Starting an IT career can feel overwhelming when you're staring at dozens of certification options. Which ones should you pursue first? How long does it take to prepare? And which certification is most relevant to the type of job you want?
The right certification depends on your starting point and career goals. Some certifications focus on general IT support, while others are designed for networking, cybersecurity, or cloud computing.
This guide compares eight entry-level IT certifications based on prerequisites, exam cost, typical preparation time, and the roles they can help you prepare for. Use the comparison to identify which certifications align with your goals, then consider how hands-on training can supplement certification preparation.
Quick Guide: 8 Entry-Level IT Certifications
Certification | Prerequisites | Exam Cost* | Typical Prep Time** | Target Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CompTIA Tech+ | None | Starts at $129 | 2-4 weeks | IT beginner, technology support trainee |
CompTIA A+ | None; IT experience recommended | Starts at $274 | 2-4 months | Help desk, IT support, desktop support |
CompTIA Network+ | No formal prerequisite | Starts at $399 | 1-3 months | Network support, network technician, junior network administrator |
CompTIA Security+ | No formal prerequisite; networking knowledge recommended | Starts at $439 | 1-3 months | Security support, junior cybersecurity, IT security |
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | None | $99 | 2-6 weeks | Cloud support, Azure-focused IT roles |
Microsoft SC-900 | None; familiarity with Azure/Microsoft 365 helpful | $99 | 2-6 weeks | Security/identity support, Microsoft security-focused roles |
Cisco CCNA | None | $300 | 2-4 months | Network technician, network administrator, junior network engineer |
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | None | $100 | 2-6 weeks | Cloud support, AWS-focused IT roles |
* Exam prices are U.S. prices and can change. Training materials, practice exams, and retakes may cost extra.
** Preparation times are estimates, not vendor requirements. Your timeline will depend on your existing knowledge, study schedule, and hands-on experience.
How to Choose an Entry-Level IT Certification
Before choosing a certification, consider four questions:
1. What do you already know?
Someone with no IT experience may benefit from starting with a broad foundational credential such as CompTIA Tech+ or A+. Someone who already works in IT may be ready to specialize in networking, cybersecurity, or cloud computing.
2. What type of work interests you?
IT support, networking, cybersecurity and cloud computing involve different skills. Choosing a certification based on the type of work you want to do can help you avoid spending time and money on a credential that doesn't fit your goals.
3. How much time can you dedicate to preparation?
A foundational certification may require several weeks of preparation, while broader certifications such as A+ or CCNA can require several months of study and hands-on practice.
4. Do you need a certification or practical training?
A certification demonstrates that you have learned the material covered by an exam. Hands-on labs and practical projects can help you develop the skills needed to apply that knowledge on the job.
1. CompTIA Tech+: An Introduction to IT
Best for: People with little or no IT experience
Prerequisites: None
Typical preparation time: 2-4 weeks
Exam cost: Starts at $129
CompTIA Tech+ is designed for people who are completely new to technology. It introduces basic IT concepts, including computing, infrastructure, software, security and troubleshooting.
Unlike certifications aimed at people already working in IT, Tech+ is intended to establish basic technology knowledge before moving into more specialized training.
Target roles and next steps
Tech+ is best viewed as an introduction to IT rather than a credential that qualifies someone for a specific technical position. After building this foundation, learners may move into certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+.
Consider Tech+ if you:
- Have little or no IT experience
- Want to determine whether IT is a good career fit
- Need to learn basic technology terminology before pursuing a technical certification
2. CompTIA A+: IT Support Fundamentals
Best for: Help desk and IT support
Prerequisites: None; CompTIA recommends relevant hands-on experience
Typical preparation time: 2-4 months
Exam cost: Starts at $274
CompTIA A+ is designed around foundational IT support skills. The current certification requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202).
Core 1 covers areas such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing and hardware/network troubleshooting. Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.
Target roles
A+ is most closely aligned with entry-level support positions such as:
- Help desk technician
- IT support specialist
- Desktop support technician
- Technical support specialist
Consider A+ if you:
- Are starting an IT career
- Want to work in technical support
- Need broad foundational IT knowledge
- Want a vendor-neutral certification
Because A+ require two exams, preparation generally takes longer than a single-exam foundational credential.
