If you searched for best entry level it certifications, this page is the direct starting point before you branch into supporting or adjacent pages.
If you searched for best it certifications for beginners 2021, this page is the direct starting point before you branch into supporting or adjacent pages.
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This is the main decision page for beginners choosing a first IT certification in 2026. Use the support pages only after you know your target role.
Can a single certification exam under $150 help you land your first IT job in 2026? Yes, if you pick the right baseline cert first.
This page is for career changers, students, and self-taught beginners who need a clear first move into help desk, support, or junior cloud work. If you still want the broader starter list, use best IT certifications for beginners as a support page, not the lead decision page.
If you care about remote work later, treat best IT certifications for remote jobs as a second filter after you earn the first cert.
If you do not have a degree, best IT certifications without a degree in 2026 helps you avoid tracks that look good on paper but stall in hiring.
If you are torn between the two most common beginner starting points, compare Google IT Support vs CompTIA A+ in 2026 before you commit.
Here is the practical path: pick based on first job target, real cost, study time, and hiring signal.
Quick pick
Use this block to make the first call fast:
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Help desk or desktop support | CompTIA A+ | Best baseline for support hiring |
| A guided beginner path | Google IT Support | Easier ramp for true beginners |
| Cloud support on a low budget | AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner | Cheap, recognized, and fast to finish |
| Networking or NOC work | Network+ | Better fit for network fundamentals |
| Security later, not first | A support cert first, then Security+ | Security lands better after basics |
If you still need help choosing the order, use beginner IT certification paths after you narrow the first cert.
Who this guide is for
| If you are… | Best fit | Not fit / avoid |
|---|---|---|
| A career changer with no degree | CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support | Security+ as your first move |
| On a tight budget under $150 | AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner | Paying for a broad bootcamp before you know your target role |
| Trying to land help desk interviews fast | CompTIA A+ | Chasing advanced cloud or security certs first |
| Planning for remote work later | A first support cert now, remote filters second | Optimizing for location before you have a baseline credential |
Best fit and fastest path
The best entry-level IT certification is the one that matches your target role and gets you to interviews fastest. For most beginners, that means one recognized baseline cert, one practical lab, and one clear job title.
If you are still comparing support pages, keep them open, but let this page make the final call.
The fastest path usually looks like this:
- Pick one first cert from the shortlist below.
- Set an exam date within 8-12 weeks.
- Build a small home lab while you study.
- Apply to entry-level roles as soon as you can explain your choice clearly.
Fast paths by beginner profile
If you need the shortest path to interviews, the best first move is usually one of these:
- No degree and low budget: start with Google IT Support vs CompTIA A+ and pick the option that fits your time and cash flow, then return here to finalize the first cert.
- No degree but want stronger resume signaling: use best IT certifications without a degree in 2026 to shortlist the exams employers already recognize.
- Remote-work goal: keep best certifications for remote IT jobs open as your second-step filter after you finish the first exam.
Key definitions (read this first)
To make smart choices, it helps to define the terms clearly:
For more on this topic, see our guide on cloud certifications.
- Entry level IT certifications: beginner credentials designed for people with little or no professional IT experience (usually 0–1 years).
- Certification exam voucher: the fee you pay to sit for an exam (not always the full cost of preparing).
- Help desk / IT support role: front-line IT jobs focused on troubleshooting user issues (logins, devices, software, network basics).
- NOC (Network Operations Center) role: entry networking role focused on monitoring and maintaining network systems.
- SOC (Security Operations Center) role: security role focused on monitoring alerts and responding to threats.
- Home lab: a practice environment (local VM setup or cloud free tier) where you simulate real IT tasks safely.
- Timed mock exam: a practice test taken under real exam conditions (time limit + no notes).
- ROI (Return on Investment): whether the time/money spent on a cert improves your chances of getting hired and increasing pay.
Why should you get an entry-level IT certification first?
A first cert helps close the experience gap. It tells employers, “I know the basics and can learn fast.” For help desk, desktop support, and junior IT ops, that signal matters.
From what I’ve seen, recruiters often use certs as a quick filter. If two resumes look similar, the one with A+, AZ-900, or an aws certification usually gets the first screen.
A quick scan of LinkedIn and Indeed job posts shows this pattern:
- Help Desk Technician: “CompTIA A+ preferred”
- IT Support Specialist: “Google IT Support Certificate or equivalent experience”
- Junior IT Analyst: “Microsoft fundamentals certification is a plus”
But let’s be real. Certs don’t replace hands-on practice. They improve interview chances, not magic your way into a job. You still need practical reps: a home lab, ticketing simulations, and basic troubleshooting drills.
What employers actually look for in entry-level candidates
Employers usually want a mix, not one thing:
- One relevant certification (A+, AZ-900, AWS CCP, etc.)
- Basic troubleshooting skills (network, Windows, account lockouts, printer issues)
- Customer communication (clear updates, calm tone, good notes)
- Proof of practice (GitHub notes, lab screenshots, mini projects)
In my experience, the rookie mistake is over-studying theory and under-practicing common tickets.
Which entry level it certifications are best in 2026?
Not all it certifications give the same return at the start. Some are broad and hiring-friendly. Others are too advanced too early.
Here’s a simple shortlist for beginners:
- CompTIA A+: best all-around for help desk and desktop support
- CompTIA Network+: strong next step for networking/NOC interests
- CompTIA Security+: better after basics; key for security track
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP): good cloud baseline, low cost
- Microsoft AZ-900: great for Azure/cloud support fundamentals
- Google IT Support Certificate: beginner friendly, skills-first format
My judgment call: Security+ is often overrated as your first cert if you can’t do core support tasks yet. Learn basics first, then add security.
