Which certification is best for IT professionals?

Why Certifications Matter in IT

Starting out in information technology can feel overwhelming with all the different certification options available. While there's no single "best" certification that fits everyone, certain IT certifications have become trusted tools for career advancement. The right certification can unlock job opportunities and higher pay. Let's talk about which certifications work best for IT professionals at different career stages.

Top Entry-Level IT Certifications

For newcomers to IT, the CompTIA A+ certification stands out as one of the most practical first steps. This credential teaches core IT concepts like hardware, operating systems, and basic networking that you'll need in most IT roles. The A+ certification requires passing two exams, but you don't need any prior experience to take them. Many employers trust the A+ as proof that you understand IT fundamentals, making it easier to land that first help desk or technical support position.

Another solid choice for beginners is the CompTIA Tech+ (formerly called the CompTIA ITF+). If you find yourself struggling with the concepts in the A+, taking a step back and taking the easier and more introductory Tech+ is a great option. Tech+ is targetted at true beginners in the tech field, and was introduced to help learners who struggled with starting right at the CompTIA A+ certification. After knocking out Tech+, moving onto the A+ is the typical next step.

Mid-Level Certifications for Career Growth

Once you have some IT experience, getting certified in specific technologies can push your career forward. The Cisco Certified Network (CCNA) certification is highly valued for networking roles. While it focuses on Cisco products, the concepts you learn apply broadly since Cisco runs in many company networks. The CCNA can lead to better-paying network administrator and engineer positions. If you are still new to networking concepts, try for the CompTIA Network+ and see how you feel about the topics before trying for the CCNA. The Network+ is a vendor-neutral and easier certification, but is less renowned in the networking space than CCNA.

For those interested in cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ certification offers a respected path forward. Security skills are in high demand, and this certification tells employers you understand key security concepts and best practices. While you don't technically need previous certifications for Security+, having the Network+ and some IT work experience first makes the material much easier to grasp. If you find you enjoy cybersecurity, CompTIA offers several higher and expert level security certifications like the new SecurityX, PenTest+ and CySA+.

Cloud Certifications Are Growing

Cloud computing skills have become essential in modern IT, and cloud certifications can transform your career prospects. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification provides a good introduction to cloud concepts using Amazon Web Services, the most popular cloud platform. For those working with Microsoft technologies, the Azure Fundamentals certification offers similar benefits. These cloud certifications don't require previous experience, but some basic IT knowledge helps.

If you aren't sure which cloud vendor you'd like to start with, you can check out the CompTIA Cloud+ which is a vendor neutral cloud certification. One thing to keep in mind however, is that companies tend to go "all in" on a particular cloud vendor. Having a vendor-specific certification is very likely to help you job seeking, but the hard part is deciding which one to choose from between AWS, Azure and GCP.

The real value of cloud certifications comes at the professional level. The AWS Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Administrator certifications can lead to roles paying well above entry-level IT positions. Cloud skills are so needed that many companies will pay for employees to get certified. While these certifications require more study time and hands-on experience, the investment in your career makes them worth pursuing once you're ready to focus on a specialty.