CompTIA ---> PATH

Below is a chart outlining the CompTIA certifications in order of difficulty/progression, tailored to your background (5+ years as a NOC technician, Linux personal computing, basic Linux networking/server setup, and a passion for WAN/LAN networking) and your goals (re-entering IT, targeting cybersecurity for higher earnings, and launching a home/SMB networking business in Houston). I’ve also woven in other fitting certifications (e.g., Cisco, Linux-focused options) that align with your experience and timeline, balancing your need to leverage existing skills while proving mastery of new material. Difficulty reflects both prerequisite knowledge and exam complexity, adjusted for your expertise.

Certification Progression Chart

Certification

Difficulty (1-10)

Progression Level

Prerequisites

Cost

Time to Prepare

Why It Fits Your Path

Relevance to Experience

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)

2

Entry

None

$134

2-4 weeks (10-20 hrs)

Optional starting point; basics of IT. Skippable with your NOC/Linux background—too basic to prove much.

Minimal—your experience exceeds this.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-008)

4

Beginner-Intermediate

None (1 yr exp recommended)

$369

4-6 weeks (20-30 hrs)

First step: Validates your NOC networking (LAN/WAN, troubleshooting); key for jobs and business (router setups).

High—refreshes your core skills quickly.

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

5

Intermediate

Network+ or equivalent exp

$404

6-8 weeks (40-60 hrs)

Second step: Cybersecurity entry; builds on networking for secure Wi-Fi/VPNs—high earning potential.

Strong—NOC troubleshooting aids security.

CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-005)

6

Intermediate

Network+ or Linux basics

$369

6-8 weeks (30-50 hrs)

Deepens your Linux passion (servers, scripting); supports business (NAS setups) and cybersecurity later.

High—matches your personal Linux use.

Cisco CCNA (200-301)

6

Intermediate

Network+ or 1-2 yrs exp

$300

8-12 weeks (40-60 hrs)

Enhances networking depth (QoS, VLANs); ideal for theater-grade setups and NOC-level jobs.

Very High—NOC likely used Cisco gear.

CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003)

7

Intermediate-Advanced

Security+ + 2-3 yrs exp

$404

8-12 weeks (50-70 hrs)

Cybersecurity analyst role; audits and monitoring—boosts business (SMB security) and pay ($90K-$130K).

Moderate—builds on NOC monitoring.

CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)

7

Intermediate-Advanced

Network+ or server exp

$369

6-10 weeks (40-60 hrs)

Server management (hardware, virtualization); supports advanced home server setups for your business.

Moderate—NOC may have touched servers.

CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002)

8

Advanced

Security+ + 3-4 yrs exp

$404

10-14 weeks (60-80 hrs)

Penetration testing; high-value business service (e.g., SMB audits)—big money ($100K-$150K jobs).

Moderate—new skill, but troubleshooting helps.

Red Hat RHCSA

8

Advanced

Linux+ or strong Linux exp

$400

10-14 weeks (60-80 hrs)

Enterprise Linux admin; deepens server skills for business—high demand ($90K-$130K).

High—elevates your Linux expertise.

CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004)

9

Advanced

Security+ + 5+ yrs exp

$494

12-16 weeks (80-100 hrs)

Advanced cybersecurity architecture; leadership roles or premium business services ($120K-$160K).

Moderate—long-term with your cyber interest.

Cisco CCNP (e.g., ENARSI)

9

Expert

CCNA + 3-5 yrs exp

$400/exam (2 exams)

14-18 weeks (100-120 hrs)

Expert networking; scales your business to enterprise clients—top-tier pay ($120K-$150K+).

High—NOC roots make this achievable later.

Key Notes on Difficulty & Progression

• Difficulty (1-10): Scaled for you—your 5+ years in a NOC (networking, troubleshooting) and Linux familiarity lower the curve. A newbie might see Network+ as 5-6, but your experience makes it 4.

• Progression: Ordered from foundational to expert, factoring in how each builds on the last and proves your mastery incrementally.

• Your Experience: NOC work (fiber, switches) aligns with Network+/CCNA; Linux use fits Linux+/RHCSA; troubleshooting aids Security+/CySA+. You’ll breeze through familiar stuff but need focus on new material (e.g., security threats, pen testing).

Recommended Timeline with Your Goals

Here’s how this fits your path—re-entry, cybersecurity earnings, and a networking-focused business—while showing you know the material:

1. Months 1-2: CompTIA Network+

   • Why First: Re-establishes your networking cred fast—your NOC skills shine (e.g., WAN/LAN, fiber). Employers see recent mastery; you land jobs at Xvand or ByteTime ($50K-$70K).

   • Business Tie: Router setups, streaming optimization—your startup core.

   • Proof: Passing (720/900) shows you’re current despite the 5-year gap.

2. Months 3-5: CompTIA Security+

   • Why Second: Cybersecurity entry—leverages Network+ for secure Wi-Fi/VPNs (your business’s security angle). High demand ($70K-$100K jobs at Graphene or CMIT).

   • Business Tie: Adds “hack-proof” pitches—ups rates to $300-$500/job.

   • Proof: Passing (750/900) proves you’ve mastered a new, lucrative field.

3. Months 6-10: Next Steps (Pick One)

   • Cisco CCNA: Deepens networking for theater-grade setups (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E)—jobs at $80K-$120K, business scales to $1K+ installs. Shows advanced WAN/LAN mastery.

   • CompTIA Linux+: Fuels your server passion (NAS, Plex)—jobs at $80K-$110K, business adds $500 setups. Proves Linux depth.

   • CompTIA CySA+: Cybersecurity analyst skills (audits)—jobs at $90K-$130K, business offers premium SMB services. Shows security expertise.

4. Year 2+: Advanced Options

   • RHCSA: Enterprise Linux for servers—$90K-$130K jobs, business gains credibility.

   • PenTest+: Pen testing for high-value audits—$100K-$150K, business charges $2K-$5K/project.

   • CCNP: Expert networking—$120K-$150K, business targets bigger clients.

Why This Order Works for You

• Network+: Easiest entry—your NOC experience cuts prep to 20-30 hours (vs. 60-80 for beginners). Proves your foundation.

• Security+: Logical next step—your troubleshooting maps to incident response; adds cybersecurity cred fast. Slightly harder but doable with Network+.

• Beyond: CCNA/Linux+/CySA+ build on these—your experience lowers their difficulty (e.g., CCNA’s 6 vs. 8 for novices). Showcases progression and mastery.

Cost & Time Summary

• Network+: $390, 4-6 weeks—quick re-entry.

• Security+: $425, 6-8 weeks—cybersecurity pivot.

• Total for First Two: ~$815, 10-14 weeks—job-ready by mid-2025.

• Next Steps: $300-$404 each, 6-12 weeks—advanced by early 2026.

Houston SMB Job Fit

• Network+: Gets you in at ByteTime (IT support) or Houston Integration Systems (network installs).

• Security+: Ups you to Graphene (security tech) or Xvand (network/security hybrid).

• Later: CCNA/Linux+ preps you for Creative LAVA (theater) or eNet (servers).

This chart and timeline balance your experience with proof of new skills—Network+ re-enters you, Security+ boosts earnings, and later certs fuel your business. Want a detailed Network+ prep schedule or job outreach plan? I’m here!