CompTIA’s core trio is a path, not a menu—but that doesn’t mean everyone starts at the same trailhead.
The right entry point depends on what you’ve already done and the job you’re aiming at.
Start at A+ if you’re new to IT
A+ assumes nothing and covers hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting end to end. It’s the standard opener for help desk and desktop support roles—and the honest starting line if you’ve never worked a ticket queue.
Start at Network+ with some support experience
If you’ve done a year of help desk—or you’ve built real networking depth through a homelab—skipping A+ is common. Network+ is the foundation the security material stands on, and it’s where infrastructure-track careers begin.
Jump to Security+ when the role demands it
Security+ is the most-requested certification in entry security job postings and a common baseline for U.S. government and defense work.
It’s a realistic first exam if you already have solid networking fundamentals—otherwise take Network+ first and let Security+ build on it.