IT certifications are great tools for verifying levels of knowledge, as well as enriching your CV and expanding your opportunities to find a job. At the same time, for those ones who start working in the IT industry, acquiring the certification can become the comparative advantage and can even potentially increase the salary. Here are seven of the best entry-level IT certifications to kickstart your career in tech:
1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP)
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner will be suitable for beginners who have little understanding of cloud computing. It includes fundamental areas such as cloud fundamentals, the architecture, the core services of AWS, security, cost, and services pricing. Ideally, the candidate would have at least six months of experience working with the AWS environments.
- Exam fee: $100
- Ideal for: Aspiring cloud practitioners, IT generalists, and professionals new to AWS.
2. CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ itself is one of the most recognized certifications in the world for entry-level IT staff. It covers areas such as problem-solving, identifying issues, analyzing numerous IT systems, and so on. This certification is designed for the support specialist, help desk technician, and IT field service.
- Exam fee: $232 per exam (two exams required).
- Ideal for: Help desk technicians, IT support specialists, and field technicians.
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
If planning for a CEH certification, then it turns you into an expert with the ability to analyze risks and secure systems against possible threats. This is an elementary-level certification largely popular with those who wish to enter the cyber security profession.
- Exam fee: Starting at $2,399 (self-paced video course option).
- Ideal for: Aspiring ethical hackers, cybersecurity professionals, and IT security enthusiasts.
4. Google Cloud Digital Leader
This certification proves that you can work with Google Cloud services and understand how to integrate them to various business flows. This is an entry-level certification, which is ideal for anyone who wants to start a career in cloud computing.
- Exam fee: $99
- Ideal for: Entry-level cloud engineers, IT professionals exploring Google Cloud, and digital transformation advocates.
5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
If you are into project management and more specifically agile methodologies, then the Certified ScrumMaster is a nice certification to get. It just makes you understand more about Scrum practices and makes you a worthwhile member in any agile team out there.
- Exam fee: Ranges from $250 to $2,495 depending on course format.
- Ideal for: Aspiring Scrum Masters, business analysts, and project managers.
6. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA certification studies networking basics, connection security, and networking automation. It is good for ‘start ups’ for those who want to build careers in networking.
- Exam fee: $300
- Ideal for: Network administrators, help desk technicians, and entry-level network engineers.
7. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is one of the most beginner-friendly certifications out in the cybersecurity field. It includes information security basics like threats, vulnerabilities, risk, and risks management, cryptography, etc.
- Exam fee: $392
- Ideal for: Junior IT auditors, security consultants, and security engineers.
Why Pursue an IT Certification?
- Marketability: Certification makes you stand out from other contenders for the same job.
- Higher Pay: Certified professionals often command higher salaries.
- Skill Validation: Certifications validate your expertise and commitment to professional growth.
Tips for Success
- Understand Exam Objectives: Ensure you learn about the topics covered in the certification.
- Take Practice Tests: These will assist in determining your level of preparedness and the areas that require-enhancement.
- Leverage Online Resources: Prepare yourself for the exam using study guides, forums and online courses.
Conclusion
Entry-level IT certifications are stepping stones to a successful career in technology. They offer you the basics and assurance you require to establish yourself in this constantly evolving arena. Begin your certification journey now and get ready to explore favorable IT professional jobs.
