Best Entry-Level IT Certifications for Beginners
Information technology (IT) drives the modern world. From personal life to professional settings, it’s hard to think of an area untouched by computers or networked devices. That’s why skills like setting up, configuring, troubleshooting, and repairing these devices are some of the most valuable abilities for anyone entering or re-entering the workforce. Skilled IT professionals make all this possible.
But how do you break into the industry? One of the best ways is by earning entry-level IT certifications. These IT certifications for beginners are designed to give you a solid foundation in the basic concepts and skills of IT. With these certifications, you can demonstrate your competence to potential employers and stand out among other job candidates.
If you’re new to IT and wondering where to begin, this guide will explain the value of IT certifications, what they are, and which ones are best for kickstarting your career.
What Are IT Certifications?
IT certifications are credentials awarded to individuals who pass specific exams that validate their knowledge, skills, and competencies in a particular tech field. These certifications are offered by recognized organizations, such as CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft, and they serve as proof of expertise for hiring managers and employers.
Benefits of IT Certifications
- Industry Recognition: Certifications are globally recognized by employers and demonstrate your commitment to professional development, giving you credibility in your field. This recognition can set you apart from others in competitive job markets.
- Skill Validation: They provide concrete, verifiable evidence of your technical skills and knowledge. Employers can trust certified professionals to have the expertise needed to perform specific tasks or use complex tools effectively.
- Career Advancement: Certifications can open doors to better job opportunities, promotions, and higher salaries. They show a willingness to grow and adapt, which is highly valued in today’s fast-evolving industries.
- Entry Into Specialized Roles: Certain certifications are prerequisites for advanced certifications or roles in specialized fields. They serve as a stepping stone into niche areas, helping you build expertise and grow your career in focused domains.
Why Start With Entry-Level Certifications?
For beginners, starting with entry-level certifications sets a sturdy foundation. Here’s why fundamentals certifications are a great place to begin:
- No Experience Needed: Most entry-level certifications don’t require prior experience.
- Broad Coverage: These certifications cover fundamental concepts, allowing you to explore various IT domains before specializing.
- Market Relevance: They offer practical, job-ready skills that are immediately applicable in real-world settings.
- Budget-Friendly: Entry-level certifications tend to be more affordable than advanced ones.
For aspiring IT professionals, starting with these credentials can help open doors to different career paths, such as IT support, networking, and cybersecurity.
Top Entry-Level IT Certifications
Without further delay, let’s dive into exploring the question: “What are the best IT certifications for beginners?”
1. CompTIA Tech+
The CompTIA Tech+ certification, previously known as CompTIA IT Fundamentals / ITF+, is an entry-level course designed for absolute beginners who want to build foundational IT knowledge and skills. It introduces essential IT concepts, making it ideal for those exploring a career in tech or looking to improve their technical understanding.
Why It’s Valuable
The CompTIA Tech+ certification is vendor-neutral, meaning the skills you learn can be applied universally across different systems and platforms. This makes it highly valuable for those looking to pursue a career in IT support or administration, as it provides a strong foundation of knowledge that can be built upon with further training and experience.
Ideal for
- Students or career changers considering a future in IT.
- Non-technical professionals (e.g., in marketing, sales, or operations) who need a solid grasp of IT to enhance job performance.
- Individuals with minimal tech experience who want to understand IT principles and practices.
Requirements
The CompTIA Tech+ certification is open to everyone, with no prior experience required, making it an excellent starting point for anyone interested in IT. This certification provides a solid foundation in key IT concepts and skills.
The exam (FC0-U71) covers a range of topics, including system support, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and more. While no experience is necessary, a basic familiarity with computers and a strong command of English are highly recommended to succeed.
CompTIA Tech+ Resources
ONLC CompTIA Tech+ Certification Training Class
2. CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification is a widely recognized entry-level credential in the field of information technology. It equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to kickstart a career in IT support and technical roles.
Why it’s Valuable
The CompTIA A+ certification is vendor-neutral, which means it covers a wide range of technologies and products from various manufacturers. This makes it a valuable asset for anyone looking to work in diverse IT environments. It also serves as a strong foundation for other advanced certifications in the field.
Requirements
To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, you are required to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). These exams cover topics such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud computing, operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Ideal For
CompTIA A+ is ideal for individuals aiming for roles such as:
- Technical support specialist
- Field service technician
- Help desk technician
- Service desk analyst
- Data support technician
- Desktop support administrator
CompTIA A+ Resources
CompTIA A+ Certification Training with Exam Prep and Voucher
3. CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ is designed to validate your networking knowledge and skills, making it a valuable certification for IT professionals looking to enhance their expertise. It serves as a strong foundation in network fundamentals for those aiming to pursue careers in network administration, support, or even transition into cybersecurity roles in the future.
Why it’s Valuable
The CompTIA Network+ is recognized globally and is a vendor-neutral certification. This makes it an ideal certification for individuals looking to work with different types of networks and systems.
Additionally, the demand for network professionals is on the rise as organizations continue to rely heavily on technology and data. This means that having a CompTIA Network+ certification can make you stand out from other candidates when applying for job roles in the IT industry.
Requirements
The CompTIA Network+ exam (Exam N10-009) doesn’t have mandatory prerequisites, but a CompTIA A+ training certification or equivalent knowledge is strongly recommended. Additionally, 9-12 months of practical networking experience can be highly beneficial.
