Are you new to the IT field and hoping to advance your knowledge and abilities to advance your career? Earning IT certifications is one of the finest methods to establish credibility and show off your knowledge. Certifications not only confirm your abilities but also set you apart from the competition and provide doors for professional progress. The finest IT certifications for beginners that may jumpstart your career are covered in this post by IT Exams . Let’s get going!
Benefits Of IT Certifications
1. Reputable experience
IT certifications give professionals a way to prove their expertise to potential employers. According to R. Brooks, a senior database developer who holds a Microsoft certification, these credentials provide a standard of knowledge that applies not only to the sector but also to the entire globe.
2. Job security and employability
Certifications demonstrate a professional’s dedication to lifelong learning in addition to validating their professional knowledge. This is important to employers. 91 percent of recruiting managers look at certificates when assessing potential applicants, according to a 2012 Microsoft research. Another 86% of respondents indicated they thought IT certifications were very important or somewhat important.
3. Higher salaries
Although they may not always result in wage rises, IT certifications may nevertheless pay off in spades. A 2010 IBM survey found that professionals with project management or IT certifications over the previous five years made $5,242 more on average than their non-certified colleagues. Remember that salaries often differ from one certification and area to another. More information on the worth of particular certificates in particular geographic markets may be found through a variety of places.
4. Networking
IT certification holders belong to a club of their own, and membership has advantages. According to IBM, certain networking groups and gatherings are run by particular companies, while others are started by enthusiastic professionals online or through conference networks. According to IBM, certified individuals could also have a stronger online presence. For people seeking new career prospects or assistance with certain initiatives, any of these networks may be valuable.
5. Career flexibility
Many IT workers hold several certificates, according to Pearson IT Certification, which provides tools and resources for certification training. These certificates assist to diversify their talents as well as honing and certify their current ones. For people who might desire to change directions in their careers, this may offer new avenues. A professional rut, in Brooks’ opinion, may be cured by skill diversity.
Top IT Certifications for Beginners
Below, we compile a list of the top IT certifications for beginners. Let’s take a look, shall we?
CompTIA A+
One of the most popular certifications for thorough entry-level exposure to IT is CompTIA A+. Those who complete the certification examinations will be prepared to address fundamental problems with mobile devices, operating systems, networking, and security. For the CompTIA A+ certification, two examinations are necessary.
The CompTIA A+ offers an overview of the IT industry. Then, by acquiring experience or earning pertinent certifications, many IT workers can continue on to specialize in a particular area of IT, such as networks, security, or cloud computing.
The fee is $232 for each exam, a total of $464
Jobs to consider include system support expert, associate network engineer, desktop support administrator, service desk analyst, and technical support specialist.
Two certification tests are necessary. The examinations have no requirements, however, CompTIA advises having nine to twelve months of practical experience.
Following completion of the CompTIA A+ exam, students may pursue other CompTIA certifications such as Security+ or Network+ or certifications from other organizations such as the CCNA.
Cisco CCNA
The foundational concepts of IT networking issues are covered by the associate-level CCNA certification. Network accessibility, IP connectivity, and IP services are all included. Due to Cisco’s dominance in the networking industry, despite the fact that this certification is not vendor-neutral and will only evaluate your knowledge of Cisco tools and solutions, network experts still choose it. The CCNA certification just needs one test to be passed.
The fee for the exam is $300.
Jobs that might be available include network specialist, administrator, systems administrator, and network engineer.
Passing one certification test is necessary. There are no requirements for the test, however, Cisco advises having a year of networking instruction and experience.
Following the CCNA, students can pursue more specialized network certifications such as the Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos) or the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification is an entry-level certification that validates your knowledge and understanding of networking fundamentals. It is ideal for beginners who want to learn about networking concepts and technologies and how to configure and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches.
The certification exam covers topics such as networking fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance. Earning the CCENT certification can provide several benefits for beginners in the IT industry. It can help you gain credibility and recognition, demonstrate your networking skills and knowledge, and enhance your career opportunities.
