What are the best IT certifications for people who are just starting out?

The certification landscape was easier but also stricter when I started my IT career. You chose a vendor track, like Microsoft, Cisco, or CompTIA, and used it as a guide. There are hundreds of certifications available today for beginners, covering cloud, security, networking, and new technologies. I’ve mentored many junior engineers and looked over many resumes. I’ve found that these certifications always help new people get jobs and set them up for long-term success.

Getting the right certification isn’t just about passing a test; it’s also about showing that you can solve real problems. I’ve seen too many people with big lists of certifications who couldn’t fix a simple network problem. This guide is all about certifications that teach useful skills, are respected by employers, and make it easy to move up in your career. I want to tell you what I’ve learned over the past 20+ years of building teams, doing interviews, and seeing careers take off or fail based on certification choices.

CompTIA certifications are still the best for beginners in IT because they aren’t tied to any one company, are well-known, and teach concepts that can be used anywhere. You could say that they are learning the rules of technology before focusing on certain dialects. Everyone who hires knows these certifications, and more importantly, they trust what they mean. I know that a candidate with CompTIA certifications has a structured understanding of IT basics instead of random, self-taught knowledge when I see them on their resume.

I think 90% of beginners should start with CompTIA A+, no matter what their goals are. It teaches the basic skills that every IT professional needs, like hardware, operating systems, basic networking, and troubleshooting. I still use A+ knowledge every day to figure out why something isn’t working right or to explain technical ideas to people who aren’t technical. The certification teaches a methodical way to fix problems that can be used on any technology issue, like a printer that won’t connect or a cloud service that keeps failing for no reason.

A+ is especially useful for beginners because it covers a lot of ground. You learn how computers really work, from the signals that go through the motherboard to the way operating systems handle resources. This information is the basis for everything else. You will know what is being virtualized when you study virtualization later. You’ll know what you’re protecting when you learn about security. A+ certified professionals are very useful right away because every company needs someone who can figure out why a computer won’t start or why a printer won’t connect.

You need to pass two tests to get the certification. Core 1 is all about hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and cloud computing. Core 2 is all about operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This two-exam format is similar to what IT generalists do every day, when they have to deal with both hardware and software problems. If you’re a complete beginner, you should plan on studying for 2 to 3 months. If you already know some tech, you can learn it faster. The investment opens up jobs as help desk workers, desktop support workers, and field technicians, which usually pay between $40,000 and $55,000 to start.

Network+ changed the way I thought about IT infrastructure. I knew a lot about computers before I got it. After that, I knew how systems worked. This certification teaches you how data moves, why latency matters, and how to make networks that don’t break when someone microwaves their lunch. The information is useful whether you’re setting up cloud environments, fixing application performance issues, or telling management why the company needs backup internet connections. Networking basics are the building blocks for every specialization, including cloud, security, and DevOps.

When people ask me what the first step in IT is, I always say Network+. You learn how whole networks work instead of just fixing one computer at a time. You learn about VLANs, subnetting, routing protocols, and how to keep your network safe. You are now much more valuable because you can fix problems that affect more than one system. You can tell if an application is running slowly because of a network problem, a server problem, or something else. To really get these ideas, set up a home lab with old computers or virtualization software. The day I set up VLANs on real switches instead of just memorizing port numbers was the day I got networking. Theoretical knowledge devoid of practical application is merely trivial.

Security+ has gone from being a specialized certification to something that everyone needs. It wasn’t required ten years ago. It’s a must-have today. No matter what IT job you have, you have to think about security, whether you’re setting up firewalls or just picking strong passwords. When you take Security+, you learn to think like both an attacker and a defender at the same time. This is a skill that is very useful in any organization. The certification covers a wide range of topics, including basic cryptography, incident response, physical security, and cloud security.

Security+ is especially useful for government contractors. It meets the requirements of DoD 8570, which opens up high-paying jobs with the federal government. But even in the private sector, hiring managers see it as proof that you won’t accidentally give away customer information or fall for phishing scams. There are performance-based questions on the test that check your ability to solve problems in the real world and do hands-on security tasks. This makes sure that you can really use what you’ve learned, not just repeat definitions. If you need focused preparation, TrainingCamp offers an intensive Security+ boot camp designed to help you pass on your first attempt.

In 2025, if you’re not using cloud technologies, you’re working for a company that won’t be around in 2030. That may seem dramatic, but I’ve seen too many businesses fail because they wouldn’t update their systems. Cloud certifications show that you know how to use modern infrastructure and can help businesses save money and make their systems more scalable. More importantly, they show that you are dedicated to keeping up with a field that is changing quickly.

