With the increasing reliance on technology, a career in information technology might be a good idea. It can offer good pay and job security, flexibility to work from home, and fast career growth. That’s especially true if the supply-and-demand dynamic plays in your favor.
According to one source, the median annual salary for people in the computer and IT occupations was, as of May 2024, $105,990. That’s significantly more than the median yearly salary for all occupations of $49,500. So, an IT job can certainly pay the bills.
But it can be daunting to know where to start when you have no background in the space.
The good news? Entry-level IT certifications provide a way to validate your skills, build a solid foundation, and prove to employers that you’re ready to work in tech. Whether you’re pivoting careers, just out of school, or looking to level up your technical know-how, these five entry-level IT certifications can help launch your journey into IT.
1. CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ certification is really the benchmark for IT beginners. It addresses the whole range of newbie issues like technical support for software and hardware, operating systems, basic networking, mobile devices, and security fundamentals.
The certification is recognized worldwide and is vendor-independent. It’s the ideal certification for help desk technical support engineers, field service engineers, and IT engineers. Employers respect it because people who earn the certification have a broad technical proficiency and troubleshooting capability.
2. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Offered by Google on Coursera, the Google IT Support Certificate is an end-to-end online starter course.
The course covers modules in IT basics and computer networking, system admin and security, troubleshooting and customer support, and automation using Python.
It’s 100% online, adaptive, and suitable for total beginners, since there are no prerequisites for enrolling for the certification. And you’ll receive a Google-validated certificate that is endorsed by top employers on their job platform.
3. Cisco Certified Support Technician
Launched in place of some of Cisco’s more advanced entry-level IT certifications, the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification equips new IT professionals with the basics in networking or cybersecurity.
Some of the key topics include the following:
- Network devices and protocols
- Wire and wireless networks
- Basics of cybersecurity
- Troubleshooting tools
Cisco is a networking giant, and the Cisco Certified Support Technician designation shows that the learner has foundational knowledge of industry standards. It is also a stepping stone to higher Cisco entry-level IT certifications like the Cisco Certified Network Associate.
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Cloud computing is the future of IT, and the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification (AZ-900) is one way to prepare for a career in the cloud. The certification will give you skills in cloud concepts and services, an Azure infrastructure and toolset foundation, governance and compliance skills, and pricing, SLA, and lifecycle basics.
This certification will demonstrate that you have a foundation in cloud and Microsoft Azure service concepts. It’s worth pursuing if you envision yourself doing cloud, sysadmin, or DevOps in the future.
5. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services is the world’s leading cloud platform. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification offers a foundation-level introduction to cloud architecture principles, core AWS services, cloud billing and pricing models, and security and compliance in the cloud.
It’s the sort of certification that can pave the way for specialty AWS certifications in solutions architecture, DevOps, and more.
You won’t need a college degree or prior experience to begin a career in technology. The right entry-level certification will show you’re prepared, wow prospective employers, and get you on the road to a career in technology.
While tech offers opportunities, so do the trades. For instance, you can get a forklift certification in a single day. So, if you don’t fancy being locked away in an office and would rather be out and about, a trade job is worth considering.
Even so, the IT space is white-hot with opportunities. And one of the five entry-level IT certifications noted above is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Photo by Marvin Meyer; Unsplash