3. CompTIA Network+: Networking Fundamentals
Best for: People interested in networking and infrastructure
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite; networking fundamentals are helpful
Typical preparation time: 1-3 months
Exam cost: Starts at $399
CompTIA Network+ focuses on the knowledge needed to establish, maintain, troubleshoot and secure computer networks. Topics include networking concepts, network implementation, network operations, network security and troubleshooting.
Unlike a vendor-specific certification, Network+ is vendor-neutral, meaning the concepts are intended to apply across different networking environments.
Target roles
Network+ can support career paths toward roles such as:
- Network technician
- Network support specialist
- Junior network administrator
- IT support specialist
Consider Network+ if you:
- Enjoy troubleshooting connectivity problems
- Want to move beyond general IT support
- Are interested in networking or infrastructure
- Want vendor-neutral networking knowledge
Network+ can also provide useful networking knowledge for people pursuing cybersecurity careers because security professionals frequently work with networks, protocols, and infrastructure.
4. CompTIA Security+: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Best for: People pursuing cybersecurity or security-focused IT roles
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite; networking and IT knowledge are recommended
Typical preparation time: 1-3 months
Exam cost: Starts at $439
CompTIA Security+ covers foundational cybersecurity concepts, including threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, identity and access management, risk management and governance.
Security+ is often considered a starting point for people moving into cybersecurity, but passing the exam does not by itself guarantee qualification for a cybersecurity job. Practical IT and security experience can also be important when employers evaluate candidates.
Target roles
Security+ can support preparation for roles such as:
- Security support specialist
- Junior cybersecurity analyst
- Security administrator
- IT security specialist
Consider Security+ if you:
- Already understand basic IT and networking concepts
- Want to transition into cybersecurity
- Are interested in security operations, risk or compliance
- Want a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification
For candidates with no IT background, learning basic systems and networking concepts first can make Security+ material easier to understand.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Cloud Computing Basics
Best for: People interested in cloud computing and Microsoft Azure
Prerequisites: None
Typical preparation time: 2-6 weeks
Exam cost: $99
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals introduces cloud concepts, core Azure services, and Azure management and governance. Microsoft classifies AZ-900 as a fundamentals-level certification.
Target roles
AZ-900 is most useful as foundational preparation for people interested in:
- Cloud support
- Azure administration
- Cloud operations
- Microsoft-focused IT environments
It is important to distinguish AZ-900 from more technical Azure certifications. The Fundamentals certification demonstrates foundational knowledge rather than advanced cloud administration skills.
Consider AZ-900 if you:
- Want to explore cloud computing
- Work in an organization that uses Microsoft Azure
- Want an introduction to Microsoft's cloud platform
- Plan to pursue more advanced Azure certification
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
Best for: Beginners interested in Microsoft security and identity
Prerequisites: None; familiarity with Azure and Microsoft 365 is helpful
Typical preparation time: 2-6 weeks
Exam cost: $99
SC-900 introduces security, compliance and identity concepts across Microsoft cloud-based services. Microsoft currently classifies it as a beginner-level certification.
The certification covers areas including Microsoft Entra, Microsoft security solutions, and Microsoft compliance solutions.
Target roles
SC-900 can provide foundational knowledge for people interested in:
- Security support
- Identity and access management
- Microsoft security environments
- Cloud security
Consider SC-900 if you:
- Are interested in cybersecurity but want to focus on the Microsoft ecosystem
- Work with Microsoft 365 or Azure
- Want to understand identity and access concepts
- Plan to pursue additional Microsoft security certifications
Microsoft has announced an update to the English-language SC-900 certifications for October 21, 2026, so anyone preparing later in 2026 should check the current study guide before beginning.
Cisco CCNA: Networking and Infrastructure
Best for: People pursuing networking careers
Prerequisites: None
Typical preparation time: 2-4 months
Exam cost: $300
Cisco CCNA is an associate-level networking certification. The current exam covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. Cisco lists no formal prerequisites.
Target roles
CCNA can help prepare learners for networking-focused positions such as:
- Network technician
- Network administrator
- Network support specialist
- Junior network engineer
Consider CCNA if you:
- Want to specialize in networking
- Expect to work in Cisco environments
- Enjoy configuring and troubleshooting networks
- Want a deeper networking credential than a general IT support certification
CCNA is more specialized than A+ and requires a greater investment in networking concepts and hands-on practice.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: AWS Cloud Fundamentals
Best for: People exploring cloud computing and AWS
Prerequisites: None
Typical preparation time: 2-6 weeks
Exam cost: $100
AWS describes Cloud Practitioner as a foundational certification for understanding AWS Cloud services and terminology. AWS specifically identifies people with no prior IT or cloud experience as potential candidates.
