So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of IT? Maybe it’s the allure of endless job opportunities, or maybe you just really enjoy explaining to people why turning it off and back on again works 90% of the time. Either way, you’re going to need some certifications to prove you know what you’re doing. Here are five entry-level IT certifications that will help you launch your career—and hopefully keep you from becoming “that person” who always ends up fixing everyone’s Wi-Fi at family gatherings.
1. CompTIA A+
Overview:
CompTIA A+ is like the IT equivalent of your learner’s permit—it’s your entry ticket to the world of tech. It covers a bit of everything: hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. Think of it as a crash course in “What the heck is this button for?”
Why Choose CompTIA A+?
- Comprehensive Curriculum: You’ll learn the basics of fixing everything from computers to printers—because yes, printers are still a thing.
- Vendor-Neutral: You won’t be tied to any specific company, so you can tell your friends you’re not a corporate sellout (yet).
- Career Opportunities: Prepare yourself for exciting roles like help desk technician, where you’ll say “Have you tried restarting?” at least 20 times a day.
Exam Details:
- Two Exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), because why pass one test when you can pass two?
- Cost: Around $232 per exam—cheaper than a new graphics card, at least.
2. CompTIA Network+
Overview:
CompTIA Network+ is perfect for those who want to learn what happens between your computer and the mysterious “cloud” everyone keeps talking about. It’s all about networking—how it works, how to fix it, and how to sound really smart when explaining why the office Wi-Fi is down.
Why Choose CompTIA Network+?
- Vendor-Neutral: No loyalty here. You can plug into any network and troubleshoot with confidence, whether it’s a Fortune 500 company or your grandma’s router.
- Foundation for Advanced Certs: If you ever decide that one certification isn’t enough (because you’re a glutton for punishment), this is a great start for more advanced certs like Cisco’s CCNA.
- In-Demand Skills: With everyone working remotely and binge-watching streaming shows, networks are more important than ever.
Exam Details:
- Single Exam: N10-008, because they realized two tests would be cruel.
- Cost: Around $348, which will feel like a lot until you realize how much companies will pay you to fix their networks.
3. CompTIA Security+
Overview:
Security+ is for those who like the idea of being the digital version of a secret agent. You’ll learn about firewalls, encryption, and how to stop hackers from turning your company’s website into their personal playground.
Why Choose CompTIA Security+?
- Government Recognition: This cert is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense, so you can feel like James Bond… without the Aston Martin, of course.
- Broad Scope: You’ll cover everything from basic network security to how to politely tell someone that “12345” is a terrible password.
- Growing Demand: As long as there are computers, there will be people trying to hack them, which means job security for you!
Exam Details:
- Single Exam: SY0-601, which sounds way more intimidating than it actually is.
- Cost: Around $381—worth it if you like the idea of fighting cyber villains (from your desk).
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Overview:
With everything moving to the cloud these days, getting certified in Microsoft Azure is a smart move. Azure Fundamentals teaches you the basics of cloud computing, which is essentially just someone else’s computer that you get to pay for.
Why Choose Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?
- Foundational Knowledge: Great for beginners who want to sound like they know what they’re talking about when someone mentions “the cloud.”
- Azure Dominance: Microsoft Azure is one of the top cloud service providers, and knowing how it works can land you some seriously cool gigs.
- Path to Advanced Certs: This is the gateway to more specialized Azure certs, for when you’re ready to fully embrace the cloud life.
Exam Details:
- Single Exam: AZ-900—sounds like a model of a robot, but no, it’s just an exam.
- Cost: Around $99, which is pretty affordable, all things considered.
5. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Overview:
If Microsoft’s cloud wasn’t enough for you, don’t worry—Amazon has one too. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner cert gives you an overview of Amazon Web Services, which powers half the internet (and probably some of your online shopping addiction).
Why Choose AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner?
- Industry Leader: AWS is the king of cloud services, so understanding how it works is like learning how the internet is really powered (spoiler: it’s a bunch of servers in a warehouse).
- Versatile Applications: Whether you’re into development, support, or sysadmin work, this cert will come in handy.
- Path to Specialization: Get this, then move on to more advanced AWS certs—because once you start, why stop?
Exam Details:
- Single Exam: CLF-C01, which is less of a mouthful than you’d expect.
- Cost: Around $100, cheaper than your Prime membership and probably more useful.
If you’re looking to break into IT, these certifications are a great way to get started. Sure, they won’t make you a tech wizard overnight, but they will help you get your foot in the door—and maybe stop you from being the person everyone calls to fix their slow internet. Plus, you’ll sound way cooler the next time someone asks what “the cloud” is. So pick your cert, study up, and get ready to impress people with your newfound knowledge (or at least stop them from calling their computers “broken” when it’s just unplugged).