In today's job market, having IT certifications can be a game-changer for anyone seeking a career in the tech industry. IT certifications validate an individual's technical knowledge and expertise, which can lead to better job opportunities, increased salaries, and job security. From small businesses to big multinational organisations, IT professionals are indispensable across many industries. Government agencies, bank accounts, business organisations, or news organizations. As each year passes, as does every technological advancement, the IT landscape changes, resulting in a fresh skill gap in an industry that is currently understaffed. However, with so many certifications available, it can be overwhelming for beginners to know which one to pursue. In this article, we'll discuss the 10 best IT certifications for beginners, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for you.
Benefits of Pursuing IT Certifications
Earning IT certifications can be a valuable investment in your career. Here are some benefits of pursuing IT certifications:
- Improved Career Opportunities: IT certifications are recognized by many employers as proof of your technical skills and knowledge. By obtaining an IT certification, you may become a more attractive candidate to potential employers and may be able to qualify for higher-paying jobs or promotions within your current company.
- Enhanced Credibility: IT certifications demonstrate your commitment to your field and can help establish you as a credible expert in your area of specialization. This can help you gain the trust and respect of your colleagues, clients, and employers.
- Increased Knowledge and Skills: In order to earn an IT certification, you typically need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in a specific area of IT. Studying for and passing this exam can help you deepen your understanding of the subject matter and acquire new skills that can be applied in your job.
- Keeping Up with Technology: Technology is constantly evolving, and IT certifications can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field. By obtaining a certification, you can demonstrate that you have the latest knowledge and skills required to succeed in your job.
- Networking Opportunities: Many IT certifications are offered by professional organizations that also offer networking opportunities with other professionals in your field. By becoming certified and joining these organizations, you can meet others who share your interests and gain valuable insights into industry trends and best practices.
Overall, pursuing IT certifications can be a smart career move for anyone working in the technology industry. Not only can it help you improve your skills and knowledge, but it can also enhance your career prospects, credibility, and networking opportunities.
Tips for Choosing a Beginner IT Certification
Choosing the right IT certification can be a challenging task, especially for beginners who are new to the field. Here are some tips to help you choose a beginner IT certification that is right for you:
- Identify Your Goals: Before selecting a certification, it is essential to identify your goals. What do you want to achieve with the certification? Do you want to learn new skills, validate your existing skills, or improve your employability? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the list of certifications that align with your goals.
- Research the Certification: Once you have identified your goals, research the certifications that align with your goals. Find out what skills the certification tests for, what the exam format is, what the cost is, and what resources are available to help you prepare for the exam.
- Consider Your Experience: Consider your experience level before selecting a certification. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with an entry-level certification, such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). These certifications provide a good foundation for beginners and are often a prerequisite for more advanced certifications.
- Look at Industry Trends: Look at industry trends to determine which certifications are in high demand. This will help you select a certification that is relevant and will help you stand out to employers.
- Assess Your Learning Style: Consider your learning style before selecting a certification. If you are someone who learns best through hands-on experience, you may want to consider a certification that includes a practical exam. If you prefer self-paced learning, look for certifications that offer online training courses or study materials.
- Check for Recertification Requirements: Check for recertification requirements before selecting a certification. Some certifications require you to recertify periodically to maintain your certification status. Make sure you are aware of the recertification requirements and are willing to commit to them.
By following these tips, you can choose a beginner's IT certification that aligns with your goals, experience, learning style, and industry trends.
10 entry-level IT certifications
We gathered 10 entry-level IT certifications from industry leaders for you to consider. You will learn about the certification and its requirements. We also ranked them on a scale of 1–10 according to their difficulties to give you another consideration point. Here are the top 10 entry-level IT certifications for beginners:
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is designed for individuals who want to develop their skills in agile project management. It validates your knowledge of Scrum, an agile methodology used to manage and complete complex projects. This certificate provides an invaluable qualification for anyone looking to become a Scrum Master, but it is also beneficial for people who wish to become software developers or business analysts.
The certification covers topics such as the Scrum framework, Scrum roles, and Scrum events. To be certified, one needs to attend a two-day CSM course and pass an exam. It generally takes around two to three months to prepare for the exam.
Difficulty Level: 5
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification is ideal for those interested in cybersecurity. It validates your knowledge of security policies, practises, and procedures, and is globally recognised. This certification is offered by (ISC)² and requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field.
The Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification is intended for cybersecurity professionals. The certification covers topics such as access control, security architecture, and cryptography. It validates your knowledge of security policies, practises, and procedures, and is globally recognized. To be certified by (ISC)² as a CISSP, one needs to have at least five years of professional experience in the field and pass an exam. It generally takes around six months to a year to prepare for the exam.
Difficulty Level: 8
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is designed for those interested in cloud computing. It validates your knowledge of cloud computing concepts, AWS services, and pricing models. The certification covers topics such as AWS core services, billing, and security. To be certified, one needs to pass an exam. It generally takes around two to three months to prepare for the exam.
Difficulty Level: 3
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification is intended for individuals who want to validate their skills in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting small networks. The certification covers topics such as networking fundamentals, LAN switching, and IP routing. To be certified, one needs to pass an exam. It generally takes around two to three months to prepare for the exam.
Difficulty Level 5
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is designed for individuals who want to validate their skills in IT security. The certification covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, and cryptography. To be certified, one needs to pass an exam. It generally takes around three to six months to prepare for the exam.
Difficulty Level: 7
CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is intended for individuals who want to validate their skills in networking. The certification covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, and network and security fundamentals. To be certified, one needs to pass an exam. It generally takes around two to three months to prepare for the exam.
Difficulty Level: 6
PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is designed for those interested in project management. It validates your knowledge of project management processes, terminology, and tools. The certification covers topics such as project integration, project management education, project scope management, and project schedule management. This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and does not require any prerequisites.
Difficulty Level: 5
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a beginner-level certification program offered by Google. The programme is designed to equip learners with the skills required to start a career in IT support. The certification covers various topics such as technical support fundamentals, operating systems, system administration, networking, security, and troubleshooting. Learners need to complete six courses to earn the certificate. The programme can be completed in six months.
Difficulty Level: 4
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a full cybersecurity certification program offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). The certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. The certification covers topics such as hacking and penetration testing, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, enumeration, system hacking, trojans and backdoors, viruses and worms, sniffing, social engineering, denial of service, session hijacking, hacking web servers, and wireless networks. The CEH certification requires 2 years of professional experience in information security or a related field and candidates need to pass a certification exam. The preparation time for the certification exam can vary depending on the candidate's prior knowledge and experience.
Difficulty Level: 7
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) by ISACA
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program offered by ISACA. The certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to identify and manage risks associated with information systems. The certification covers topics such as IT risk identification, assessment, and evaluation, risk response and mitigation, risk and control monitoring and reporting, and governance of IT. Candidates need to have at least three years of experience in IT risk management and pass a certification exam to earn the certification. The preparation time for the certification exam can vary depending on the candidate's prior knowledge and experience.
Difficulty Level: 8
Conclusion
IT certifications can be a valuable investment in your career, providing numerous benefits such as increased job opportunities, improved salaries, and industry recognition. However, with so many other entry level certifications available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you. By considering your career goals, researching job requirements, and looking for industry recognition, you can make an informed decision. The 10 entry-level IT certifications discussed in this article can serve as a starting point for beginners looking to enter the tech industry.
In this article, we discussed ten of the best IT certifications for beginners, including the CompTIA A+, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT), the CompTIA Security+, the CompTIA Network+, the PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). We also highlighted the benefits of pursuing IT certifications, such as increased job opportunities, improved salary, and enhanced credibility.