7 Best Entry-level IT Certifications To Launch Your Career

7 best entry-level IT certifications to launch your career

Certifications lend credibility to your resume and can increase your marketability to recruiters and hiring managers. And, at the entry-level, they're an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other candidates — and potentially increase your pay.

As your career progresses, you'll want to consider obtaining additional advanced certifications to further your professional development. By then, you'll know which specialties to pursue and which skills you'll need to succeed in your chosen career path. However, at the entry level, it is preferable to stick to more generic certifications that will assist you in getting your foot in the door.

Here are seven IT certifications to jumpstart your career, whether you recently graduated or are considering a career change.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching

Cisco previously offered several distinct CCNA certifications, but recently consolidated all CCNA certifications into a single CCNA certification. The new CCNA certification validates your network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.

The CCNA certification is intended to cover a "broad range of fundamentals based on the latest technologies, software development skills, and job roles." It is an entry-level certification designed to familiarize you with the latest IT fundamentals in order to launch your career.

Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) credential verifies your ability to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace mission-critical Cisco networking and system devices on customer premises. CCT is available in two flavors: data center or routing and switching.

The CCT Data Center certification is intended for individuals who are responsible for the support and maintenance of Cisco Unified Computing systems and servers. It is intended for field support engineers who support Cisco data center system hardware and software. Before you can pass the exam, you must complete the course Supporting Cisco Data Center System Devices (DCTECH) v2.0. The course covers the fundamentals of data center networking, field servicing, and equipment replacement, as well as the identification of Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) component models, accessories, cabling, and interfaces.

The CCT Routing and Switching certification validates an individual's ability to provide on-site support and maintenance for Cisco routers, switches, and operating environments. It is intended for technical support personnel on-site and other support personnel who work with Cisco Data Center Solutions. You must first complete the course Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices before sitting for the exam (RSTECH). The self-paced online course introduces networking fundamentals, Cisco's outer and switch models, Cisco IOS software operation modes, and the Cisco command line interface (CLI).

Comp TIA A+

CompTIA A+ is designed for support specialists; field service technicians, desktop support analysts, and help desk support. If you're looking for work in a related field, this is an excellent entry-level certification that is highly regarded in the industry. The certification is divided into two exams: one on mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting; and another on installing and configuring operating systems, expanding security, and troubleshooting software and operational procedures.

The certification attests to your ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to networking, operating systems, mobile devices, and security. The certification focuses on validating nine critical IT skills, including hardware, operating systems, software troubleshooting, networking, security, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud computing, and operational procedures.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

The Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification covers the entire Microsoft 365 suite of products and services' fundamentals. The certification demonstrates that you are familiar with "the options available in Microsoft 365 and the benefits of cloud computing, the Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model, and implementing the Microsoft 365 cloud service."

The exam will require you to describe and explain cloud concepts, fundamental Microsoft 365 services and concepts, as well as Microsoft 365 security, compliance, privacy, and trust. Additionally, you will be assessed on your knowledge of Microsoft 365 products, services, and pricing models.

CompTIA Security+

Because security is a critical IT skill for any technology role, it's a good idea to start with the CompTIA Security+ certification. It is appropriate for network, system, and security administrators, as well as security specialists, junior information technology auditors, security consultants, and security engineers. In November, a new exam will be launched that is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and has been approved by the US Department of Defense to meet specific security requirements. CompTIA Network+ certification and at least two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus are recommended, but not required.

The 90-minute examination covers threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, risk management, architecture and design, technology and tools, cryptography and public key infrastructure (PKI), as well as identity and access management. Earning your Security+ certification demonstrates to employers that you possess the skills necessary to install and configure systems that ensure the security of applications, networks, and devices in accordance with applicable compliance laws.

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) program offers several entry-level beginner certifications that cover the fundamentals of information technology, such as mobility, JavaScript, Python, HTML and HTML5, CSS, networking, operating systems, Windows Server Administration, security, databases, and development.

The MTA certifications are intended for entry-level IT workers or those seeking to change careers in IT. The exam is designed to assist you in establishing your career path in information technology by allowing you to choose which areas to focus on. MTA certifications are an excellent starting point for anyone interested in a career as an IT auditor or as a systems, network, or security administrator.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) credential validates your ability to implement, monitor, and administer information technology infrastructure in accordance with industry best practices as defined by the (ISC)2. The certification is ideal for network security engineers, systems administrators, security analysts, systems engineers, security consultants, system and network administrators, and database administrators.

You must have at least one year of work experience in one or more of the seven domains, which include access controls, security operations and administration, risk identification and monitoring, incident response and recovery, cryptography, network and communications security, and systems and application security, to qualify. If you lack the required experience, you can sit for the Associate of (ISC)2 exam. If you pass the examination, you will have two years to complete the required year of experience. Additionally, you may be eligible to take the exam if you hold a degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer systems engineering, management information systems, or information technology from an accredited college or university or the equivalent. It's an excellent place to start if you want to broaden your expertise in cybersecurity.