Those who want to get started in the information technology field can be confusing. They face many potential job opportunities but often don’t know where or how to begin. So if you are one of these people, this article is for you!
Today, we will make things easier for you by mentioning the best certifications to kickstart your IT career. By owning at least one of them, there’s no telling how far you can go. Let’s get right into the details!
The ten entry-level courses we cover below provide the background knowledge that will enable you to start and advance your information technology career.
1. ACSP (Apple Certified Support Professional)
ACSP is a should-have option for technical coordinators, help desk professionals, and power users who offer Mac users technical support.
ACSP gives you a basic understanding of macOS functionality, the ability to configure essential services, and basic troubleshooting practices for Mac users. It’s proof that you have a deep understanding of macOS’s functionality.
So, suppose you’re interested in entry-level IT support jobs. In that case, you should make an effort to get this certificate as it will demonstrate your ability to manage Apple’s hardware and software. The exam fee is 250 dollars.
2. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS certifications can demonstrate your ability to create and use scalable systems on the AWS cloud platform. It covers the fundamentals of IT services and how they are used in the platform.
It is recommended for those with at least one year of experience designing and implementing AWS systems.
At the end of the certification course, you will effectively demonstrate your knowledge of architecting and deploying secure and robust applications on the AWS platform.
Although it is an entry-level certificate course, you will be exposed to the AWS cloud platform for up to six months. As a result, you will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of core AWS services, and other relevant knowledge, such as:
- Use cases
- Billing
- Pricing models
- Security concepts
- How this cloud platform impacts the business.
The exam fee is $100.
3. CSM (Certified ScrumMaster)
The CSM is an entry-level certification that can validate your abilities and skills using Scrum. It is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to become a Scrum master. It is also helpful for anyone who wants to become a software engineer, project manager, and business analyst.
The benefits of CSM certification are at the individual level and your organization. Its outstanding benefits include improved team management, collaboration, and performance to ensure the project progress efficiently and seamlessly.
In addition, it also ensures that Scrum is being applied consistently and correctly. CSM certification also offers career-boosting benefits and opens up vast career development opportunities.
This exam covers many topics, such as:
- Scrum and agile
- Scrum values
- Scrum theory
- The scrum master role
- Scrum teams
- Scrum artifacts
- Scrum events
The exam fee ranges from 400 to 1,000 dollars, depending on location and course form.
4. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is available in various specializations, such as:
- Security
- Wireless
- Routing and switching
- Industrial
- Internet of Things
- Datacenter
- Cyber operations
- Collaboration
- and Cloud
The CCNA is designed to enable you to keep up with the latest information technology fundamentals to launch your career. It is ideal for those interested in roles, such as help desk technician, entry-level network engineer, network support technician, or network administrator.
The test will last 120 minutes and cover the following topics:
- Network basics
- Network access
- IP connection
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation
- programmability
The exam fee is 300 dollars.
5. CCT (Cisco Certified Technician)
The CCT is another best IT certification for beginners. It can be obtained through various technical courses, allowing Cisco support technicians to advance their education.
Through this course, you will receive the skills to diagnose, replace, repair, and restore critical Cisco systems and network equipment at customer sites.
As a Cisco practitioner, you will work closely with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to resolve support incidents efficiently and quickly.
The exam fee is 125 dollars per exam.
6. CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is a good IT certification for beginners who want to work in positions related to the following fields:
- Field service technicians,
- Support specialists
- Help desk support
- Desktop support analysts
- and more
This certification also assesses your ability to resolve and troubleshoot issues with mobile devices, operating systems, networking, and security.
The exam fee is 232 dollars per exam.
7. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
This certificate course includes two exams:
An exam involving hardware, networking technology, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud computing, and network troubleshooting
The second exam covers installing & configuring operating systems, expanding security, troubleshooting software & operational procedures.
This certificate course includes two exams.
- An exam involving hardware, networking technology, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud computing, and network troubleshooting
- The second exam covers installing & configuring operating systems, expanding security, troubleshooting software & operational procedures.
The exam fee is 126 dollars.
8. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security certification lays the foundation for any cybersecurity profession. In addition, it serves as a stepping stone to intermediate-level cybersecurity positions.
This certification validates the fundamental skills of those pursuing a career in IT security. It is the perfect pick for:
- Network, system, & security administrators
- Security consultants
- Security specialists
- Junior IT auditors
- Security engineers
The test lasts 90 minutes and covers the following topics:
- Risk management
- Cryptography & PKI
- Technology & tools
- Architecture & design
- Identity & access management
By earning this certification, employers will see that you have the skills to install and configure systems to keep networks, applications, and devices secure following the compliance laws. The exam fee is 349 dollars.
