CCNA or Security+: which should you take first?
The short answer: start with CCNA if your daily work (or your goal) revolves around networks, and with Security+ if you are aiming straight for a cybersecurity role, for example in a SOC. Both are well-recognised entry-level certifications, but they lay different foundations.
Cisco CCNA (exam 200-301) validates your ability to install, configure and troubleshoot a network: switching, routing, IP addressing, network services, security basics and automation. CompTIA Security+ (exam SY0-701) validates broad cybersecurity knowledge: threats and vulnerabilities, secure architecture, security operations, risk management and compliance. It is vendor-neutral.
In other words, CCNA teaches you how the network you will protect actually works; Security+ teaches you how to protect it. The two are complementary, and many professionals end up holding both.
Networking foundation or security foundation: what does each validate?
CCNA is very concrete: you configure Cisco switches and routers, set up VLANs, OSPF routing and access control lists, and learn to diagnose faults. It is a technical, device-oriented certification, and part of the exam takes the form of simulations.
Security+ is broader and more cross-cutting. It covers attack types, cryptography, identity and access management, cloud and endpoint security, incident response and governance. It does not make you an expert in one tool, but it gives you the vocabulary and reflexes expected of a security professional.
- CCNA: IP networking, switching, routing, network services, security basics, automation.
- Security+: threats, secure architecture, security operations, risk management, compliance.
- CCNA: vendor-oriented (Cisco), very hands-on.
- Security+: vendor-neutral, more conceptual but with performance-based questions.
CCNA vs Security+: what are the exams like?
Both exams are demanding for a beginner, but their formats differ. Here are the official figures to know.
- CCNA 200-301: about 120 minutes; Cisco publishes neither the exact number of questions nor the passing score; multiple choice, drag-and-drop and simulations on Cisco devices; delivered by Pearson VUE, at a test centre or online.
- Security+ SY0-701: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes; multiple choice and performance-based questions; passing score of 750 on a 100–900 scale.
- Validity: 3 years for both, renewable through continuing education (Cisco Continuing Education or CompTIA CE).
How much do CCNA and Security+ cost in Morocco?
At GATech both courses have the same public price: MAD 10,900, official exam voucher included. Each lasts 5 days (40 hours). Price therefore does not separate the two: your career plan should decide.
If you plan to take both, budget them as two separate steps, ideally a few months apart so you can consolidate the first before tackling the second.
Which jobs do CCNA and Security+ open in Morocco?
CCNA is the reference for infrastructure roles: network technician or administrator, support engineer, or integrator at a telecom operator, IT services company or solutions integrator. In a market where many corporate networks run on Cisco equipment, it is a concrete asset on a CV.
Security+ targets first cybersecurity roles instead: tier-1 SOC analyst, security technician, assistant to the CISO, or a system administrator taking on security duties. It is also valued by companies working with international clients, since it is known beyond a single vendor.
On a CV, recruiters read the two differently. CCNA is seen as proof of operational know-how: the candidate can configure and troubleshoot and will quickly be autonomous on the infrastructure. Security+ is read as proof of structured security knowledge: the candidate speaks the language of risks, controls and incidents. In both cases, a certification line carries far more weight when backed by something concrete: a documented lab, an internship, a monitoring or hardening project.
Neither certification guarantees a job on its own: experience, personal projects and lab practice matter just as much. But each sends a clear signal about your direction.
In what order should you take CCNA and Security+ for your profile?
Rather than looking for the "best" certification, start from where you are now and the job you want.
- Network technician or administrator: CCNA first to strengthen your core skills, then Security+ to move towards security.
- Aiming for a SOC or security analyst role: Security+ first, then Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity (exam 200-201), which focuses on monitoring and incident analysis.
- Student or career changer without networking experience: CCNA first if you enjoy pure technology; Security+ first if cybersecurity is your clear goal, while working on TCP/IP basics in parallel.
- System administrator: usually Security+ first, as it directly covers identities, endpoints and hardening.
What 3–6 month study plan, and should you take both?
Here are two indicative plans, to adapt to your starting level and available time (allow a few hours a week on top of the course).
For anyone aiming at cybersecurity in the medium term, yes, it is often an excellent pair. An analyst who really understands routing, VLANs and traffic flows reads an alert or a packet capture far better. Conversely, a network engineer who masters security concepts designs sturdier architectures.
The key is not to do everything at once. Pass the first, put it into practice for a few months, then move on to the second. The overlaps (IP addressing, ports, protocols, firewalls, ACLs) will make the second preparation smoother.
- Network path, month 1: OSI and TCP/IP models, IPv4 addressing and subnetting, first switch configurations in a simulator.
- Network path, month 2: VLANs, trunking, static and OSPF routing, ACLs; repeat each lab until you can build it unaided.
- Network path, month 3: services (DHCP, DNS, NAT), wireless, security and automation basics, practice exams, then sit CCNA.
- Network path, months 4–6: Security+, building on your networking knowledge and focusing on cryptography, identities and risk management.
- SOC path, month 1: networking refresher (ports, protocols, Wireshark captures), then Security+ threats and attack types.
- SOC path, month 2: secure architecture, identity and access, security operations; practise performance-based questions.
- SOC path, month 3: practice exams and sit Security+.
- SOC path, months 4–6: CCNA Cybersecurity (200-201), analysing logs, packet captures and alerts in a personal lab.
How can GATech help you prepare for CCNA or Security+?
GATech offers a CCNA course and a CompTIA Security+ course, 5 days each, at MAD 10,900 with the official exam voucher included, in class or in a live virtual classroom. To continue on a SOC path, the Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity course is offered at the same price. Check our current offers and contact us to choose the order that fits your profile.
Frequently asked questions
CCNA or Security+: which is easier?
It depends on your background. CCNA is often seen as more technical because of the simulations on Cisco devices; Security+ covers a wider range of concepts. A networking profile will find CCNA more natural, a security-minded one Security+.
How much do CCNA and Security+ cost at GATech?
Both courses cost MAD 10,900 each, for 5 days (40 hours), official exam voucher included.
How many questions are on the exams?
Security+ SY0-701 has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 750 out of 900. For CCNA 200-301 (about 120 minutes), Cisco does not publish the exact number of questions.
Which certification to become a SOC analyst?
Start with Security+, then continue with Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity (200-201), which focuses on monitoring and incident analysis. Solid networking basics remain essential.
Do CCNA and Security+ expire?
Yes, both are valid for 3 years. CCNA is renewed by exam or Cisco Continuing Education credits, Security+ through the CompTIA CE program.
GATech teaching team
Cybersecurity trainers and consultants preparing professionals in Morocco for CEH, OSCP+, CISSP, CompTIA and ISO 27001.
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