Best 8 entry-level IT certifications to start your career
The IT sector is arguably one of the fastest growing industries in the world and starting a career in this sphere is definitely a pathway to a successful life. Earning a certification is very crucial in starting you off in this career path. Certifications give your resume more credibility and can make you more marketable to recruiters and hiring managers. And at the entry-level, they’re a great way to stand out from other candidates and even boost your pay.
Getting an IT certification does not have anything to do with your academic background. Your academic background is not a requirement to getting a certification in Information Technology. It is not required to have any prerequisite exams to qualify to enroll for the credential. Studying period for the certificate is also short. There is the least volume of study materials to deal with when preparing for your certification tests.
To make the process easier for you, we have detailed some of the top certifications that you can enroll in to kick start your career in the IT sector. Are you ready to explore the world of the Information Technology sector? We invite you to look through some of the top certifications in the industry.
Below you can find the best 8 IT certifications to start your career.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification is designed for those interested in starting a career in IT or who want to change career paths. The exam is intended to validate your foundational knowledge in IT and to give you a better idea of what it’s like to work in IT. The certification exam covers networks, infrastructure, IT concepts and terminology, applications and software, security, database fundamentals and software development
CompTIA A+
If you’re interested in landing a job in a related field, CompTIA A+ certification is a solid entry-level certification that is well-regarded in the industry. This certification is targeted at support specialists, field service technicians, desktop support analysts and help desk support
CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ exam verifies your knowledge with configuring, managing and maintaining network devices, implementing and designing functional networks, network troubleshooting and network security. The certification is designed for junior network administrators, network field technicians, junior system engineers, IS consultants and network field engineers. If you know you want to work closely with IT networks, it’s a well-recognized and worthwhile certification that will set you apart from other entry-level candidates.
CompTIA Security+
Security is a crucial IT skill for any technology role. CompTIA Security+ certification is suited for network, system and security administrators, security specialists, junior IT auditors, security consultants and security engineers.
The exam covers threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, risk management, architecture and design, technology and tools, cryptography and PKI and identity and access management.
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
Earning a Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCNET) certification is a great place to start if you want to land an entry-level network support position or if you already know you want a career in networking. It will demonstrate your ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching
The CCNA Routing and Switching certification is a good option for those who want to work in networking, but also a solid choice if you’re looking for an entry-level help desk position. The exam verifies your ability to identify Cisco router and switch models, accessories, cabling and interfaces. You’ll need an understanding of the Cisco IOS Software operating modes and the Cisco CLI.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification covers IT fundamentals like infrastructure, databases and development. It was designed by Microsoft as an entry-level certification for workers just starting out in IT or for those looking to change careers. The exam is meant to help you establish your career track in IT, with a focus on databases, hardware, software or infrastructure. It covers what you’ll need to know as a Junior IT Auditor or as a systems, network or security administrator.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is another entry-level option from Microsoft that covers designing and creating technology solutions across Microsoft’s services and software suites. It’s a little more advanced than the MTA certification, but you don’t need to complete your MTA to earn your MCSA. However, you will need to earn your MCSA if you want to continue down the Microsoft certification path to earn your MCSE, MCSD, MCPS or MCT certifications.
Was this content valuable ? Share it with your colleagues and friends
