The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLSOpens a new window ) estimates that by 2030, computer and information technology positions could increase by 13%. Despite the opportunities galore, only the best and the most-skilled ones will grab the highest salaries. So how can a beginner in the field make the cut? Here are five of the best entry-level IT certifications for beginners that could serve as a launchpad for a successful career in technology.
If you think you have what it takes to be a part of the growing and lucrative IT industry, you may have taken a couple of courses to polish your technical skills. Maybe you already are the one everyone calls upon to fix their office or home computers, or the one everyone depends upon to show them how to work with mobile apps. But with little or no real IT experience, or even a college degree in computer science or IT, how can you convince a prospective employer that you have the necessary skills to enter the field? Many find that the best way to break into the area is to obtain the proper IT certification.Â
Why Certifications?
Certifications are the best way to verify one’s level of expertise and abilities to prospective employers. Certification exams consist of performance-based questions that require one to perform tasks related to a specific job role, thus confirming one’s ability to do the job.Â
Taking certification exams can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 per exam and at least six months of intense study to pass. But are they worth the investment? According to the U.S. BLS and Dice 2021 Tech Salary Report, entry-level IT positions average around $50,000 to $55,000 annually. Deciding on a suitable certification may determine your success in obtaining those positions.Â
When choosing the best certification to pursue, a look at the job descriptions of targeted positions is a must. Usually, most IT professionals start their careers in help desk positions before graduating to other specialties like cybersecurity or cloud computing.Â
So when looking for positions, concentrate on job titles such as help desk specialist, help desk analyst, help desk support technician, technical support specialist, or IT technician or assistant. Then, determine which certifications are most often mentioned for those positions. Ultimately, go with the certification that can best meet your career goals.
See More: AWS Certifications: Path, Exams, and Cost in 2022
Top Five Entry-level IT Certifications
Here are the top 5 entry-level certifications mentioned in most entry-level job descriptions:
CompTIA A+
Employers often consider this highly popular certification a prerequisite when screening for candidates to fill support-related positions at a service center or help desk. CompTIA A+ verifies one’s ability to troubleshoot and solve problems with networking, operating systems, mobile devices and security–all skills required for today’s IT support jobs. Examples of entry-level positions that CompTIA A+ can be applied to include: field service technician, help desk support technician, desktop support analyst, or system support specialist.Â
While there are no prerequisites for this certification, it is recommended that one has at least nine months of IT work experience to qualify for the exam. Those who lack any IT work experience whatsoever and are not yet sure whether IT is the right career path for them may want to start with the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification before working toward CompTIA A+. ITF+ evaluates whether an IT candidate fundamentally understands IT basics, including networking, infrastructure, IT concepts and terminology, applications and software, security, database fundamentals, and software development.Â
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
For those lacking extensive networking experience, obtaining the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certificate will provide the necessary skills required for an entry-level networking position. It can verify to a potential employer that one can diagnose, repair, restore and replace Cisco system components and networking devices–everything from Cisco routers and switches to cabling.Â
CompTIA Network+
Another certification geared toward entry-level networking jobs is CompTIA Network+. It is designed for those with as little as nine to 12 months of experience in networking. This vendor-neutral certification focuses on networking concepts and verifies one’s ability to design, manage, and troubleshoot various wired and wireless networks. It is suitable for entry-level positions such as network support engineer, junior system engineer, network field technician or junior network administrator.Â
CompTIA Security+
No matter which career path you eventually choose to follow within IT, knowledge of security fundamentals is a must. Earning the CompTIA Security+ certification verifies that one has the skills to configure systems that are both secure and comply with all necessary laws and regulations. It also confirms one’s familiarity with security concepts such as risk management. This certification is especially applicable to such entry-level positions as network, system or security administrator, or junior IT auditor.Â
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Practitioner
Along with security, cloud computing skills will most certainly give you an edge as you search for an entry-level position. Since AWS is the most predominant cloud computing platform globally, the ability to work with the AWS platform will help qualify a candidate for many jobs in the industry. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is AWS’ beginner-level cloud certification that verifies that one has the fundamental knowledge of AWS for entry-level positions such as a cloud engineering intern or cloud developer.Â
While no prerequisite experience is required, it is recommended that one has at least six months of experience working in an AWS environment before working toward this certification. Those without AWS experience may consider another entry-level cloud certification such as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
See More: Top 10 Scrum Master Certifications in 2022
Looking beyond entry-level certifications
More than college degrees or experience, self-education has always been essential for an IT career. Thus, as you progress in your career, these five entry-level certifications will help qualify you for far more than an entry-level job. Once you have earned one or more of these certifications, you will be able to work towards more advanced certifications that will help you reach your ultimate professional goals, whether they involve networking, cloud computing, security or management.Â
Those who have obtained the CCT or CompTIA A+ certification, for example, can advance their career by earning the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Similarly, earning additional certifications in cloud computing and security (such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications) will help you advance your career and increase your earning potential.Â
Which entry-level certifications would you recommend to someone starting a career in IT? Comment below or let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We would love to hear from you!