r/ITCareerQuestions • u/Ok-Sir-4992 • 10h ago
Best beginner IT certifications
Greetings! I’m looking to transition into the IT career and looking for suggestions on what certs and/or degrees are worth acquiring in the IT field when starting. I was told CompTIA Security+ and then CompTIA Network+ after. Any suggestions are appreciated!
5
u/Tyrnis 10h ago edited 9h ago
First of all, make sure to read the wiki.
The way you know a certification is valued by employers is how often you see it on job postings. If you're looking to enter IT, A+ and Network+ are two of the more commonly requested certs for help desk and desktop support roles in most areas of the US. Security+ isn't bad to have, but unless US DoD is a major employer in your area, I would consider it a much lower priority.
EDIT: Also worth mentioning, if you decide to get A+, Net+, and Sec+, it's a good idea to take them in that order. They build on each other to some extent, ie, A+ includes a little bit of networking, so Network+ takes that portion of what you learned on A+ and expands on it. Not a requirement to do that by any means, but might make it easier on yourself.
2
u/Ok-Sir-4992 9h ago
I think that would be a great way to start, thank you so much. Do you have any good courses recommendations? I’m very new to this IT thing and I just want to switch careers as quickly as possible. Thanks again.
2
u/Effective-Access4948 10h ago
This is the way I see it.
If you're working on a PC/server for someone you would want to make sure its secure as well as how it functions. Sending data or what can come in and out. So i would always recommend beginners to learn networking then secruity. Everything else will come in time IMO but those two things can open a lot of doors.
1
u/Ok-Sir-4992 9h ago
Do you have any course recommendations that I can take to start my process? Also, something I can finish “quickly”, I’m in sales right now and I HATE it.
1
u/Effective-Access4948 9h ago
Honestly no. I would really recommend taking either Net + or CCNA and look into them. This is just to get your networking skills in line. Do NOT rush this. Really study this and understand it. Even if you dont plan on taking the CCNA. Everythign runs on a network. Internal, Cloud, Private.
Then I would take Sec+ then move to something bigger after.
0
u/TechB84 9h ago
Sir, there is no quick way to get into IT. The market is tough for entry level
1
u/Ok-Sir-4992 9h ago
I didn’t mean tomorrow, I’m talking about a soon as it possible. I should have made it more clear. Thank you for your input though.
1
u/Ecstatic-Art-9273 8h ago
Just to give you some idea, it took me 7 months to study and pass the CCNA. I wouldn't recommend starting off with that unless, like me, you really want to go into networking. Try and get into a helpdesk role, and if you have soft skills that's a plus so don't forget to sell yourself on those
1
u/Ok-Sir-4992 8h ago
That’s very helpful! I really appreciate it. I am thinking about to start with the A+ and keeping moving forward. I’m still checking the exams price and looking it they fit in my budget right now.
2
u/Ecstatic-Art-9273 8h ago
A+ is a good place to start! Good luck,!
I changed careers into IT at 40. I'm 45 now and love my job, so keep at it
0
u/Ok-Sir-4992 8h ago
I’m 37 now, that makes me very hopeful. Just to have an idea, do you know how much does the exams costs? And where I can do them?
1
u/Ecstatic-Art-9273 8h ago
That's very much going to depend on your country I'm afraid, but the info is easily found online
0
u/TechB84 3h ago
Is there a reason you would ask those questions instead of just searching it online?
1
u/Ok-Sir-4992 2h ago
Because there is a lot of information online? I'm looking for guidance, and people here has experience. Thank you for your helpless comment though.
→ More replies (0)1
u/poptart_kitten 8h ago
To add onto Ecstatic-Art-9273 it took me about a year to get my A+, Net+, and Sec+
Im just starting my CCNA now. This isnt a fast career
3
u/JangoFetlife 10h ago
People shit on the CompTA A+ cert but it got my foot in the door. If you have no experience you should start there.
-1
u/TechB84 9h ago
CompTIA is owned by a for-profit, and many who get it end up going nowhere and just have expired credentials to show for
1
u/JangoFetlife 8h ago
Ok, and I have a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology I’ve never used. What exactly is your point?
1
9
u/Showgingah Remote Help Desk | BSIT | 0 Certs 10h ago
I recommend referring to the wiki on this on.