Amazon Web Services has more than 30% of the cloud market, and their Cloud Practitioner certification is great for people who are just starting out. You don’t need to know a lot about technology to learn about cloud economics, basic services, and the shared responsibility model. You learn how to talk about cloud architecture, how cloud pricing works, and which services solve which problems. I’ve seen help desk workers use this cert to move into cloud support jobs and get pay raises of 30–40% within six months of getting the cert.

AWS Cloud Practitioner is especially useful because it can be used in so many different situations. The ideas still apply even if your company uses a different cloud provider. You know what IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS are and how they are different. You know the difference between object storage and block storage. You can take part in architecture talks and know how technical choices will affect costs. This certification usually takes 1 to 2 months of study and costs between $200 and $400, which includes the study materials.

If you want to work in corporate IT, knowing Azure is just as important as knowing Microsoft, since Microsoft is the most popular company in the world. The AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals certification is easier to get than the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, but it is just as respected. It talks about Azure services, prices, support, and basic ideas about the cloud. I’ve told a number of Windows administrators who want to update their skills to try it, and every single one of them found new jobs within six months. The test is easy, and you usually only need 3 to 4 weeks to study for it. Microsoft also often gives away free test vouchers at their virtual training events.

The great thing about getting cloud fundamentals certifications is that they can lead to many different jobs. You might find that you enjoy designing cloud solutions and want to get Solutions Architect certifications. You might also be interested in cloud security and want to specialize in it. These entry-level certifications give you enough experience to help you make smart choices about your career path and make you more attractive to employers right away.

Vendor-neutral certifications give you a lot of general knowledge, but sometimes you need to show that you know a lot about a certain platform to get the job you want. If you choose the right ones, these specialized certifications can help you move up in your career faster, but they take more time and often assume that you already know something.

The Cisco CCNA is still the best certification for people who want to work as network engineers. The new CCNA combines what used to be several tracks into one certification that covers the basics of networking, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security, and automation. It’s a lot harder than Network+ because you need to know a lot more, but it means a lot. Every network engineer I know started out with CCNA. You can’t just memorize protocols; you have to actually understand them because of the hands-on configuration requirements. You’ll learn how to set up routers and switches, use VLANs, fix problems with connectivity, and really understand routing protocols.

CCNA is not for beginners; it assumes you already know how to set up a network. I’ve seen confident beginners fail because they went straight to CCNA without knowing the basics. You have to set up real network devices for some of the exam questions, not just answer multiple-choice questions. If you don’t have a lot of hands-on experience, start with Network+. If you want to get your CCNA, you should buy lab equipment or a good network simulator. Beginners usually have to study hard for 6 to 9 months to get the certification, but it can lead to jobs as a network administrator or junior network engineer that pay $60,000 to $80,000.

More careers have changed because of Linux+ certification than any other specialty cert I’ve seen. Linux runs everything on the internet, from web servers to cloud infrastructure to apps that run in containers. This certification shows that you know how to use Linux systems, work from the command line, and understand the operating system that runs most of the modern internet. Beginners are scared of the command line, but learning how to use it makes you a lot more valuable. You are the one who can fix problems that other people can’t even figure out.

I like Linux+ because it lets me work with the latest technology. You can use containers, Kubernetes, automation tools, and DevOps pipelines once you know how to use Linux. You can now work in environments other than Windows. The certification includes things like system architecture, installing Linux, using GNU and Unix commands, file systems, shells, scripting, and basic security. To be successful, you need to have worked with Linux for 6 to 12 months. However, the jobs it opens up—Linux administrator, DevOps engineer, cloud architect, site reliability engineer—often pay a lot more than jobs that focus on Windows.

If you want to work in help desk or service management, you should really think about getting the ITIL Foundation. ITIL isn’t sexy; it’s all about managing services, processes, and procedures. But it’s very useful. This framework shows you how to deliver, manage, and improve IT services. No matter what name they give it, every business uses some kind of ITIL. You will be better at any IT job right away if you know how to handle incidents, change control, and service level agreements.

At first, I thought ITIL was just a bunch of bureaucratic nonsense. Then I joined a team that did it right, and the time it took us to fix problems went down by 40%. The rate of our failed changes dropped dramatically. Customers were very happy. I now suggest it to anyone who wants to work in enterprise IT support or service management. The certification itself is easy to get; you usually only need to study for a few weeks. But the information you learn helps you understand how professional IT companies work. It’s especially useful if you want to learn about the business side of technology or are interested in IT management.

I’ve looked at thousands of successful IT career paths and found patterns that always work. The most important thing is to learn in the right order. Each certification should build on the one before it and open up new doors. Your path will depend on your final goal, but some sequences always lead to success.

