IT Certification Roadmap: Your Path to Success

Some employers still list college degrees as job requirements, but that doesn’t mean they only hire people with bachelor’s or master’s degrees. They’re more interested in knowing you have the right skills to do the job well.

Given this reality, IT certifications are often just as valuable as degrees. In fact, someone with a degree typically needs certifications that demonstrate real-world skills. Even after IT professionals get jobs, they might need to earn additional certifications to remain relevant in their fields. Technology evolves rapidly, so workers must keep up with changes.

Per Scholas empowers individuals by giving them easy access to the tech education needed to pass certification exams. Importantly, Per Scholas often provides no-cost training that prepares you for your chosen IT certifications roadmap. Considering the average college student pays over $14,000 for tuition and fees each year, certifications have an obvious allure.

With Per Scholas, you could start earning money sooner without investing in high-priced college programs. But you need to take the right path to reach that goal.

Understanding the IT Certification Landscape

Before investing time or money, every learner should familiarize themselves with the various IT certification options available.

Foundational

Foundational IT certifications usually prepare you to work at a help desk, where you’ll assist clients who encounter issues with their computers, software, routers, etc. While these positions are often entry-level, they expose you to a wide range of concepts essential to IT. If you’re just getting started or don’t know what kind of career you want, explore foundational IT certifications.

Networking

Networking certifications often qualify you to do more than maintain and monitor computer networks. After proving your skills and gaining some real-world experience, you could work on projects that involve:

• Designing networks
• Integrating new assets with existing networks
• Helping companies choose networking options that fit their operational needs

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity professionals protect data and IT assets in many ways. Some options include becoming:

• An incident manager who oversees IT maintenance and performance
• An information security consultant who helps companies protect their precious data
• A security engineer who develops and implements a plan that protects an organization’s IT assets

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing became an indispensable technology during the pandemic, and companies have continued to find new ways to embrace its benefits. As someone certified in cloud computing, you can help employers and clients get the most out of this emerging technology.

Software Development

Software development includes a broad range of projects. Popular career paths take qualified professionals to areas like:

• Developing web apps that help websites serve visitors
• Web designing that considers accessibility, functionality, and security
• Writing code that contributes to the success of larger applications

Choosing an IT Certification Roadmap

You’ll want to take some time to think about your career goals before committing to any IT certification roadmap. You can’t know where to start until you know where you’re going.

For example, if you know you want to work in security, you wouldn’t start learning software development before you master the fundamentals of IT security. You might decide to learn extra skills later to qualify for more job opportunities, but you can always earn additional certificates after you’ve secured a job.

The good news is that many IT professionals don’t need to complete college degrees to find jobs. You could get a job in computer science with no degree as long as you choose the right IT certifications.

If you can display skills in areas like software development, data analysis, and coding, plenty of employers will want you on their teams. Again, just make sure you choose certifications that align with your career goals.

Foundational IT Certifications

Foundational IT certifications ensure you have the essential skills to start your career. After passing these certification exams, you’re ready to enter the job market. Later, you might want to build on your skills to qualify for jobs that demand more advanced skills.

Regardless of how your career progresses, you want to start with certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) and CompTIA A+.

With CompTIA A+, you’ll learn valuable skills related to:

• Installing and managing operating systems
• Troubleshooting network issues
• Configuring computer systems
• Managing data
• Performing preventative maintenance

Every employer will expect you to have these skills. Earning a certification puts their minds at ease so they can feel comfortable hiring you for entry-level positions.

Specialized IT Certification Tracks

After learning fundamental skills, your IT certification roadmap will become more specific to your individual interests and goals. Consider earning some of the following certifications to advance your career.

Networking Certifications

If you want to pursue a career in networking, focus on certifications like CompTIA Network+ and CCNA. These certifications tell potential employers you have skills in:

• Using automation to compare, control, and manage networks
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues
• Configuring routers
• Improving network security
• Teaching others how to protect networks from security threats

You don’t need previous experience to take these certification exams, but you’ll need to learn essential skills to pass.

