IT certifications are now a strong entry point into a variety of tech jobs in today’s digitally first world. The correct certification can provide you with the abilities, self assurance, and credibility to land your ideal job, regardless of whether you’re just starting out or moving into a new role. However, it can be overwhelming to choose the best course of action with so many options CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, Microsoft, and Google Cloud.
Beginners who are considering their options for a career in information technology are the target audience for this guide. We’ll explain the various certifications, who can benefit from them, and how to begin. To get you started, we’ve also included a personalized study plan and a free career quiz!
Why IT Certifications Matter
Before diving into the options, let’s understand why certifications are important, especially for beginners:
- No experience required: Many entry level certifications don’t need a tech background.
- Proof of skills: Certifications validate your knowledge to potential employers.
- Career focus: They help you specialize in a specific area like networking, cybersecurity, or cloud computing.
- Higher salary potential: Certified professionals often earn more than their non certified peers.
- Faster job placement: Having a certification can help you stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re aiming to become a help desk technician, cloud architect, or ethical hacker, there’s a certification tailored for you.
Top Entry Level IT Certifications to Consider
Here are five beginner friendly IT certifications and who they’re best for:
1. CompTIA A+ – The Tech Support Starter
Best for: Complete beginners with no IT experience
Focus: Hardware, software troubleshooting, and basic networking
Career Paths: IT support, help desk technician, junior system admin
If you’re just starting out, CompTIA A+ is the gold standard. It covers the foundations of IT—how computers work, how to fix them, and how to support end users. It’s vendor neutral, meaning the skills apply across all major systems.
2. Google IT Support Professional Certificate Self Paced & Beginner Friendly
Best for: Absolute beginners who want an online, flexible option
Focus: IT support, troubleshooting, customer service
Career Paths: IT support specialist, technical support rep
Offered via Practicetestsoftware, this program is great if you prefer learning at your own pace. It’s hands on and includes quizzes, videos, and labs plus, it’s endorsed by Google.
3. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – The Cloud Entry Point
Best for: Beginners curious about cloud computing
Focus: Cloud concepts, AWS basics, pricing, security
Career Paths: Cloud support associate, AWS junior roles
Cloud computing is one of the fastest growing IT fields. This foundational level AWS certification helps you understand the basics of cloud infrastructure—perfect for launching into more advanced cloud careers later.
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals – For Future Azure Experts
Best for: Beginners leaning toward Microsoft technologies
Focus: Cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing
Career Paths: Azure support, Microsoft cloud technician
Similar to AWS, Microsoft offers Azure Fundamentals for those interested in the Azure ecosystem. If you’re planning to work in Microsoft heavy environments, this is a great starting point.
5. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)
Best for: Beginners who want hands on networking experience
Focus: Networking basics, IP addressing, routers, and switches
Career Paths: Network technician, junior network admin
If you’re interested in computer networking or eventually aiming for Cisco’s higher level certifications (like CCNA), this entry level option provides a strong technical foundation.
How to Choose the Right Certification – Take the Free Career Quiz!
Not sure which certification suits your interests and goals? Take our Free IT Career Quiz!
[Start the Quiz Here – “Which IT Career Path Is Right for You?”]
This two minute test aligns a recommended certification path with your goals, interests, and personality. Whether you’re more hands on, creative, analytical, or customer focused, you’ll receive a customized recommendation to help you get started with confidence.
How to Start: Your Beginner Study Plan
Here’s a sample 4 week study plan for any entry level certification:
Week 1: Understand the Basics
- Examine the guide or blueprint.
- View introductory videos on Coursera or YouTube.
- Join a forum or community (such as Reddit or Discord).
Week 2: Structured Learning
- Take a course (e.g., CompTIA, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy).
- Make notes and make flashcards.
- Consistently spend one to two hours studying each day.
Week 3: Practice Questions & Labs
- Take practice tests now.
- Make use of practical labs (AWS Free Tier, Azure Sandbox, Test Out)
- Examine your weak points.
Week 4: Final Prep & Exam Day
- Take two or three lengthy practice tests.
- Review the key notes and flashcards.
- Make an exam appointment with confidence.
Engage, Share, and Learn with the Community
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to connect with others on the same journey. Share your progress on:
- LinkedIn (tag your certification journey)
- Reddit (e.g., r/IT Career Questions)
You’ll find encouragement, tips, and maybe even a study buddy.
Bonus Tips for Success
- Stay consistent – 30 minutes daily is better than a 5 hour cram session.
- Learn actively – Don’t just watch videos. Take notes, pause, rewind.
- Ask questions – Never hesitate to ask questions in forums or study groups.
- Celebrate milestones – Finished a module? Nailed a practice test? Celebrate small wins!