Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+ are the two most widely recognised networking certifications in the UK. Both will get you into a networking career, but they are aimed at different levels and open different doors. Here is how to choose.
| Cisco CCNA | CompTIA Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Associate (intermediate) | Entry-level |
| Study time | 150–200 hours | 60–90 hours |
| Duration (eStudyIT) | 12 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Price | £1,500 | £699 |
| UK entry salary | £28k–£38k | £25k–£35k |
| Senior salary | £55k–£70k | £40k–£55k |
| Vendor | Cisco (vendor-specific) | CompTIA (vendor-neutral) |
| Recognised by | NHS, banks, telecoms, MSPs | Broad industry recognition |
Looking at UK job postings, CCNA consistently commands a 15–25% salary premium over Network+ at equivalent experience levels. Senior network engineers with CCNP earn £65k–£85k — a career path that simply is not available to Network+ holders who do not also obtain CCNA.
Network+ takes about 4 weeks and £699. CCNA takes 12 weeks and £1,500. If you need to get into networking quickly, Network+ is the faster, cheaper entry point. Network+ is also vendor-neutral — skills apply to Cisco, Juniper, HP, Fortinet and any other networking vendor.
A search of UK network engineering jobs in 2026 shows:
For most people, the best sequence is:
Some students go straight to CCNA, especially if they already have IT experience. If you are brand new to networking, Network+ first makes CCNA significantly easier.
eStudyIT is a Cisco Authorised Academy. We teach both Network+ and CCNA with instructors who hold active certifications. See the Network Engineer career guide →
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