If you want to work in general IT support, get your CompTIA A+ in your first year. This lets you work and make money while you learn. In year two, you can add either Network+ or ITIL, depending on whether you like working with technology or processes more. You should start getting cloud certifications or Microsoft-specific credentials by the third year to become more specialized and valuable. This path will take you from entry-level jobs that pay $40,000 to jobs that pay $65,000 to $75,000 in three years.

The path is clearer but harder if you want to be a network engineer. Begin with Network+ to learn the basics, then go right into CCNA. Network+ gives you a lot of general knowledge, while CCNA adds depth that is specific to a certain vendor. These two certifications work well together. Add Security+ or start working toward CCNP in year two. By the third year, you should focus on areas like wireless, security, or automation. Network engineers who follow this path often see their pay double in three years.

You need to use a different method for cloud engineering. Start with A+ to learn about the infrastructure that is being virtualized. Then, right away, get a cloud practitioner certification from AWS or Azure. In the second year, get the Solutions Architect Associate level certification from the platform of your choice. Year three should be all about specialization, like DevOps, security, or advanced architecture. If cloud engineers follow this path and get hands-on experience, they can make $80,000 to $100,000 a year in 2 to 3 years.

The foundation is even more important for careers in cybersecurity. To learn what you’re protecting, start with A+. Then add Network+ to learn how attacks spread. You should only go after Security+ after that. This three-certification foundation usually takes 12 to 18 months, but it gives security professionals all the information they need. If you want to learn more about defensive security, look into CySA+. If you want to learn more about offensive security, look into PenTest+. This path often leads to security professionals making $75,000 to $95,000 in three years.

DevOps is the newest and possibly most profitable path. To learn how to use the command line and understand the operating system that runs most DevOps tools, start with Linux+. Since most DevOps work is done in the cloud, you should get a cloud certification. Then go after specific tools, such as Docker, Kubernetes, or Terraform. DevOps engineers who know Linux, the cloud, and how to automate things can make six figures in three to five years.

I’ve seen skilled people ruin their careers by using bad certification strategies. Getting certifications without getting any experience is the most common mistake. Having five certifications but no experience makes you look desperate, not qualified. Employers want to know that you can use what you know, not just pass tests. Get a job, get a certification, and then get the next one. This cycle of learning and using what you’ve learned makes you an expert.

Another way to kill your career is to skip the basics. I often talk to people who have advanced certifications but can’t explain basic ideas. They learned enough to pass tests, but they don’t have the basic knowledge they need to solve real problems. These gaps in knowledge become walls in your career. You might get a job, but you won’t last long if you can’t do simple things. Even if it takes longer, build your knowledge in a planned way.

Not paying attention to what people want costs you time and money. That strange certification might be interesting to learn about, but will it help you get a job? Before you pay for a certification, look for jobs in your area. What certifications do job postings keep asking for? What skills do employers really want? I’ve seen people spend months getting certifications that no one in their area cares about.

Brain dumps are not only wrong, but they also don’t work. You might get certified by memorizing answers instead of learning concepts, but you’ll fail miserably in interviews and on the job. I once interviewed someone who had passed a lot of advanced certifications but couldn’t answer simple technical questions. They had used brain dumps, it turned out. They didn’t get the job, and word got around in our tech community. Brain dumps break the rules of exams, can get you kicked out of future certifications, and ruin your professional reputation.

Not working on your soft skills can hold back your career. Technical certifications show that you know something, but you get promoted when you can work well with others, solve problems, and talk to people. The best engineers I know aren’t always the ones who are the best at technical things. They’re the ones who can explain complicated ideas in simple terms, work well in groups, and handle projects. Combine technical training with professional growth. Take project management classes, join Toastmasters, or work on your technical writing.

Getting certified is only the first step. The real value comes from how you use that information. While you study, make a portfolio by writing blog posts about what you’ve learned, making a GitHub repository with your lab setups, and keeping track of your progress. When I interview people, I like it better when they have a well-documented home lab than when they have a lot of certifications. It shows that you can take the initiative, use what you know, and talk to people.

One project that really stood out to me was when a candidate made a full network diagram of their home lab, wrote down every configuration choice they made, and made troubleshooting guides for common problems. They only had one certification, but their portfolio showed that they really understood and could do things. They got the job over people who had more certifications but less experience that could be shown.

Making connections while you learn gives you more chances. Sign up for both online and in-person certification study groups. Go to user groups for the technology you want to learn. Join online forums and help people figure things out. The people you meet while studying can help you get a job. I got my first three IT jobs through connections I made in study groups, not by applying for jobs. My classmates knew what I could do and told their companies about me when jobs opened up.

Use what you learn right away to make it stick. Even if it’s not your main job, look for ways to use your new skills in your current role. Help out with IT projects, offer to write down how things work, and make tools that fix real problems. I noticed that our company’s password policy was weak while I was studying for Security+. I came up with a plan using Security+ ideas, showed it to management, and oversaw the work. The project was more important in later interviews than the certification itself.

