Starting a career in Information Technology (IT) can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. With so many areas to choose from, you’ll need to equip yourself with the right skills to shine in the competitive job market. For those just getting started, earning entry-level IT certifications is a great way to prove your abilities and lay the groundwork for your career. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best entry-level IT certifications that are worth considering as you step into the industry.
CompTIA A+
One of the most esteemed entry-level IT certifications is CompTIA A+, which covers IT skills like hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, and basic problem solving. It’s perfect for individuals aiming to start a career in IT support, help desk services, or as computer technicians.
Recommended Study Material:
- All-in-One CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide: This book thoroughly covers the CompTIA A+ certification exam. It offers practice problems and exam advice and covers all the exam’s objectives.
- CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide[KP1]
- Practice tests for the CompTIA A+ certification[KP2] : These tests replicate the real exam and offer detailed explanations of the right and wrong answers.
CompTIA Network+
Tailored for aspiring network administrators and IT support specialists, CompTIA Network+ offers an in-depth study of network technologies, protocols, security measures, and management practices. This certification will help you establish a footing in networking and pave the way for roles in network administration, network engineering, or network support.
Recommended Study Material:
- CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide
- CompTIA Official Study Guide
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice
- Network+ [KP3] Certification Exam Objectives from CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
This certification focuses on cybersecurity competencies and knowledge. It includes subjects like network security, cryptography, access control, and risk management and is perfect for IT professionals just starting out in cybersecurity or those wanting to secure their grasp on security principles.
Recommended Study Material:
- CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide
- CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
- Darril Gibson’s Get Certified Get Ahead” Security+ Study Guide
- Security+ Certification Exam Objectives from CompTIA[KP4]
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification lays a foundation for anyone venturing into the Microsoft technology arena. MTA offers certification tracks including software development, database administration, and infrastructure management. This beginner-level certification helps you build an understanding of core concepts and technologies, setting the stage for advanced Microsoft certifications later.
Recommended Study Material:
ITIL Foundation
The ITIL Foundation certification serves as a step into IT service management. It concentrates on the basics of ITIL, the established framework for overseeing IT services. This certification is suitable for professionals who want to comprehend and apply practices in IT service management within their organizations.
Recommended Study Material:
- ITIL4 Foundation Complete Certification Kit
- ITIL4 Essentials: Your Essential Guide for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam
Entry-level IT certifications are useful for newcomers entering the IT domain. They confirm your skills and knowledge and lay a strong foundation for earning more certifications and advancing your career.
When deciding on a beginner-level certification, think about what you enjoy, where you want your career to go, and what the industry demands. Investing in the above certifications can start you off on the right foot on your IT career path.
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