9 Best IT Certifications for Beginners

Millions of businesses around the world are turning to technology-based solutions for their day-to-day operations, putting the demand for certified information technology (IT) professionals at an all-time high.

As crucial as it is to have a strong technical foundation in IT, getting IT certifications is essential for anyone who wants to stay competitive in the industry.

But if you’re just starting out in the field, which certifications should you pursue?

We have compiled a list of the best IT certifications for beginners to get you started on your journey to becoming a certified IT professional.

1. CompTIA ITF+

Complete beginners who want to gain a basic understanding of the essential IT skills and knowledge should consider CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certification.

This certification is ideal for early-stage IT professionals or those looking to enter the IT field, as it covers essential topics such as hardware and infrastructure, networks and security, applications and software, software development, security, database fundamentals, and more.

The exam is designed to accommodate IT professionals of all levels as there are no prerequisites required. With or without prior IT experience, this certification will give you a comprehensive introduction to the basics of IT. Try our CompTIA ITF+ Practice Quiz to test your knowledge and see if you are ready to earn the ITF+ certification.

2. CompTIA A+

A step up from IT Fundamentals is CompTIA A+ certification, which is the industry standard for entry-level IT professionals.

The A+ certification covers a wide range of topics, including hardware and network troubleshooting, operating systems, mobile device support, and virtualization and cloud computing. After passing the exam, you will be able to master baseline security skills, configure device operating systems, and support basic IT infrastructure and networking, to name a few.

With ITF+ certification as its prerequisite, this two-part exam is designed to prepare you for more technical roles such as Service Desk Analyst and Field Service / HelpDesk Technician.

3. CompTIA Network+

Recommended for those with at least 6 months of networking experience, CompTIA Network+ certification is designed to provide IT professionals with an understanding of computer networking and related technologies.

If you already have either CompTIA ITF+ or A+ certification, this Network+ certification is a great way to qualify for network-related IT positions, such as Network Administrator and Network Support Specialist.

With this certification under your belt, you will have the skills necessary to support network environments, troubleshoot wired and wireless network devices, and implement basic network security protocols as it covers network infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.

4. CompTIA Security+

Businesses are focusing on protecting their data more than ever before, making security a crucial skill for IT professionals.

CompTIA Security+ is one of the premier certifications in this area and provides a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts such as risk management, cryptography and public key infrastructure, identity management, access control systems, application security, and network architecture systems design.

Designed for professionals with at least two years of experience in network security, this certification is the perfect stepping stone into a career in cybersecurity. Take our IT network security knowledge quiz to see if you have what it takes to earn the Security+ certification.

5. Microsoft 365 Fundamentals MS – 900

Anyone looking to delve deeper into Microsoft-based technology should consider the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals MS – 900 certification.

This sought-after certification covers the fundamentals of Microsoft Office 365 services and concepts, including its architecture and components, email setup and configuration, security protocols, data management strategies, compliance policies, and more.

The MS – 900 exam is considered relatively easy compared to other IT certifications, making it an excellent choice for those just starting out in the industry. Although some prior knowledge of Microsoft products is helpful for passing this exam, it is not required.

6. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ – 900

A career in cloud services is an attractive option for aspiring IT professionals with Microsoft Azure as one of the most popular cloud computing platforms.

This Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ – 900 certification provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of cloud computing. It prepares beginners to become proficient in deploying, configuring, managing, and maintaining applications on the platform.

Perfect for complete beginners in cloud services, this 90-minute exam validates your skills in basic cloud technologies, core services, solutions, and management tools of Azure, as well as general security and network security features.

7. Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ – 104

A five-week technical training and exam preparation for the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ – 104 certification is a fast track to becoming a certified Azure Cloud Administrator.

This certification focuses on deploying, managing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in the cloud with Microsoft Azure. It also covers topics such as developing solutions for the cloud using Azure, implementing authentication methods to secure data resources, and much more.

The AZ – 104 exam is perfect for those who have at least 6 months of experience working with Microsoft Azure (or other cloud platforms) and want to gain a deeper understanding of its features. Check out our Microsoft Azure Fundamentals quiz to assess your knowledge of Windows servers!

8. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Soaring demand for cloud-based solutions has created a huge market for AWS-certified professionals, and the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is one of the most popular options for complete beginners.

Designed to give IT professionals an understanding of the core AWS cloud services, the exam covers topics such as cloud concepts, security and compliance aspects, configuration and troubleshooting, and billing and pricing.

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a great course for those looking to master cloud technology and how it is applied in the real world, which will open up work opportunities as an AWS Networking Specialist or Cloud Engineer.

9. AWS Solutions Architect

For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of AWS infrastructure and architecture, the AWS Solutions Architect certification prepares you to design, deploy, and manage scalable, cost-effective, and secure applications on the AWS platform.

From designing resilient and high-performing architectures to selecting appropriate deployment strategies and data security options, it’s an excellent way to get your foot in the door for a career in cloud management.

While it has no prerequisite courses, it is created for those with at least one year of experience in cloud computing, as well as an understanding of the core AWS services, security features, and best practices for architecting systems on AWS.

Conclusion

IT certifications are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the essential IT concepts and systems as well as marketable skills that employers are looking for.

With the right certifications, IT professionals can position themselves as experts in their field, opening doors to more and better job opportunities, higher salaries, and even greater career advancement.

All certifications offered by CIAT provide hands-on training through online classes and virtual labs plus one-on-one support from certified instructors. CIAT also offers a one-of-a-kind unlimited certification exam policy, zero exam fees, and online test preparation workshops to help get you certified.  

Reach out to our IT career services team to break into the industry with these IT certifications for beginners!