Make your own goals and tasks. Make a home lab that looks like a business setting. Take things apart and put them back together. Use the technologies you’re learning about. Don’t just read about VLANs; set them up when you learn about them. When learning about security, set up a firewall and stop traffic. This hands-on experience turns what you know in theory into skills that employers want.

Over the years, I’ve come up with and improved study methods that always help me pass my certification exams. The most important thing is to know that everyone learns in their own way, but some things are true for everyone. First, make a promise to study every day instead of for long periods of time. Every day for thirty minutes is better than once a week for five hours. Your brain needs time to sort through and remember what you’ve learned. I studied for the CCNA while working full-time by getting up an hour early every day. That steady routine helped me succeed on the first try.

Use more than one learning tool to help you remember things. Read the official cert guide, watch video courses, and do labs with your hands. Different ways of explaining things can help them make sense. When I was studying for Security+, I had a hard time with cryptography until I found a YouTube channel that explained it in a different way than my book. I finally understood the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Even if a resource is highly recommended, don’t only use it.

Practice tests are helpful, but you need to use them the right way. Don’t just learn the answers; learn why each one is right or wrong. If you get a question wrong, take the time to learn everything you can about the subject before moving on. I keep a journal of mistakes where I write down every practice question I get wrong, why I got it wrong, and what I learned. This focused review makes sure I don’t make the same mistakes on the real test.

Teach others what you know. Join online groups and help people with their questions. Make a blog for your studies. Talk to your non-technical friends about ideas. Teaching makes you really understand the material instead of just knowing it. I volunteered to teach my team basic Linux commands when I was getting ready for Linux+. Getting ready for those lessons helped me remember what I had learned better than reading could have.

Certifications can help you get ahead, but what you do after you get them is what will really help you succeed in the long run. Get a reputation for being reliable and good at solving problems. Be the one who follows through, writes down solutions, and helps others do well. You get hired because of your technical skills, and you get promoted because of your professional skills. I’ve seen great engineers get stuck because they couldn’t work with others, while less technical professionals moved up because they were great at working with others.

Keep learning and being curious even when you don’t have any certifications. Technology changes quickly, and what you knew yesterday is no longer useful today. Read tech blogs, listen to podcasts, and go to webinars. I spend at least an hour a week learning about new technologies, not for any specific certification but to stay up to date. This habit of always learning has helped me spot trends early and put myself in a good position.

Along with technical skills, learn how to run a business. Learn how technology can help you reach your business goals. Instead of just talking about technical details, learn to talk about ROI, efficiency gains, and risk reduction. The best IT workers I know can explain complicated technical choices in terms of business. They get budgets approved, run important projects, and move up the ranks into leadership roles because they can connect the technical and business sides of things.

Get a mentor and then be one yourself. Look for professionals who have been in your shoes and can help you make career choices. Join professional groups, go to conferences, and take part in online communities. As you get better at your job, help new people. Teaching others helps you remember what you know and expand your professional network. As both a mentor and a mentee, I have had some of the best professional relationships start with mentoring.

I can tell you that certifications opened doors I didn’t know existed after working in IT for fifteen years. They made me learn in a structured way, showed employers that I knew what I was talking about, and gave me the confidence to solve hard problems. But they’re not magic bullets; they’re tools. The best IT professionals see certifications as steps along the way, not as goals.

Start with one certification that will help you reach your short-term goals. CompTIA A+ is the most common certification for beginners. It gives everything else a solid base to build on. After that, let your interests and chances lead you. Don’t try to get every certification. Instead, get experience and let certifications prove what you’ve learned. Having both certified knowledge and real-world experience gives your career unstoppable momentum.

Keep in mind that your career in IT is a long race, not a short one. The world of technology will change a lot during your career. The technologies you learn today may be out of date in five years, but the problem-solving skills, ability to learn, and professional network you build will help you throughout your career. Don’t just get certified; work on becoming really good at what you do. Get better at both your technical skills and your professional skills.

Pick certifications that help you reach your long-term goals while also giving you value right away. Find out what employers really want by looking into the job market in your area and then making sure your certification strategy matches. And don’t forget that every expert was once a beginner with a study guide and a lot of willpower. It doesn’t matter where you start; what matters is how committed you are to always getting better and using what you learn.

In the IT field, people who combine certified knowledge with real-world experience, professional skills with technical knowledge, and ongoing learning with practical application are the most successful. Today is the day you start your certification journey, but keep in mind that this is just the beginning. The real adventure is using what you know to solve problems, come up with new ideas, and help both your career and the organizations you work for move forward.