4 Best Entry-Level IT Certifications
Starting a career in IT is a bit like learning to ride a bicycle. Some get it right the first time around, and away they go. Others, especially those with limited experience working with computers, need more support to get up to speed with their chosen field before advancing to a job.
If you're considering a career change to IT, there is no shame in using your training wheels and getting certified in the absolute basics before tackling more technical certifications. In many cases, it's the smartest thing you can do. You wouldn't go see a doctor who decided CPR wasn't worth learning, would you? The same idea applies to IT professionals; fancy skills are worth little in the real world if you can't demonstrate the basics.
Here's a list of four IT certifications that are perfect for anyone with limited experience hoping to break into the well-paying world of IT. We're avoiding the word "easy" because it's a subjective term. The certifications listed here have been chosen according to a few criteria, namely:
No prerequisite exams are needed and can be taken immediately
Little to no hands-on experience or theoretical background required
Shortest study time and/or least amount of material to study
Top 4 IT Intro Certifications
1. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
CompTIA is an established certification authority that provides internationally recognized certifications for professionals working in all fields of IT. Certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ are often included in minimum requirements sections for entry-level positions like IT helpdesk support.
Taking on the A+ is no easy feat though, even for IT folk with a year or more of experience under their belt. For the absolute beginner to IT, CompTIA has a little-known certification called IT Fundamentals+ that's intended to introduce newcomers to the most basic concepts in modern computing.
After achieving your IT Fundamentals+, the A+ and subsequent certifications will seem less harrowing, as you will have a solid base on which to build your knowledge in IT.
This course is not recommended for those with working experience or a general background in computers, but it makes an excellent certification for those starting from scratch.
Next steps: CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+
2. LPI Linux Essentials Certificate
Do you fancy yourself as a rebel? Then, you might enjoy picking up an entry-level Linux certification. Linux is a free, open-source, and community-based operating system used for both desktop and server computing, and skilled Linux professionals have always been in great demand.
The LPI Linux Essentials certification is designed to give students a comprehensive view of how the Linux operating system works without assuming any previous knowledge.
Starting with an overview of open-source software, the Linux Essentials exam 010-160 walks you through the history of Linux, and then proceeds to explain basic usage of the various Linux tools and components.
Be warned: this certification does assume at least some natural aptitude for working with computers, but if you're looking for the easiest stepping stone toward mastering Linux, this is it.
Next steps: LPI Linux LPIC-1 and CompTIA Linux+ Prep
3. Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
If you know your way around computers well enough and would prefer to skip straight to the networking side of IT infrastructure, Cisco has a nifty certification for entry-level network technicians called the CCT.
With a CCT to your name, you can effectively add "Network Handyman" to your resume and start working as a hands-on Cisco hardware technician. Typical duties include installing, troubleshooting, and repairing Cisco routers, switches, and other network-related devices.
There are three specializations, or "Tracks," within this certification:
Next steps: CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+
4. Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications
The Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are an excellent entry point for a future career supporting and developing Microsoft products. These certifications cover a range of foundational topics and require no prerequisites, making them accessible to beginners.
Microsoft offers several Fundamentals certifications, including Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, and Microsoft Certified: Data Fundamentals, among others.
One downside to these certifications is that they won't qualify you for any higher-level certifications and act as a standalone fundamentals course.
That said, the freedom to choose between learning either Azure AI, Databases, or Power Platform makes the Microsoft Fundamentals certifications a perfectly reasonable certification to get your feet wet in one of those areas without making a huge commitment.
Next Steps: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
Whether you're just getting into the IT field or studying for advanced certifications, CBT Nuggets has IT training for everyone. Start your free week!
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