When you’re getting started in your IT career, it can be hard to figure out which certification is best for you. In this article, we break down some of the best options for you!
Trying to move up the IT employment ladder with no accredited certifications, while not impossible, is incredibly difficult, and in the modern competitive job market is becoming less and less likely.
While or some entry level IT roles, practical experience may be enough, to truly progress as a newbie in your field of expertise, certification and qualifications are essential.
Therefore, in this article we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best beginner IT certifications, which will help you to take that next step forward in your chosen computing career.
For the purposes of this article, a beginner is defined as someone with less than 2 years practical experience, or an individual with sound basic IT knowledge, but no formal certification.
Beginner Certification Options
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ – This certification is the ideal start for budding IT professionals with a very basic level of understanding of PC functions and compatibility, hardware and software basics, networking, IT security, and other similar technology topics. It also works well for those seeking a start to a career change.
This course is designed to build on this basic knowledge, consolidating and raising it to a sound industry standard. To earn the certificate, participants need only successfully complete one exam.
CompTIA A+ – Known amongst those in the IT profession as a rite of passage for any IT technicians worth their salt, this comprehensive certification is tailor-made for anyone looking to become a technician, be this for a help desk, service center, or general IT support.
This certification crams in a lot of essential topics, including what is standard for most entry-level courses, such as computing hardware, installing software, and configuring systems. This certification is also designed to work perfectly with its more advanced courses, such as Network+ and Security+, as it offers an introduction to basic networking and security skills, making A+ a perfect springboard into further learning.
CompTIA A+ is a popular certification, with over a million working professionals holding the accreditation to date. Because of this, many big-name computing companies such as Intel, HP, and Dell, require this qualification as standard for their service technicians. It may also be of interest to those with loftier goals, that the A+ Certification is also recognized by the DoD.
To receive certification, participants need to successfully pass the core 1 and core 2 exams.
MTA: Intro to Programming – This certification is ideal for new professionals looking to specialize in programming, and is an entry level qualification offered by Microsoft Visual studio. The certification aims to build a sound foundation of knowledge in programming areas such as software development and HTML programming. Because of this, it is a great first step in any programmer’s journey. This introduction incorporates two Microsoft certifications, 40361 Software Development Fundamentals and 40375 HTML5 App Development Fundamentals, making this course a valuable package deal for beginners with potentially lower funds to invest.
Certification is given to participants once they have successfully completed the two exams required.
MSCA: Windows 10 – This course may be considered to be more suited to beginners with slightly more practical and theoretical experience than complete novices, but does offer a great foundation to those whom are intending to join a business that utilizes Windows 10 at its core.
This course encompasses a lot of information, including the Microsoft courses listed below:
- MD-100T01: Installing Windows 10
- MD-100T02: Configuring Windows 10
- MD-100T03: Protecting Windows 10
- MD-100T04: Maintaining Windows 10
- MD-101T01: Deploying the Modern Desktop
- MD-101T02: Managing Modern Desktops and Devices
- MD-101T03: Protecting Modern Desktops and Devices
Through studying these courses, participants will learn the ins and outs of Windows 10, including how to install, configure its many facets, and update the system as well as manage, support, and troubleshoot the system once it is up and running.
This course makes a great choice for aspiring technicians, system administrators, and security professionals working with Windows 10, and can offer a strong Windows-accredited springboard to an individual’s career. To successfully achieve certification, participants are required to successfully complete and pass two examinations.
Why Gain Certifications?
There are many other entry-level certifications which an IT professional can take to begin their career journey, such as the Cisco series of qualifications, but why spend your money and time on certification in the first place? Hands on experience is great, and no business or employer will ever want less experience from their applicants, but certification proves to them the level of your abilities.
Certification from an accredited body is a company’s guarantee that you are as skilled as you say you are, and also provides a yardstick for employers to measure applicants against.
In terms of what participants can gain, the benefits are exponential. Beginners not only gain the knowledge they need to succeed, but also the confidence they need to thrive.
While the cost of some certifications may appear at first to be a difficult pill to swallow, remember that you are making an investment in yourself and your future, and that each step up that career ladder often comes with both financial and career benefits which will far exceed your initial outlay.