Becoming certified in your field is a meaningful way to demonstrate your expertise and skills in a specific area. Proof of specialization is especially important across the information technology industry. With fast-evolving systems and protocols, it’s important businesses keep an eye out for competent new hires.
Some of the best IT certifications for beginners revolve around modern specifics, including mobile devices, security assessment, adopting cloud services, and other elements involving computer systems.
These credentials can help set you apart from the competition, enhancing your resume and making you more attractive to employers. In some cases, they may even help raise your salary potential. As your career progresses, you can look into more advanced certifications to further your professional growth.
Of course, it’s best to focus on the more generic credentials that will help you break into the industry at the starting level. Keep reading for information on the credentials needed to get started in IT, whether you’re a new graduate or interested in a career change.
[toc]How to Get Into IT
It’s not surprising to learn that IT remains one of the fastest-growing occupations to date. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, computer and information technology occupations are expected to increase by 11 percent between 2019 and 2029.
Individuals interested in getting involved in this wave should sign up for IT courses to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Individuals are encouraged to explore different areas of IT to see what kind of technical skills they are strongest in.
From there, they can go on to pursue some real-life experience. Upon completion, individuals will have the skills required for many entry-level positions, including junior network administrators, network field technicians, and web developers.
Of course, certification can help expedite this process. Experts agree that becoming certified demonstrates entry-level employees possess the necessary skills to perform their job. Furthermore, IT certifications allow individuals with experience but no schooling to communicate to prospective employers that they are qualified professionals within the field.
Employees who have worked in the sector for a long time can demonstrate specific knowledge. At the same time, those seeking to move into a new specialty or concentration can use certification to demonstrate their readiness.
5 Entry-Level IT Certifications with No Experience
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) is a well-recognized certification across the IT industry. Certification prep revolves around Cisco Unified Computing systems and servers.
Before passing the test, you must first complete the Cisco Data Center System Device Support (DCTECH) v2.0 course. Data Center networking fundamentals, field service, and equipment replacement, and how to identify Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) component models, accessory cabling, and interfaces are all covered in this course.
Cisco routers, switches, and operating environments are also covered under the CCT Routing and Switching certification. After completing the certification exam, individuals can choose to advance their position by pursuing more advanced titles, including the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
The ITF+ certification is targeted towards individuals looking to start a career in the IT industry or change jobs. The test is designed to verify fundamental IT skills and better understand what industry work entails.
Looking for more information on the CompTIA Certifications? The IT Network Specialist Certificate Program at ICOHS College will help students attain the necessary skills to pass various industry certifications including Comptia A+, Comptia Network+, and Comptia Security+.
Networking, infrastructure, IT concepts and terminology, applications and software, security, database foundations, and software development are all covered in the certification test. It’s also an excellent place to start if you want to pursue CompTIA certifications further, but it’s not required for other certifications.
CompTIA Security +
As security becomes an increasingly essential element of information technology, the CompTIA Security+ certification remains an excellent option for beginners. Network, systems, and security analysts, security experts, junior IT auditors, security consultants, and security engineers can benefit from earning this specific credential.
Threats, assaults, and vulnerabilities are covered, as well as risk management, architecture and design, technology and tools, encryption and public key infrastructure, and identity and access management are covered throughout the certification process.
Earning the Security+ certification will demonstrate to employers that the individual can install and configure systems to keep applications, networks, and devices secure while adhering to compliance regulations.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Microsoft created it as an entry-level certification for employees new to the IT sector or who want to change jobs. Infrastructure, databases, and development are all covered under this credential.
The test can help kickstart a career in information technology, emphasizing databases, hardware, software, or infrastructure. It covers everything a junior IT auditor, systems, network, or security administrator needs to know.
PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Project Management Institute’s CAPM credential is highly recognized for project management (PMI). You don’t have to be a project manager to sit for the CAPM, though it is true that many IT positions require project management skills to oversee technical projects.
Before taking the test, you must complete at least 23 hours of project management education, which can be accomplished by taking PMI’s Project Management Basics course.
PMI created the course to help you prepare for the CAPM certification test, and it covers the project management concepts and abilities you’ll need to work in IT project management.
What is the Best Certificate for Higher Paid Positions?
According to industry insiders, more than 85% of IT workers have a certification, and 66% want to obtain a new one this year. Their estimates suggest that with each qualification earned, the typical IT income rises.
IT workers with one or more certifications earn over six figures, while those with six or more earn an additional $10,000. Certifications in cloud computing and security seem to be most effective in increasing salary potential. Other certifications held by some of the top paid positions in IT include:
Google Cloud Professional (GCP) Cloud Architect
The Google Cloud Professional (GCP) Cloud Architect certification verifies your ability to collaborate across the organization using Google Cloud technologies and design, create, and manage scalable and secure cloud business solutions.
Develop the technical and professional skills needed to install, manage and troubleshoot software at ICOHS College. Learn more about our IT Systems Administrator program today.
Cloud architecture design and planning, administration, provisioning, and deployment are all covered in this test. You’ll also be judged on your ability to evaluate and improve business processes, with a nod towards security and compliance.
All Google Cloud certificates, unless otherwise stated, expire after two years from the date of receipt, and you must recertify to keep your position.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The ISACA CISM certification validates your knowledge in information security governance, program creation and management, risk and incident management, and risk and incident management.
The certification is for IT professionals dealing with or managing IT security in a business or organizational setting. You must have at least five years of prior information security experience to be eligible for the test within the last ten years.
The CISM certification is valid for five years and must be kept up to date by obtaining CPE credits.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential certifies a fundamental understanding of the AWS cloud, including its global infrastructure and architectural principles.
The test covers the AWS platform’s fundamental services, core security and compliance concerns, your ability to design billing models, account management, and pricing, and describe the basic or important aspects of AWS cloud-based applications.
You should have at least six months of AWS Cloud experience in any relevant job, as well as a fundamental grasp of IT services and how they are utilized in the AWS Cloud.
Conclusion
In addition to the certifications, individuals are encouraged to spend time on forums and job networking sites to help find entry-level positions in information technology. Those just starting out in the field are encouraged to build a portfolio to demonstrate their skills and credentials.
Self-education is also an essential component of information technology. Keep up to date with new practices and potential employers.
If you are interested in getting your foot in the door, ICOHS College can help. We offer a range of degree programs to prepare students for successful careers in information technology. The knowledge and skills gained will also prepare students for the following industry certifications:
Scholarships and title IV funding are available to help students cover the cost of their education. Speak to one of our representatives at (858) 581-9460 or email us for more information on financial assistance.
Career counseling is offered to all enrolled students. Even after graduation, students can access and enjoy our job placement assistance program.
ICOHS College is accredited by the ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education, accet.org). To learn more about ICOHS College accreditations and licenses, visit our accreditation page.
FAQ
Which IT certification is the easiest?
While all certifications require serious study time, the CompTIA Network+ Certification is said to require the most manageable amount of information. Subjects can be easily reinforced through hands-on practice and self-study.
Can you get an IT job with just certifications?
Not all IT jobs require a college degree. Having certifications demonstrates to employers that your skills alone are adequate for you to perform job duties effectively. IT is one of few industries where know-how and hands-on ability outweigh a diploma.
What is the best IT certification to get?
Deciding on which IT certification to pursue depends on your motivation for doing so. If you’re looking to break into the field, the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) or CompTIA Fundamentals+ ( ITF+) are your best options.
If, however, you’re hoping the certification will help boost your salary potential, stick to the AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications.
