Do You Really Need CompTIA N+ for an IT Career?

A few years ago, I was in a familiar place—sitting at my desk, watching yet another YouTube video about getting started in IT. It seemed like every path led me to some certification: A+, Security+, CCNA... and somewhere in there, CompTIA Network+ (or N+ as most people call it).

The thing was, I had no idea whether it was really necessary. I wasn’t aiming to be a hardcore network engineer, so did I really need to spend money, time, and brainpower on yet another cert?

Spoiler alert: I eventually took the plunge, and looking back, I’m genuinely glad I did. But not for the reasons I originally thought.

So let’s break this down: Do you really need CompTIA N+ for an IT career? It depends. But here's everything I wish someone had told me earlier.

🧩 What CompTIA Network+ Actually Covers (And Why It Matters)

Let’s start with the basics. The CompTIA Network+ certification isn’t just a glossary of networking terms. It’s a foundational course that teaches you how networks actually function in the real world—how devices communicate, what IP addresses do, how switches and routers behave, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Even if you don’t plan on being a network engineer, these concepts are everywhere in IT:

• Need to configure a printer on a company network? You’ll need to understand subnets.
• Troubleshooting slow internet at a remote office? Better know what a traceroute is.
• Helping set up a cloud VPN? DNS, DHCP, ports—those are your bread and butter.

So even if you're not chasing a Cisco-level networking job, CompTIA Network+ training helps you speak the same language as the network team—and that’s powerful.

💬 What Hiring Managers Think (Based on Real Conversations)

Over the past couple of years, I’ve had coffee chats with hiring managers, recruiters, and tech leads. One thing I’ve learned? Certifications don’t guarantee a job—but they absolutely make a difference.

Most entry-level IT roles don’t require CompTIA Network+ certification, but when your resume lands in a hiring manager’s lap and they see that you’ve taken the initiative to learn networking fundamentals, you stand out.

It shows that you’ve:

• Taken your career seriously
• Built foundational skills
• Committed to continuous learning

One manager literally told me, “I’d rather hire someone who understands networking basics than someone who has to Google everything.”

Enough said.

🔀 When You Might Be Okay Without It

Let’s be real—you don’t always need CompTIA N+ to get your first job in IT.

If you’re starting at a small MSP or working helpdesk, they might care more about your attitude, soft skills, and willingness to learn than any certs. That’s fair.

Some folks start with A+, then go straight to Security+, especially if they’re more security-focused. And in some cases, on-the-job training can fill in the gaps.

But here’s the thing: people who skip Network+ often find themselves scrambling to catch up later. Because networking shows up everywhere—in cybersecurity, cloud, sysadmin work, you name it.

🚀 The Doors It Opens (Especially for Cyber & Cloud Careers)

If you’re planning to move into cybersecurity, then CompTIA Network+ is practically a must. You can't secure what you don't understand, right?

I had a friend who jumped straight into Security+ without taking Net+. He passed the exam but struggled in interviews when asked to explain port scanning or firewall rules. He circled back, took a CompTIA Net+ course, and finally started connecting the dots.

Same goes for cloud roles. AWS, Azure, GCP—they all involve virtual networks, routing, and DNS. If you understand those basics, you’ll feel way more confident navigating cloud environments.

🎯 Should You Take It? Here’s My Honest Take

If you’re just testing the waters and want to land any IT job, you could skip it—for now.

But if you’re serious about growing in IT—especially into cybersecurity, networking, or cloud—you’ll want Network+ sooner or later.

And the good news? It’s not overly technical. With a solid training provider (like Sprintzeal’s CompTIA Network+ course), some motivation, and maybe a few YouTube videos on the side, you can absolutely pass it—even without prior networking experience.

Plus, studying for Network+ gives you practical, troubleshooting skills that help you today, not just after you get the cert.

🧠 Final Thoughts: It’s Not About “Needing” It. It’s About Using It.

So, do you really need CompTIA Network+ to start your IT career?

No, not always. But will it help? Absolutely.

Will it give you the confidence and context to do your job better? For sure.

Will it set you up for long-term growth in tech? Without a doubt.

Think of CompTIA N+ certification as a smart investment—not just in your resume, but in your ability to solve real problems in the field.

And if you're ready to dive in, I highly recommend checking out the CompTIA Network+ training course at Sprintzeal. It’s structured, clear, and beginner-friendly—perfect for anyone getting serious about a career in tech.