The CCENT certification exam is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 45-55 questions. The exam duration is 90 minutes, and the passing score is 825 out of 1000. The exam fee varies by country and region and typically ranges from $125 to $300.
To prepare for the CCENT certification exam, you can enroll in CCENT certification training courses offered by Cisco Learning Partners. The training courses cover networking fundamentals, Cisco routers and switches, and hands-on experience with networking equipment.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
You can carry out fundamental security tasks thanks to the CompTIA Security+ certification. The certification will cover topics including wireless security, physical security, and encryption. One exam is necessary. You can pursue more specialized security certificates, such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or the more prestigious Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), if you’re interested in a career in IT security.
According to the 2022 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there are 4.7 million individuals employed worldwide in the security industry. In addition to this substantial global workforce, the survey also found a “gap of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers worldwide.” Check out additional well-known cybersecurity credentials if you’re interested in the field.
The exam costs $370.
Jobs that might be available include network administrator, security analyst, security expert, security consultant, and security engineer.
There is just one certification test necessary. There are no requirements, however, CompTIA advises obtaining the Network+ certification and two years of IT management experience.
Candidates can pursue further security certifications after earning the Security+, such as the ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or the ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP). For people who will be working with Microsoft products, the Microsoft basics certificates are an excellent entry-level qualification because they assess key technological abilities. Since more than half of questioned IT decision-makers worldwide said that their organizations will invest in Microsoft technology, understanding Microsoft products is likely to be a talent in demand. This is according to research by Global Knowledge. The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certificates were superseded by the Fundamentals certifications on June 30, 2021.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
A beginner-level certification that attests to your proficiency in IT assistance, troubleshooting, and customer care is the Google IT assistance Professional Certificate. You may prepare for entry-level IT support employment by participating in this online class, which can teach you the fundamentals of IT support.
Five courses make up the certification program, and they include subjects including hardware, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security. The course gives you practical experience in identifying and fixing technical problems, and it gets you ready to take the CompTIA A+ certification test.
For newcomers to the IT sector, earning the Google IT Support Professional Certificate might provide a number of advantages. You may demonstrate your technical assistance expertise, get credibility and recognition, and improve your career chances.
You must finish the final capstone project and all five courses in order to receive the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You can finish the self-paced courses in around six months. For those who qualify, financial help is available; the program charge is $49 per month.
You may register in Google’s online courses through Coursera to be ready for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. The courses include quizzes, practical tasks, and video lectures to assess your comprehension.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
A beginner-level certification that verifies your comprehension of Scrum methodology and Agile practices is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation. Beginners who are curious about project management and want to learn how to manage projects using Agile approaches should find it to be the perfect resource. The Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports the adoption of Scrum, an Agile paradigm for managing big projects, grants the certification.
Your knowledge and comprehension of Scrum’s guiding principles, beliefs, and practices are validated by the CSM certification. Additionally, it indicates your capacity for scrum team management, leadership, and process implementation.
You must enroll in a two-day CSM training session provided by a qualified Scrum trainer in order to obtain the CSM certification. Topics including the Scrum framework, roles & responsibilities, Scrum events, and artifacts are covered in the program.
You must pass an online test with a minimum score of 24 out of 35 questions after finishing the program. The exam is open-book and may be retaken as many as necessary.
You can engage in a CSM training course provided by a qualified Scrum trainer or through online learning platforms to get ready for the CSM certification. Working on Agile projects or taking part in Scrum events in your company or community are other ways to obtain actual Scrum experience.
ITIL Foundation Certification
Your knowledge and comprehension of IT service management (ITSM) are validated by the entry-level ITIL Foundation Certification. It is perfect for newcomers who want to learn about frameworks and best practices for ITSM as well as how to raise the caliber and effectiveness of IT services.