Use this table to choose your first certification
Costs are typical U.S. list prices and common market ranges in 2026; regional pricing, discounts, and bundles can change totals.
| Certification | Provider | Exam Cost (USD) | Study Time (weeks) | Best For | Typical Entry-Level Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ (Core 1 + Core 2) | CompTIA | ~$492 total | 8–12 | First IT support role | Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support |
| CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA | ~$369 | 8–12 | Networking basics | NOC Technician, Junior IT Ops |
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | ~$404 | 8–12 | Security baseline | Junior SOC Analyst, Security Support |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS | ~$100 | 4–6 | Cloud fundamentals | Cloud Support Associate, IT Support |
| Microsoft AZ-900 | Microsoft | ~$99 | 4–6 | Azure fundamentals | Junior Cloud/IT Support, Service Desk |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Google/Coursera | ~$49/month (no single exam voucher) | 6–12 | Guided beginner path | IT Support Specialist, Help Desk |
The trick is to shortlist 2–3 options based on your budget and target role, then pick one and commit.
How much do entry-level IT certifications cost and how long do they take?
Exam fee is only part of the budget. Most people spend more than they expect.
A realistic total cost includes:
- Exam voucher: $99–$492 depending on cert
- Training course: $0–$300 (free docs to paid courses)
- Practice tests: $20–$80
- Optional labs: $0–$100+
- Retake buffer: one extra exam fee just in case
Typical timelines:
- Fundamentals certs (AZ-900, AWS CCP): 4–6 weeks
- A+ or Network+ while working full-time: 8–12 weeks
- Security+ for true beginners: often 10–14 weeks unless you already know networking and systems
ROI can still be solid. Entry-level support roles often start around $40,000–$60,000 in many U.S. markets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports ongoing annual openings for computer support specialists, which supports this path as a practical first step.
Budget scenarios: minimum-cost plan vs guided-study plan
1) Minimum-cost plan (about $150–$220 total)
Best for tight budgets.
- AZ-900 ($99) or AWS CCP ($100)
- Free official study paths (Microsoft Learn or AWS Skill Builder)
- Free YouTube review + low-cost practice questions
- One exam attempt, no paid bootcamp
2) Guided-study plan (about $500–$900+)
Best if you want structure and accountability.
- A+ voucher(s) (~$492 total)
- Paid course bundle ($100–$300)
- Practice tests ($40–$80)
- Optional lab platform and retake cushion
So yes, that opening question is valid. You really can start with a sub-$150 exam path.
Follow this step-by-step plan to pass your first cert exam
A good plan beats motivation every time. Here’s a simple 8-week template you can copy.
Week 1
- Download official exam objectives
- Set exam date for Week 8
- Watch intro modules and build study notes
Week 2–3
- Cover first half of domains
- Do short quizzes daily
- Set up mini lab (VirtualBox or cloud free tier)
Week 4–5
- Finish remaining domains
- Practice ticket scenarios (password reset, DNS, network checks)
- Create a one-page weak-topics list
Week 6
- Take timed mock exam #1
- Review every wrong answer
- Re-study weak areas
Week 7
- Take timed mock exam #2
- Lab practice focused on weak domains
- Tighten test strategy (time management, flag-and-return)
Week 8
- Light review only
- Sleep well
- Take the exam
Trusted resources that work:
- Professor Messer (especially for CompTIA)
- Microsoft Learn (AZ-900 official path)
- AWS Skill Builder (Cloud Practitioner prep)
- ExamCompass / MeasureUp for practice banks
Don’t fall for common failure points:
- Memorizing definitions only
- Skipping troubleshooting practice
- Booking the test before hitting 80%+ on timed mocks
Copy this exam-prep checklist before booking your test
- I reviewed every exam objective at least once
- I completed 2+ timed full mock exams
- I scored 80%+ consistently
- I re-tested weak domains
- I practiced real troubleshooting steps
- My ID is valid and matches exam registration
- My test center/online system requirements are confirmed
What jobs can you get after an entry-level IT certification?
Your first cert should map to a real first job title. Keep the goal concrete.
Common first roles:
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- NOC Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
How to improve your job search fast:
- Match resume bullets to cert objectives (“troubleshot DHCP/DNS issues in home lab”)
- Add project proof (screenshots, ticket write-ups, GitHub notes)
- Apply to MSPs, hospitals, schools, and local government IT teams
- Target companies known for hiring career changers
And yes, mention relevant paths like cybersecurity certifications only if they match your next step.
Build a 12-month certification and experience roadmap
Q1 (Months 1–3)
- Earn first cert (A+ or AZ-900/AWS CCP)
- Build one home lab project
- Publish notes and screenshots
Q2 (Months 4–6)
- Apply to 50–100 entry-level roles
- Practice interview troubleshooting questions
- Keep improving one lab weekly
Q3 (Months 7–9)
- Land first IT role or internship
- Tie learning to real tickets
- Start next cert aligned with job tasks
Q4 (Months 10–12)
- Sit for intermediate cert
- A+ → Network+ → Security+
- AZ-900 → AZ-104
- AWS CCP → Solutions Architect Associate
- Update resume with measurable wins from your first role
The best entry level it certifications aren’t the “most popular” ones. They’re the ones tied to your target job, budget, and timeline.
Pick one cert today. Set an exam date. Then follow the checklist and roadmap above.
That simple move can change your career trajectory faster than another month of overthinking.
Comprehensive Guide: Read our complete guide on IT Certifications: What You Need to Know in 2026 for a full overview.
Related Reading
- Best IT Certifications: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
- IT Certification Roadmap: The Complete 2026 Guide
- Comptia Certification: What You Need to Know in 2026
