CompTIA Practice Questions

Network+ vs Security+ Practice Questions

CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) vs Security+ (SY0-701) — Trying to settle network+ vs security+ before you spend money on a voucher? Both certs run 90 minutes with up to 90 questions, but one is about how networks work and the other is about defending them. Work through these sample questions to see how comptia network vs security topics differ, and get a feel for which comptia cert first makes sense for you.

Total Questions

90 minutes (both)

Time Limit

720 Network+ / 750 Security+ (100-900 scale)

Passing Score

$369 Network+ / $404 Security+

Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 670+ Network+ vs Security+practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

A technician is replacing Telnet with a protocol that encrypts remote command-line management of routers and switches. Which protocol and default port should the technician choose?

AFTP on TCP 21

BSNMPv1 on UDP 161

CSSH on TCP 22

DTFTP on UDP 69

Ransomware encrypts every file on a company file server, so employees cannot open their documents. Which element of the CIA triad was most directly affected?

AAvailability

BConfidentiality

CIntegrity

DNon-repudiation

A network administrator wants to stop unauthorized laptops from connecting to wall jacks in a conference room by limiting which MAC addresses can use each switch port. Which feature accomplishes this?

ASpanning Tree PortFast

BLink aggregation

CPort mirroring

DPort security

An organization is upgrading its wireless network and wants the strongest encryption and authentication available for new access points. Which standard should it deploy?

AWEP

BWPA3

CWPA with TKIP

DAn open network with a captive portal

A network engineer subnets 192.168.10.0/24 into /26 subnets. How many usable host addresses does each /26 subnet provide?

A62

B64

C30

D126

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About the Network+ vs Security+

Format & Structure

Total Questions: 90
Time Limit: 90 minutes (both)
Format: Network+ N10-009 and Security+ SY0-701: up to 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions each

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score: 720 Network+ / 750 Security+ (100-900 scale)
Registration Fee: $369 Network+ / $404 Security+

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Network+ and Security+?

Network+ N10-009 is about how networks work: addressing, routing, switching, wireless, and troubleshooting. Security+ SY0-701 is about protecting systems and data: threats, controls, cryptography, identity, and governance. They overlap in places like firewalls, VPNs, and secure protocols, but the focus is different.

Which CompTIA cert first, Network+ or Security+?

There's no single right answer, but most people lean toward Network+ first. Security+ assumes you already understand ports, protocols, and how traffic moves. CompTIA suggests about 9 to 12 months of IT experience for Security+, and having Network+ under your belt makes it easier to follow. If you already work in security or have solid networking knowledge, going straight to Security+ is perfectly reasonable.

Which is harder, Network+ or Security+?

It depends on your background. Network+ is heavy on technical detail like subnetting, cabling, and troubleshooting tools. Security+ covers more ground conceptually and leans on scenario questions where you pick the best control. Many candidates find Network+ more math and command driven, and Security+ more reading and judgment driven.

How many questions and how much time do I get on each?

Both Network+ N10-009 and Security+ SY0-701 allow a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes. The mix includes multiple choice and performance-based questions. Performance-based questions usually show up first, so many candidates flag them and come back after the multiple choice items.

What are the passing scores and prices?

Network+ requires 720 on a 100 to 900 scale and the standard voucher is about $369 USD. Security+ requires 750 on the same scale and the voucher runs about $404 USD. Prices can change and differ by country, so confirm on CompTIA's official store before you buy.

Which cert pays more or opens more doors?

Security+ is widely listed in job postings for security analyst roles and meets the DoD 8140 baseline requirements for many government and contractor positions. Network+ is a strong fit for network technician, help desk, and junior administrator roles. Honestly, the better pick is whichever matches the job you want next.

Do I need Network+ before I can sit for Security+?

No. CompTIA doesn't require any prerequisite for either one. Network+ is recommended before Security+ as a study path, and Security+ is recommended for people with some networking background, but both are open to anyone who buys a voucher and schedules a session.

Can I study for both at the same time?

You can, since the topics overlap on ports, protocols, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless security. Most people do better by finishing one first and then building on it, though. Mixing both at once can blur which answer fits which objective list. Practice questions from each domain help you see where the two certs diverge.

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