For many beginners, earning your certification from a tech trade school program offers a faster, more focused alternative to an undergraduate degree. Instead of spending four years in school, you can build job-ready skills in under two years and then validate that knowledge with industry-recognized exams. These credentials help show employers that you understand the fundamentals and are ready to contribute from day one.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best IT certifications for beginners, explain what each one covers, and help you understand how they fit into real-world IT career paths.
Why IT Certifications Matter for Beginners
IT certifications play a major role in how employers evaluate candidates for entry-level roles. For hiring managers, certifications act as third-party validation that you understand essential technical concepts and can apply them in real situations. This is especially important for beginners who may not yet have years of on-the-job experience.
Many entry-level positions emphasize practical skills over academic credentials. Entry-level IT certifications help bridge that gap by proving you can troubleshoot common issues, understand how systems connect, and follow best practices.
Certifications also give beginners a clearer career path. Instead of guessing which skills matter most, you’ll follow standards set by major technology organizations and employers themselves.
Top Entry-Level Certifications You Should Target
When employers review resumes for entry-level IT roles, certain certifications appear again and again. These credentials focus on core skills that are essential for beginners and are commonly requested in job descriptions.
Below, we’ll walk through the best IT certifications for beginners, explain what skills they cover, and how they support sustainable career paths.
1. CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ certification training is widely considered the starting point for anyone new to IT. It’s often described as the “gold standard” among help desk certifications because it covers the foundational knowledge employers expect from entry-level candidates. This certification covers both hardware and software, teaching you to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve common technical issues.
For many employers hiring for computer support specialist jobs, CompTIA A+ signals that a candidate understands how computers, operating systems, and basic networks work together. It also shows familiarity with customer-facing support, a significant part of most entry-level IT roles.
Who Is This Certification For?
CompTIA A+ is ideal for:
- Absolute beginners with little to no IT background
- Career changers moving into technology
- Individuals aiming for roles like Help Desk Technician or Desktop Support Specialist
Because they focus on real-world troubleshooting, CompTIA certifications help beginners build confidence as they learn to think through technical problems step by step.
2. CompTIA Network+ Certification
Once you understand the basics of hardware and software, the next step is to learn how devices communicate. CompTIA Network+ focuses on the “plumbing” of IT systems, explaining how data moves between computers, servers, and the Internet. This certification is often recommended for those who want to grow beyond general support roles.
Network+ introduces core networking concepts that employers expect candidates to understand when supporting larger systems. It’s also a common requirement for those pursuing junior network or infrastructure-related positions.
Key Skills You Will Learn
With CompTIA Network+, beginners learn:
- IP addressing and subnetting basics
- Network security fundamentals
- Cabling, switches, and wireless networking
- Troubleshooting connectivity and performance issues
These skills help bridge the gap between entry-level support and more specialized paths, such as network administration. For many beginners, Network+ is a natural follow-up after completing CompTIA A+ certification training.
3. CompTIA Security+ Certification
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in IT, and CompTIA Security+ focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from common threats.
Security+ is especially valuable because it’s recognized across industries. Employers in sectors like healthcare, finance, and government often require it to meet compliance and data protection standards. Even for beginners, earning this certification demonstrates an understanding of security best practices that apply to nearly every IT role.
Why Employers Demand It
Employers value Security+ because it reflects knowledge of:
- Risk management and threat analysis
- Network and application security basics
- Identity management and access control
- Incident response concepts
As security concerns continue to grow, having this certification can strengthen an entry-level resume and open doors to more security-focused roles over time.
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate, or CCNA, is often considered a more advanced “beginner” certification. While it builds on general networking concepts, it dives deeper into Cisco-specific technologies, which power a large portion of enterprise networks worldwide.
Career Potential With CCNA
Earning a CCNA can help fast-track learners toward roles such as:
- Junior Network Engineer
- Network Support Technician
- Infrastructure Support Specialist
CompTIA Network+ vs CCNA
CCNA is commonly pursued after gaining a solid foundation with Network+. It requires a stronger technical understanding and is best suited for students who want to specialize in networking early in their careers. CCNA also focuses exclusively on hands-on Cisco environments.
5. Microsoft Fundamentals
Modern IT environments rely heavily on Microsoft technologies, making Microsoft Fundamentals certifications a valuable addition for beginners. Options like Azure Fundamentals and Microsoft 365 Fundamentals introduce learners to cloud computing, virtualization, and Windows-based systems.
As more businesses move servers and applications to the cloud, understanding platforms like Azure and Windows Server has become essential. These certifications help beginners understand how cloud services support everyday business operations and prepare them for advanced Microsoft or cloud-focused training.
How to Choose the Right IT Certification Path
With so many entry-level IT certifications available, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. A practical way to narrow your options is to look at what employers in your area are actually asking for. Local job boards often list required or preferred certifications directly in job descriptions.
Start by searching for roles like help desk technician, IT support specialist, or junior network technician. Pay attention to which certifications appear repeatedly. If you see CompTIA A+ mentioned across multiple listings, that’s a strong signal that it should be your starting point. If networking roles interest you, look for patterns that mention Network+ or CCNA.
Next, consider how certifications build on one another. Many beginners start with A+, then move into networking or security based on their interests. This step-by-step approach helps you build confidence while developing skills that align with long-term career goals in IT.
Fast-Track Your Certification Goals with Erie Institute of Technology (Erie, PA)
Preparing for certification exams takes more than memorizing terms or watching online videos. Success often comes from hands-on practice and guidance from instructors who understand how these skills are used on the job.
The IT Specialist Training Program at Erie Institute of Technology is designed to help students prepare for industry-recognized certifications while gaining real-world experience. Instead of learning concepts in isolation, students work with the same types of equipment and systems they’ll encounter in entry-level IT roles. This hands-on approach makes it easier to understand complex topics like networking, system configuration, and troubleshooting.
Beyond technical training, Erie Institute of Technology also supports students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Through career-focused resources and job placement assistance, students receive help polishing resumes, preparing for interviews, and connecting with local employers.
For those ready to take the first step toward a rewarding, in-demand career in IT, getting started is easy. Apply online today.