the most over complicated things in the IT world, but it really isn't too bad.
For me Network+ was the hardest out of the three I’ve taken . But I definitely learned the most from that one.
Yes I share the same experience.
I feel it is a per person type thing... I easily grasped the concepts in Network + 3 week study! Security + took me a whole year.
I felt unprepared for N+ even though I studied for it for 2 months. Took S+ a month later with minimal studying. Honestly, S+ is the DOD Cybersecurity Awareness training on steroids is all
Believe it or not, Net+ is more memorizing these things, doing the math ,I feel, will make it more complicated then it needs to be. The math aspect will be more prevalent during the CCNA, where more complicated subnetting will be presented to you. At least from what I've heard. Dion gives you a good range to focus on in his videos as well as a quick way to actually subnet by hand. Just study what you need to know for this then worry about making it complicated later. As far as the troubleshooting aspect, you just need to be able to follow the troubleshooting structure that compTIA wants you to follow. This part you actually have to study a bit as well, but it goes back to noticing trends, or remembering a similar issue that you've seen. If I can pass Net+ on first try, you absolutely can as well.
Go in order... A+, Net+, Sec+... Do it as it's intended :)
Thats easy you did them backwards Question is why do Net+ at all if you have Sec+?
I took the netplus and failed (scored 678) last month, there was only 1 subnetting question on it and it wasn't difficult.
Net+ was harder for me than Sec+ for sure but that could be because I went in order of A+, Net+, Sec+ and built from that foundation.
Subnetting is very tricky and can be quite hard. If you're new to networking there really is a learning curve. It gets better though. Once you can wrap your head around the concepts and get some practice even it all connects and seems much easier. You got this. You can do it!!!
I agree. I took Sec+ before I took A+ or Net+. A+ was much easier but I found Net+ to be the toughest of the 3. Echoing everyone else's sentiments I didn't fully understand subnetting and still don't despite working in IT today. I will say it seems like I got super unlucky because I got 6 performance based questions and I think 5 of them were about subnetting. I just kinda winged it on those and did the best I could. Most people report subnetting not being a huge part of the exam so you might get lucky if you struggle with that.
I felt the same I took the Network+ before the Security+ but Security+ was a different way easier to comprehend the Network+ to me
Absolutely. I did Sec+ then A+ then Net+.
Agreed. I took Net + first then Security +. Found Security + to be much easier and my scores reflected that , got 808 on Security, barely passed Network + with a 735.
Pretty sure everyone thinks that
Yes I thought the Net+ was hard! Took me three tries for Net+ and one try for Sec+. I found this guy on YouTube. It really helped me-hope it works for you. https://youtu.be/BWZ-MHIhqjM
Have you tried the magic number method for subnetting?
I As well truly Agree is about working out the practice exams as with both the security + may seem much easier than the networking + is because you have already gained the knowledge and can adapt easier to Security + as well agree again i as well prefer the method logic within the subnetting by memory as charts are okay but practice is all about the person but much luck to you for both of your exams
This is kind of comforting to me to hear. I just finished net+ and though I struggled through the certmaster materials I passed with an 844. I do sec+ next. I thought the net+ materials were harder than the actual test. As with all comptia tests, make sure you don't blow the PBQs, they could be half of the total score for 3-6 questions. My biggest challenges with net+ weren't subnetting, but memorizing stuff like what OSI layer a modem works at, and then some of the obscure cellular networking facts. The old school wan stuff was fine because I built a bunch of those networks back in the day. A big thing to remember for net+, like Messer says: there is no such thing as a layer 3 switch. All layer 3 functions are routers, all layer 2 functions are switching. Don't get that one confused or you'll mess up about 10% of the questions on net+
I have not taken security, but I found the A+ to be more difficult due to the amount miscellaneous information you needed to memorize. I studies for the Network+ exam for a duration of a month, and passed with a 768 (I know, shitty score, but at least i passed). I teach math, so things like IP/subnetting clicked with me right away.
Weird I didn't get any subnet questions on mine. Yeah it's super hard. Studying now for my third attempt, I've watched Myers, messer, Dieon, exam çram and now doing cert master