9. CompTIA Network+
This entry-level certificate covers the abilities and knowledge required to troubleshoot, configure, and administer wired & wireless networks in businesses.
Certification is the right choice for network field technicians, junior network administrators, network field engineers, junior system engineers, etc.
It can also be your level of understanding of emerging technologies, such as virtualization and the cloud.
We recommend getting the CompTIA A+ certification and at least nine to twelve months of networking experience before thinking about getting this certificate.
The exam will cover knowledge related to the following fields:
- Managing, maintaining, and configuring network devices
- Designing and implementing functional networks
- Network security
- Network troubleshooting
The exam fee is 338 dollars.
10. ITIL 4 Foundation
This certificate covers the basics of IT service management and best practices for creating, delivering, and improving technology-enabled products.
It is an excellent certification for those planning to work in an IT service manager role.
The course will help you to understand the following elements:
- How value streams increase speed and efficiency
- How modern information technology and digital service organizations operate
- How cultural or behavioral principles guide work that benefits the organization
- How to use commonly-used service management concepts and terms.
The exam fee is varies depending on the vendor.
Value of Certification in IT
An IT certification proves an expert’s experience and skills in a particular technology area. It is used to confirm the professional competence of an expert.
IT certifications give you credibility when looking for a career in IT. However, you can only get it after some form of education, assessment, or review.
An IT certification can provide you with a wide range of career choices, especially if you want to land a job at a large company.
In addition, it can give you many benefits over other candidates with similar abilities and skills. What’s more, you will likely stand out and be more likely to climb the job ladder by earning one or more IT certifications.
These certifications are also the way to demonstrate your proficiency in a particular field to potential employers. Those with IT certifications are paid higher salaries in the industry and get the chance to work on challenging projects throughout their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Do I Need IT Certifications for My Career?
IT certifications give you credibility when looking for your career in the IT field. By earning at least one IT certification, you can stand out and have more opportunities to advance your career.
2. Are IT Certifications Worth It?
Here are 10 reasons why you should become IT certified:
- Plenty of certification options
- Job opportunities
- Attractive salaries
- Flexibility and better time management
- Easy access to resources
- Credibility and validation
- Better marketability
- Justifying your costs
- Personal and professional development
- Confidence booster
3. Why earn an IT certification?
The following are proofs of the importance of these certifications:
- More than 90% of employers believe that IT certifications play an essential role in the recruitment process. In addition, they are a reliable predictor of a successful employee.
- About 97% of HR professionals use certifications to sift through equally skilled and qualified candidates.
- About 98% of HR professionals use certifications to validate an IT candidate’s expertise and knowledge.
4. How Do You Become a Certified IT Tech?
Here are 4 steps to becoming a certified IT tech:
- Step 1: Choose Your IT Certification
- Step 2: Get Familiar With Your IT Certification Exam
- Step 3: Begin Learning and Training for Your Exam
- Step 4: Register and Take Your Certification Exam
5. What Can I Do With an IT Certificate?
Jobs That Require a Certificate in Information Technology
- Become a web developer who creates and maintains websites.
- Having IT certifications may also prepare you to work as a network administrator.
- Offer IT co services.
6. When Might You Not Need a Certification?
There are a lot of benefits to certifications. But here is when you might find they reach their limits.
- They’re not needed in your role.
- You have plenty of hands-on experience.
7. Are IT Certifications Expensive?
Most IT certificates aren’t expensive compared to possible salary increases. On average, they range from about 300 to 600 dollars. But, if you combine them with the right skills, you can get massive gains.
8. What Is the Best Computer Certification for Getting an IT Job?
Here are some of the top certifications in the industry:
- PDC (Linux Essentials Professional Development Certification)
- CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional)
- CCNA) (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- Network+
- ACA (Apple Certified Associate)
- CompTIA A+ Technician
- MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)
- And more
9. Are Google IT Certifications Worth It?
Sure. It is true to say that these certifications are worth your effort and time. In terms of cost, Google certificates are comparable to college degrees.
Getting these certificates would surely help you improve your existing resume as they involve multiple difficult-to-pass assessments.
Conclusion
Above are the best 10 entry-level certifications that you can get to boost your career in IT. In general, these certifications can add the needed boost to your resume or help you advance in your career faster than others.
Please leave a comment if you would like us to include any other certifications on our list. Which certifications do you prefer and why? Please share with us!
Thank you for reading!