The ITIL framework, service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, and continuous service improvement are among the subjects covered in the certification test.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
An entry-level certification that verifies your knowledge of network security and ethical hacking is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) designation. Beginners who wish to learn about security risks, vulnerabilities, and how to protect networks and systems from cyberattacks will find it to be the perfect resource. Topics including network security, penetration testing, and ethical hacking techniques are included in the certification exam.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
One of the most sought-after areas of IT today is cloud computing, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is now the most popular cloud platform globally. Learning the AWS platform might thus provide you an advantage in this expanding sector. Of all the AWS certificates, the AWS Cloud Practitioner is the most basic.
For those just starting out in IT, the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification might be an excellent way to help you obtain the fundamental understanding of AWS. The associate-level AWS certification, which is a step above the practitioner certification, is required for many cloud-related employment. The associate-level AWS Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, or Developer certifications may be a better fit for you if you already have a year of AWS experience. Other cloud certifications, such as the Google Associate Cloud Engineer or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, are options as well.
The fee for the exam is $100.
Jobs in cloud engineering include cloud engineer, cloud architect, cloud developer, and cloud engineer.
There are no requirements for the test, although Amazon advises having at least a fundamental knowledge of AWS services and applications, as well as about six months of exposure to AWS.
AWS Certified Developer or AWS Certified Solutions Architect certifications are more advanced options after earning the AWS Cloud Practitioner credential.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized certification that validates your knowledge and skills in information security. It is ideal for beginners who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity and information security. The certification exam covers topics such as security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, and network security. This certificate is also one of the best cyber security certifications in the IT world!
Certified Data Professional (CDP)
The Certified Data Professional (CDP) certification is a foundational credential that verifies your data administration and analytical know-how. Beginners who wish to learn about database design, data warehousing, and data analytics will find it to be quite helpful. The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), a nonprofit organization that supports the advancement of IT professionals, bestows the certification.
You must fulfill specific qualifying conditions and succeed on a challenging exam in order to obtain the CDP certification. A bachelor’s degree or higher in a comparable discipline and at least two years of professional experience in the field of data management are required for eligibility.
Data modeling, data warehousing, data quality, and data governance are just a few of the several facets of data management that are covered in the thorough CDP exam. Computer-based multiple-choice questions make up the test.
The ICCP also provides additional certification programs, such as Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), in addition to the CDP certification.
How to Choose the Right Certification for You
Choosing the right certification can be difficult, especially for those who are new to the IT industry. Several recommendations should be taken into account in order to help you make the best decision. Identifying your job goals and interests is essential first. The certification itself and its requirements must also be thoroughly researched. The certification’s standing and acceptance within the sector should also be evaluated. It’s important to take into account the time commitment and cash outlay required to earn the certification. A certification’s possible salary range and employment possibilities may also be evaluated, which might yield insightful information. Last but not least, consulting mentors and pros in your field may provide insightful advice on how to make a wise choice.
FAQs
Are IT certifications worth it for beginners?
In order to confirm your knowledge and abilities, boost your reputation and recognition, and open up professional growth chances, IT certifications are indeed worthwhile for novices.
How do I choose the right IT certification for me?
To select the best IT certification, examine your career objectives and interests, the certification’s criteria, the cost and time involved, the employment prospects and wages, and the opinion of experts in the field.
Are online IT certifications valid?
Yes, as long as they come from reputable, well-known suppliers and adhere to industry standards, online IT certificates are genuine.
Can I earn multiple IT certifications?
Definitely! Multiple IT certifications boost an IT professional’s depth and breadth of knowledge, enhancing their flexibility, marketability, and employability. As an IT professional, you may be aware of the idea of cross-certifying, which involves earning various IT certifications that attest to similar abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a journey to earn IT certifications as a beginning might be a game-changing move toward a prosperous career in the always-developing field of technology. Insights on the many certifications that are accessible and their importance in the job market today have been supplied by this guide. Beginners may position themselves as competitive candidates in the IT business by making the proper certification choices and devoting time and effort to learning the required skills and information. There are several advantages to acquiring an IT certification, including improved career possibilities, higher earning potential, and chances for professional development.
Finally, novices may confidently make their way towards a lucrative IT profession by employing the knowledge presented in this guide on IT certifications for beginners and utilizing the tools accessible.
