Combining CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification training remains one of the most efficient ways to break into IT, since it pairs foundational hardware and troubleshooting skills with networking expertise employers across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region actively seek. Whether you're a recent graduate or making a career change, this dual-certification path gives you both the credentials and the hands-on ability to compete for entry-to-mid-level IT roles in a market that continues to value verified skills over degrees alone.
Why Employers Still Value This Combo
Technology employers increasingly prioritize candidates who can demonstrate both technical competency and industry-recognized certifications, and the A+/Network+ pairing checks both boxes simultaneously. A+ validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware, mobile devices, and operating systems, while Network+ builds on that foundation with networking configuration, security, and infrastructure management skills. Together, they signal to hiring managers that you can handle both the desktop-support fundamentals and the networking responsibilities many entry-level IT roles now blend into a single position.
What the Training Covers
TrainACE's combined A+/Network+ training course is built for individuals with basic IT knowledge who want a structured path into the field, covering modern Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems alongside core networking technologies. The course emphasizes hands-on lab work, which typically makes up a significant portion of total training time so students build real troubleshooting muscle memory rather than relying purely on theory.[comptia]
Current A+ exam objectives (V15, effective 2025) span these core domains:[comptia]
- Mobile devices — configuration and management across platforms
- Networking — protocols, wireless setup, and infrastructure basics
- Hardware — installation, configuration, and maintenance of PCs and peripherals
- Virtualization and cloud computing — foundational concepts increasingly relevant to modern IT environments
- Hardware and network troubleshooting — diagnosing and resolving real-world technical issues
- Operating systems, security, and operational procedures — covered under the second A+ exam, alongside software troubleshooting
Network+ builds on this with deeper coverage of network architecture, security protocols, troubleshooting, and infrastructure management, rounding out the technical range employers expect from IT support and network-adjacent roles.
Career Paths This Certification Combo Supports
Earning both certifications opens doors across a wide range of entry-to-mid-level IT roles, since the combined skill set applies to nearly every environment where computers and networks intersect:
- Computer repair technician
- Network administrator
- Security engineer
- Systems administrator
- Desktop/technical support technician
- Computer operator
- Technical trainer
- Information security specialist
- Database analyst
These roles span both hands-on technical work and more specialized paths, giving certification holders flexibility to pivot as they gain experience and discover which IT specialty suits them best.
Investment and Training Format
TrainACE's current combined A+/Network+ training runs 96 academic clock hours of in-class instruction, with three exams required for full certification across both credentials. The combo package is priced at $2,845, which includes courseware and TrainACE's Quality & Price Guarantee, though individual A+ or Network+ tracks are also available separately for students who want to pursue certifications one at a time or on a tighter budget. Beyond tuition, budget for exam voucher costs — each A+ exam runs approximately $246, bringing the total for both A+ exams to about $492, with Network+ vouchers priced separately.[trainace]
Questions Worth Asking Before You Enroll
A few gaps candidates often overlook when evaluating certification training providers:
- Does the training cover current exam objectives (A+ V15, Network+ N10-009), or is the curriculum built around retired exam versions? Outdated material wastes study time and creates gaps on test day.
- How much of the course is genuinely hands-on versus lecture-based? Employers value the ability to actually troubleshoot systems, not just recall terminology.
- Does completing the course include exam voucher costs, or are those billed separately? This affects your real total investment.
- What career support, if any, comes after certification — does the training provider offer job placement guidance or just the technical instruction?
Answering these questions upfront helps you choose a program that translates directly into job readiness, not just a certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior IT experience to start A+/Network+ training?
No formal experience is required, though CompTIA recommends around 9–12 months of hands-on exposure before testing, which can come from labs, internships, or coursework rather than paid employment alone.[ziprecruiter]
Is Network+ worth pursuing if I already have A+?
Yes — Network+ certified professionals average significantly higher salaries than A+-only holders, since networking skills open doors to infrastructure and administration roles that pure desktop support doesn't reach.[stationx]
How long does it typically take to complete both certifications?
TrainACE's combined training runs 96 academic clock hours, though total completion time varies depending on whether you choose an accelerated in-class format or a self-paced online option.[trainace]
Ready to build the technical foundation employers are actively hiring for? Explore TrainACE's combined CompTIA A+/Network+ training and certification program to find a class schedule and format that fits your goals.
Sources: InfoSec Institute A+ Salary Guide; ZipRecruiter Entry-Level IT Support Salary; StationX Network+ Salary 2026; LearnZapp CompTIA A+ Salary Guide 2026; Coursera CompTIA A+ Salary Guide; TrainACE A+/Network+ Combo; TrainACE Network+ Training; TrainACE A+ Training[coursera]
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