Cybersecurity Certifications

Digital transformation has made organizations more adaptable and nimble than ever. Committing to digital processes and products, however, increases cybersecurity risks. That’s why cybersecurity experts should have ample job prospects in the near future. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job market to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032.

To get started as a cybersecurity professional, pass the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Preparing for the exam will introduce you to fundamental concepts about:

• Mitigating threats and vulnerabilities
• Choosing safe hardware, software, and data management processes
• Managing security programs
• Securing enterprise software

Once you establish the basics, your IT certification roadmap can lead you to more advanced options like:

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

Cloud Computing Certifications

Over 95% of enterprises using the public cloud have adopted a multi-cloud strategy. As more companies commit to cloud-based technologies, they’ll need more employees to optimize operations.  

Since Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s largest cloud computing provider, becoming an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner will help you stand out from other job candidates.

Per Scholas’s AWS re/Start training gives you a head start so you can pass the exam and find a position within months. The training prepares you with:

• Real-world projects and labs
• Multi-level projects built with dynamic technologies
• Soft skills that help professionals thrive in work environments

AWS re/Start prepares learners for entry-level positions. You can then follow an IT certifications roadmap that establishes you as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. If you prefer Microsoft’s cloud environment, you could pass the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam.

Software Development Certifications

Software developers can earn salaries over $100,000 in a rapidly expanding industry. Before you can get a job, though, you need to prove your skills. Microsoft and Oracle offer some of the most reliable certifications.

Becoming a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Developer demonstrates skills in:

• IT infrastructure
• Databases
• Building and testing software for the cloud, mobile devices, the web, and other environments

Becoming an Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) offers similar benefits employers find appealing. Depending on the specific track you take, your Oracle certification proves proficiency in areas like developing software in Java and building business tools for in-house use.

Creating Your IT Certification Roadmap

Planning your IT certification roadmap now will make each step easier as you progress toward your goal. Of course, making big decisions can feel intimidating, but don’t let that hold you back. Instead, you can take control of your professional future by following these steps.

Assess Your Personal Interests and Career Objectives

Identify your personal motivations for entering the tech industry. Do you love building things? Then you’ll probably enjoy focusing on software development. Do you like solving difficult problems? Then cybersecurity could fit you well.

You should also determine whether companies want to hire people with your interests. All these areas have tremendous growth potential, but job opportunities vary significantly by location. Review job opportunities in your area to determine whether there are opportunities you’ll enjoy. If you want a remote job, look into how that will influence hiring decisions and your role within a team.

Once you answer these basic questions, you should know which IT certification roadmap to use.

Research Certifications for Your Preferred Career Path

Are there certifications that show you have the right skills for your preferred career path? No matter what you want to do, an organization probably has some certifications that will interest you. Find them and decide which match your needs best.

Of course, you need to prepare for your certification exams. Per Scholas offers several intensive training programs that can help you pass your exam with confidence. Find a course that will get you ready for certification and start your career in technology.

Per Scholas Programs and Resources

Per Scholas supports budding IT professionals by giving them access to reliable training programs. Many courses are specifically designed to help learners pass certification exams.

Generally speaking, you can expect Per Scholas courses to last about 12 weeks. You can find in-person and online learning opportunities, although some courses are only offered in certain cities.

Once enrolled, you will attend classes Monday through Friday to gain as many skills as possible so you can pass your exam without worry.

The approach has worked for plenty of Per Scholas alumni, including:

• Tara Jacobs earned her CompTIA A+ certification and now works as an IT service desk technician in Austin, TX.
• Mira Winkel used Java development skills to become a data engineer in Seattle, WA.
• Simon Ayim took a 15-week Per Scholas course to become a cybersecurity professional in Dallas, TX.

Ready to Get Started? Your Next Steps on the IT Certification Journey

Per Scholas makes it easy to get started on your IT certification journey. With no-cost training held remotely and in many cities, you can learn the skills essential to passing certification exams.

Even if you already work in tech, you need to keep up with the latest trends. Per Scholas can help you become a lifelong learner who excels in a rapidly changing industry.

Apply to Per Scholas training today to get started.