Ideal For
- IT professionals specializing in network administration and support seeking their first certification
- Network administrators, technicians, and installers looking to validate their skills
- Help desk technicians and IT cable installers aiming to advance their careers
- Anyone interested in building a strong foundation in networking
CompTIA Network+ Resources
CompTIA Network+ Certification and Training Class with Exam Voucher
4. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an essential certification for anyone interested in pursuing a career in information security. It validates the knowledge and skills necessary for security operations to secure networks, devices, and applications. This certification has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is recognized globally.
Why it’s Valuable
As cyberattacks and data breaches continue to rise, organizations are urgently seeking skilled professionals to protect their networks and systems. The CompTIA Security+ certification provides the critical skills needed to meet this growing demand.
This certification is an excellent starting point for entry-level security roles and can also pave the way for more advanced career opportunities. Additionally, it offers significant earning potential, with certified professionals earning an average salary of $121,653.
Requirements
To earn the CompTIA Security+ certification, candidates must pass the SY0-701 exam, which validates their ability to assess an enterprise’s security posture and implement effective security solutions.
The certification also tests skills in monitoring and securing hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT, as well as operating with an understanding of laws, policies, and principles of governance, risk, and compliance. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security.
Ideal For
The CompTIA Security+ certification is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a cybersecurity or IT security career. It is also suitable for those who aspire to become a security administrator and already have some experience in IT and want to further develop their knowledge and skills in the security field.
CompTIA Security+ Resources
ONLC CompTIA Security+ Training
5. Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA)
Cisco has long been an industry leader, and the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a highly respected credential for networking professionals. It offers a solid foundation in essential networking concepts, equipping IT professionals with the skills to manage, maintain, and optimize enterprise networks.
Why it’s Valuable
The CCNA certification is a highly respected credential for networking professionals, offering a strong foundation in Cisco products and tools. It’s an excellent stepping stone for those looking to advance their careers. After earning a CCNA, individuals can pursue advanced certifications like the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or the Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos), both of which provide opportunities for greater specialization and career advancement.
Requirements for Earning a CCNA Certification
Earning a CCNA certification requires passing a single exam that covers a wide array of networking topics. While there are no formal prerequisites, Cisco suggests candidates have at least one year of training and hands-on experience with computer networks to be well-prepared.
Ideal For
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is perfect for individuals looking to start or advance their careers in IT networking, especially in roles centered around Cisco technologies and equipment. It serves as a highly valuable credential for aspiring network specialists, administrators, and engineers, demonstrating a solid foundation of networking knowledge and skills.
CCNA Resources
CCNA v2.1 – Implementing and Administering Cisco® Solutions Course
How to Choose the Right Certification
Not sure which certification to start with? Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Career Goals: Determine which area of IT excites you most. For networking, CCENT or Network+ may be ideal. If cybersecurity interests you, Security+ is a great choice.
- Cost and Accessibility: Consider the cost of the exam and the availability of study materials. Certification pricing varies, so choose one within your budget.
- Employer Expectations: Research job postings in your desired field and identify certifications that are frequently required or preferred.
- Skill Relevance: Ensure the certification aligns with the skills you want to develop and adds value to your resume.
Tips for Preparing for IT Certification Exams
Once you’ve chosen your certification, it’s time to prepare effectively for the exam. Here are some essential tips to ensure success:
- Use Recommended Study Resources
Check the certification provider’s official website for study guides, practice questions, and training courses.
- Join Study Communities
Engage with fellow learners through forums or social media groups. Collaborating with others can help provide additional insights and motivation.
- Take Practice Tests
Practice exams can help you gauge your readiness and familiarize you with the exam format.
- Allocate Study Time
Consistency is key. Dedicate specific hours daily or weekly to your preparation.
- Leverage Online Learning Platforms
Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses tailored to specific certifications.
FAQs
What are foundational certifications, and why are they important for entry-level positions?
Foundational certifications cover basic knowledge and skills in a particular field, making them ideal for entry-level positions. For IT beginners, these certifications establish a strong understanding of core concepts like networking, cybersecurity, or systems administration, providing a solid base to build more advanced certifications later.
What are some other IT Certifications that are beginner-friendly?
- MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate)
- Certified Ethical Hacker certification for ethical hacking
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner for individuals new to the AWS cloud
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
Are there cybersecurity certifications suitable for beginners?
Yes, several cybersecurity certifications are tailored for beginners, such as the CompTIA Security+ and GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF). These certifications introduce key cybersecurity concepts and provide foundational knowledge, making them ideal for those seeking to build a career in cybersecurity.
Do I need a degree in computer science to start a career in IT?
While a degree in computer science can be beneficial, it is not always required. Many entry-level IT positions prioritize skills, certifications, and hands-on experience over formal education. Pursuing foundational certifications and gaining practical exposure can help you start your IT career without a computer science degree.
What certifications are helpful for those interested in becoming a systems administrator?
Qualifications like the CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) are excellent starting points for aspiring systems administrators. These certifications cover key topics like managing servers, troubleshooting, and network environments, providing the skills needed for such roles.
How can IT certifications boost my project management skills?
Many IT certifications, especially those in project management education, focus on developing organizational and coordination capabilities. Certifications like Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) teach beginners how to manage IT projects effectively, balancing technical and management responsibilities.
Taking the First Step Toward an IT Career
Whether you’re looking to break into IT or seeking a structured pathway to build your skills, entry-level professional certifications are a fantastic springboard. They equip you with the knowledge and credentials to hit the ground running in your new career.
Successful IT professionals all started with that first certification. The sooner you take that step, the sooner you’ll open the door to endless opportunities in a thriving industry.
Begin your IT certification journey today and take one step closer to your dream career! Explore ONLC’s IT certification courses to get started.
