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Looking for the best IT certifications for someone starting out - entry-level recomm
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I'm completely new to the IT field and trying to figure out how to start a career in IT. There are so many options and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I keep hearing about entry-level IT certifications but I'm not sure which ones are actually worth the time and money.
I've been looking at various IT training courses online and IT bootcamps online, but I want to make sure I'm investing in the right certifications. Some people recommend CompTIA A+, others say start with Network+ or Security+.
What would be your top recommendations for entry-level IT certifications? Also, any advice on IT exam preparation would be super helpful. I want to create a solid IT certification roadmap but need some guidance on where to begin.
Welcome to the IT world! Starting out can definitely feel overwhelming with all the options. For entry-level IT certifications, I always recommend starting with CompTIA A+ as the foundation. It covers the basics of hardware, software, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
After A+, you have a few good paths:
1. CompTIA Network+ - if you're interested in networking
2. CompTIA Security+ - if security appeals to you
3. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications - if you want to work with Microsoft technologies
These entry-level IT certifications typically cost around $250-$350 per exam, and most people need 2-3 months of study per certification if you're putting in 10-15 hours per week.
For IT training courses online, Professor Messer's free YouTube courses for CompTIA certs are excellent. If you want more structured learning, platforms like Udemy often have sales where courses drop to $10-$15.
The most important thing when you're learning how to start a career in IT is to get hands-on experience. Try setting up a home lab with virtual machines or use free cloud credits to practice.
I second starting with CompTIA A+ for entry-level IT certifications. It's widely recognized and gives you a solid foundation. What I'd add is to think about what type of work you enjoy.
If you like fixing computers and working directly with hardware, A+ is perfect. If networking concepts interest you, go for Network+ after. If you're more interested in how systems are protected, Security+ might be your path.
For IT exam preparation, here are my best IT training and study tips:
1. Schedule your exam 2-3 months out - it creates accountability
2. Use multiple resources - books, videos, practice tests
3. Hands-on labs are crucial - you can't just memorize
4. Join study groups or forums like Reddit's r/CompTIA
5. Take practice tests until you're consistently scoring 85%+
Regarding IT bootcamps online, they can be good but they're expensive ($3k-$15k). I'd recommend trying free resources first to see if you enjoy the material before investing that much money.
Great advice from both CareerPathfinder and NetworkNinja. I'll add a slightly different perspective - consider starting with ITIL Foundation if you're interested in how IT services are delivered in organizations. It's not technical like A+, but it's highly valued by employers and gives you business context.
For your IT certification roadmap, here's a sample progression for someone completely new:
Month 1-3: CompTIA A+ (2 exams)
Month 4-6: CompTIA Network+
Month 7-9: CompTIA Security+
Month 10-12: Choose a specialization (cloud, security, networking)
This would give you a strong foundation in about a year with consistent study. Each of these certifications costs around $250-$350, so budget $1,000-$1,500 for exam fees.
For IT training courses online, I recommend checking if your local library offers free access to LinkedIn Learning or similar platforms. Many libraries have partnerships that give you free access to premium training content.
Also, don't forget about professional development in IT - things like communication skills, project management basics, and understanding business needs will make you much more employable.
I want to mention cloud fundamentals certifications as another option for entry-level IT certifications. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals are both designed for beginners and don't require prior technical experience.
These cloud certifications are becoming increasingly relevant as more companies adopt cloud technologies. They're also relatively affordable - around $100 each - and the study time is shorter than something like A+ (maybe 4-6 weeks of part-time study).
The advantage of starting with cloud fundamentals is that it positions you for the future. Even if you start in a traditional IT support role, having cloud knowledge will make you stand out and open doors to cloud roles later.
For IT exam preparation for these cloud certs, the official learning paths on AWS/Azure websites are free and quite good. You can supplement with YouTube tutorials and practice exams from sites like Tutorials Dojo.
One thing to consider about how to start a career in IT is whether you want to work for a large corporation, a small business, or a tech company. Each has different certification preferences and career paths.
As someone who hires IT staff, I'll give you the employer perspective on entry-level IT certifications. We definitely look for A+ or similar foundational certs when hiring help desk or junior tech roles. It shows you have basic knowledge and are serious about the field.
What makes candidates stand out, though, is when they have practical experience to go with the certifications. Set up a home lab - you can get an old computer for free or cheap and install Linux, Windows Server evaluation copies, etc. Document what you build and problems you solve.
For IT training courses online, I recommend focusing on ones that include hands-on labs. Theory is important, but being able to actually do the work is what gets you hired.
Regarding IT bootcamps online, be careful - some are great, others are overpriced. Look for ones with strong job placement rates and alumni networks. And always check if they offer financing options or income share agreements rather than requiring huge upfront payments.
The best IT certifications for entry-level are the ones that get you that first job. Once you're in, you can build experience and pursue more advanced certifications with employer support.
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