The Top 10 IT Certification Exam Books of 2025

As you tackle your certifications this year, you might find yourself needing some extra resources to help solidify your learning. No worries—CBT Nuggets has you covered! We've curated a list of great books to complement your training, all based on some of our most popular courses from the past year.

Here are ten recommendations we think you'll find especially useful— in no particular order:

1. ISC2 CISSP

CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, 9th Edition by Fernando Myami

This resource covers all ten CISSP exam domains developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium ISC2. However, due to its learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, practice questions, and in-depth explanations, this updated guide is one of the best resources for passing your ISC2 CISSP exam.

2. Angular Certification

Learning Angular - Fourth Edition: A no-nonsense guide to building web applications with Angular by Aristeidis Bampakos, Pablo Deeleman 

This book teaches you some best practices and tools for using Angular 15. It covers the fundamentals and features best practices for building, deploying, and testing applications you build in Angular. 

This guide is designed for JavaScript and full-stack developers who are getting started in front-end development with Angular or are looking to migrate to the platform. It's also a great starting point if you're looking to pursue an Angular certification. 

Note: The fifth edition of this guide will be published in early 2025. 

3. IBM Big Data Certifications

Mastering Apache Hadoop: A Comprehensive Guide to Learn Apache Hadoop by Cybellium Ltd (Author), Kris Hermans (Author)

Use this book to learn how to build and maintain reliable, scalable, distributed systems with Apache Hadoop. This book provides a deep dive into the Hadoop ecosystem, details how to install and configure it, and helps you understand features like HDFS and MapReduce. 

It is ideal for data engineers, analysts, and IT professionals who want to excel in big data processing using Hadoop. If you're looking to get a Big Data Cert from IBM, this is a great book to get you started. 

4. AWS Certified Developer

AWS Certified Developer Study Guide: Associate (DVA-C02) Exam (Sybex Study Guide) 2nd Edition by Brandon Rich 

This guide is still in pre-release, but the Sybex books of the past have been great resources, which is why this one made the list! 

This Sybex Study Guide helps you thoroughly prepare with expert AWS Associate exam content and real-world knowledge. You'll study smarter and faster with key exam essentials, chapter review questions, access to Sybex's interactive online learning environment, and much more.

5. CCNA

CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library 2nd Edition by Wendell Odom, David Hucaby, Jason Gooley  

CCDA 200-301 Official Cert Guide presents an organized test preparation routine through various techniques. It's also the only book approved by Cisco! "Do I Know This Already?" quizzes open each chapter and let you determine how much time you will need to spend on each section. 

Exam topic lists make referencing easy. Chapter-ending Exam Preparation Tasks help you drill on key concepts that are crucial to pass the test. 

6.  CCNP and CCIE

CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide 2nd Edition by Brad Edgeworth, Ramiro Garza Rios, Jason Gooley, David Hucaby  

This is the official guide from Cisco, so you can't get any better than that! This updated guide includes a test preparation routine, "Do I Know This Already" quizzes that help you decide where to focus, chapter-ending exercises that help you review concepts, access to Pearson Test Prep Practice Exam, and templates and guides to help you stay organized and optimize your study time. 

7.  Network+

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition by Scott Jernigan (Author), Mike Meyers (Series Editor)

This updated guide covers everything you need to know to pass the Network+ exam, including all the exam topics, exam tips, 100+ practice questions, and in-depth explanations of each topic. 

You'll also get access to lab simulations to help you prep for the performance questions and an hour of video training. If you're looking to pass the Network+ exam, this guide is a must-buy. 

8. Security+

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Certification Guide Third Edition by Ian Neil

This third edition is designed to help you pass the Security+ exam on the first try. This book explores the essential topics and best practices, covers 100% of all topics on the Security+, and helps assess your readiness to take the exam. Three mock exams ensure you're ready to pass the Security+ exam before you sit. 

9. AWS Certified Solution Architect

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide with 900 Practice Test Questions: Associate (SAA-C03) Exam 4th Edition by Ben Piper, David Clinton 

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you prepare for one of Amazon's more challenging certifications. It includes a range of information and access to tools like Sybex's online learning environment and testing platform. You'll learn how to design AWS architectures, improve security, and design cost-optimized architectures. It's an invaluable resource for those looking to pass the SAA-C03 exam. 

10. PCNSA

Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator Exam - Study Guide with Practice Questions & Labs: First Edition by Nouman Ahmed Khan

This book covers the entire PCNSA exam from start to finish. You'll learn key technology, best practices, how to identify and implement property NAT policies, how to enable DNS security, the difference between group mapping and IP-to-user mapping, and how to configure Global Protect VPN.

The guide includes practice questions, mind maps, and tips to make sure you pass the PCNSA. 

Final Thoughts 

We hope our list will give you a good starting point for looking into additional materials for studying for that certification exam you plan on taking! Most of these guides are certified by the testing bodies or are written by well-respected experts in the industry. 

Make sure to make time to study regularly and create a study plan so you can slide into testing day confident in your knowledge. 

Want some video-based training, too? Start your free week of CBT Nuggets today.