The certification covers foundational cloud concepts, AWS services, security, pricing and billing.
Target roles and next steps
Cloud Practitioner is not intended to demonstrate advanced cloud administration or engineering skills. Instead, it can provide a foundation before pursuing more technical AWS certifications.
AWS identifies certifications such as Solutions Architect – Associate, Developer – Associate and SysOps Administrator – Associate as potential next steps for people advancing into technical cloud roles.
Consider Cloud Practitioner if you:
- Are new to cloud computing
- Work for an organization that uses AWS
- Want to understand cloud terminology and services
- Plan to pursue a more technical AWS certification
Which IT Certification Should You Pursue First?
There isn't one certification that makes sense for every beginner. Your starting point and desired career path matter more than simply choosing the certification with the lowest price or shortest preparation time.
If you're completely new to IT
Consider: CompTIA Tech+ or CompTIA A+
Tech+ provides an introduction to IT concepts, while A+ goes further into the skills used in IT support.
If you want to work in IT support
Consider: CompTIA A+
A+ is specifically designed around foundational support skills and covers hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting.
If you're interested in networking
Consider: CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA
Network+ provides vendor-neutral networking knowledge. CCNA provides more specialized networking knowledge with a Cisco focus.
If you're interest in cybersecurity
Consider: CompTIA Security+
Security+ focuses specifically on cybersecurity fundamentals. However, beginners should understand that cybersecurity roles often require more than a certification, including IT knowledge, networking skills and hands-on experience.
If you're interested in cloud computing
Consider: AWS Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
The better fit depends largely on which cloud platform interests you or which platform your target employers use.
If you're interested in Microsoft security
Consider: Microsoft SC-900
SC-900 provides an introduction to security, compliance and identity across Microsoft's cloud ecosystem.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for an IT Certification?
There is no universal preparation timeline. Your study schedule, previous experience and familiarity with the subject matter all affect how quickly you can prepare.
As a general planning guide:
- Tech+: A few weeks
- AZ-900: A few weeks
- SC-900: A few weeks
- AWS Cloud Practitioner: A few weeks
- Network+: One to three months
- Security+: One to three months
- A+: Two to four months because it requires two exams
- CCNA: Two to four months
These are planning estimates rather than certification-provider requirements. Someone with existing IT experience may need considerably less preparation, while a career changer starting from scratch may need more time.
Hands-on practice is also important. Reading study materials can help you learn concepts, but labs and practical projects give you opportunities to apply them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest IT certification for someone with no experience?
CompTIA Tech+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft SC-900 and AWS Cloud Practitioner are designed as foundational certifications and do not require formal IT experience.
A+ is another common starting point, but it covers considerably more material because it is designed around IT support skills and requires two exams.
Can you get an IT job with one certification?
You can. Some employers consider candidates with a relevant certification and demonstrated skills, while others look for previous experience, education or a combination of qualifications.
Building hands-on experience through labs, projects, internships or structured training can help demonstrate that you can apply what you learned.
Is CompTIA A+ or Network+ better for beginners?
It depends on the type of work you want to pursue.
A+ is more broadly focused on IT support and troubleshooting. Network+ goes deeper into networking and is more closely aligned with networking and infrastructure roles.
Is Security+ good for beginners?
Security+ can be an entry point into cybersecurity, but beginners may find the material easier to understand if they already have basic IT and networking knowledge.
If you're completely new to IT, building those fundamentals first may make Security+ preparation more manageable.
Do IT certifications expire?
Many IT certifications require renewal, but the requirements vary by certification provider.
For example, AWS states that Cloud Practitioner is valid for three years, while Cisco states that CCNA is valid for three years. Check the certification provider's current requirements before planning your renewal.
Are IT certifications worth the cost?
The value depends on the certification, your career goal and what you do with the knowledge afterward.
A certification can demonstrate knowledge to employers, but it works best as part of a broader career-development strategy that may include hands-on experience, projects, training and professional development.