IT Certifications for Beginners: Your Path to Tech Success

Tech layoffs in 2023 can make the industry seem risky for beginners seeking rewarding careers. However, a closer look at the data reveals a surprisingly positive 2024 IT job market. Eight of the top 10 jobs in the U.S. are in the tech sector. 

Additionally, surveys suggest that tech skills will become essential in all job sectors by 2033. Learning those skills now prepares you for how job roles will evolve over the next decade. 

Per Scholas provides skills training that prepares you for success and demonstrates core competencies to potential employers. 

IT certifications for beginners can put you on the path to a rewarding career. Per Scholas courses give you a head start to reach your goals. In some cases, you can even find free IT certifications for beginners to jumpstart your career. 

Understanding IT Certifications 

The best IT certifications for beginners demonstrate that you have the technical skills to excel in your chosen career path. To earn a certificate, you will need to pass an exam that tests for specific skill sets. 

Many of today’s employers prioritize skills over formal education. With the right IT certifications for beginners, you could get into IT with no degree, saving you years of effort and thousands of dollars in tuition. 

Are IT Certifications for Beginners Worth It? 

IT certifications for beginners offer several advantages for people interested in entering the industry or moving their careers forward. By earning a certificate, you could: 

• Show that you have the skills to fill an entry-level IT position 
• Build a solid foundation for your career in IT 
• Stand out as an excellent candidate among hiring managers 
• Demonstrate your commitment to a career path which could lead to promotions 
• Discover any gaps in knowledge so you can prepare for more advanced positions 

Popular IT Certifications for Beginners 

There are a lot of programs that promise to prepare you for tech careers. Choosing the best IT certifications for beginners helps ensure you have qualifications reputable employers look for when hiring new employees. 

To get started, consider the following entry-level IT certifications. Then, you can build on them to grow your career. 

Entry-Level IT Certifications 

The best IT certifications for beginners demonstrate that you have core competencies that will make you successful in entry-level positions. As you gain more experience, you can take tests for more advanced certifications. This process helps many IT professionals advance their careers without ever earning traditional degrees. 

Some IT certifications for beginners you should consider include: 

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) 

Earning a CompTIA IT Fundamentals certificate shows that you understand the basic concepts necessary for working in IT. Those concepts include: 

• Establishing computer networks 
• Identifying security risks 
• Preventing basic security risks 
• Managing databases 
• Installing software 
• Developing and maintaining software 

CompTIA A+ 

CompTIA A+ certification establishes that you have critical skills to fill roles in IT support and endpoint management. While preparing for the test, you should learn how the basics of: 

• Establishing office and home networks 
• Installing and troubleshooting popular peripherals 
• Installing, configuring, and upgrading popular operating systems 

Google IT Support Professional 

Many organizations rely on Google’s business services. Getting certified as a Google IT Support Professional prepares you to help those organizations by: 

• Providing troubleshooting and customer care services 
• Improving security to protect clients 
• Administering systems for clients 

Pathways to Advanced Certifications 

Once you complete IT certifications for beginners, you can move on to more advanced certifications to qualify for jobs with more responsibilities. 

CompTIA Network+ 

CompTIA Network+ builds on basic networking knowledge to serve organizations with more advanced needs. Earning this certificate shows that you can: 

• Ensure business continuity by monitoring and optimizing networks 
• Troubleshoot networking issues 
• Enhance network security to defend against attacks 
• Physically install network hardware 

CompTIA Security+ 

Some consider this one of the IT security certifications for beginners, but it does require some background knowledge. Holding the certificate demonstrates to employers that you can: 

• Monitor diverse network models, including those with hybrid workers, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud assets 
• Establish governance policies that make networks less vulnerable to attack 
• Follow security regulations applicable to your industry 
• Assess IT environments to find opportunities for enhanced security 

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 

Cisco has some of the most trusted certificates. CCNA tells employers that you understand: 

• How to manage and troubleshoot networks 
• Improve network security and spot potential vulnerabilities 
• Configure routing to include redundancies that help ensure business continuity 
• Use automation tools to manage and monitor networks as efficiently as possible 

Per Scholas’ Role in IT Certification Training 

Per Scholas offers diverse IT training programs to prepare you for certification tests. 

The IT Support course prepares you for CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Professional Certification. The 13-week, live, instructor-led course has classes Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The New York course is offered in collaboration with: 

• Commonpoint Queens 
• Cypress Hills  Local Development Corporation 
• Isaacs Center 
• Joan & Alan Berkinkow Jewish Community Center 

Through a partnership with TEKsystems, Per Scholas’ End User Desktop Support course provides the essential skills needed to pass the CompTIA A+ exam. The thirteen-week course includes live, instructor-led classes Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Other great course options for beginners include: 

• IT Support: A 13-week course that further prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Professional Certificate exams 
• Salesforce Administrator: A 15-week course that prepares learners to pass the Salesforce Administrator Certification exam 
• Future Powered by TEKsystems: A 12-week course that prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA CySA+ exams 

Browse more Per Scholas courses to find the right fit for your career plans. 

Support and Resources Provided 

Per Scholas wants to ensure you’re prepared for certification tests. When you succeed, we succeed! 

Because of our commitment to that goal, we provide diverse support and resources, including: 

• In-person and remote classes 
• Mentoring with an IT professional who has extensive real-world experience 
• Hands-on training 
• Study materials to help you prepare for certification exams 

• Exam preparation assistance to identify and fill any gaps in knowledge 

Success Stories: Transforming Careers With IT Certifications 

Per Scholas has helped learners from all backgrounds reach their career goals. Our graduates have plenty of inspiring stories to tell. 

Christopher Rivera Becomes a Helpdesk Associate

Christopher Rivera is a Boston native who struggled to find direction in life. He dabbled in several industries before he took Per Scholas’ IT Support. The course provided a broad overview of the possibilities a tech career offers. 

After graduating, he got a job as a Helpdesk Associate at Vinfen Corp. Now, he says he leaves work each day “feeling fulfilled, having learned something new and knowing that I’m going to learn a lot more.” 

Learn more about Christopher’s story 

Angel Hursey Becomes a Web Developer 

Angel Hursey already had a career in healthcare, but she wanted to find a passion that left her fulfilled after a day’s work. She had some college experience, but she also knew it wasn’t the right fit for her. She wanted to take a more hands-on approach that would prepare her for the real world. 

She says that her Per Scholas courses were vigorous and challenging and that “If I didn’t have the support from the Per Scholas team and fellow learners, I would have probably given up.” 

Angel stuck with her coursework, graduated, and found a job as a web developer. Not only does she love the job, but her income increased from $30,000 to $70,000. 

Learn more about Angel’s story.

Embark on Your IT Journey With Per Scholas 

Per Scholas is always excited to hear about our graduates’ successes, and we want to make sure you have similar opportunities. It all starts with earning IT certifications for beginners. From there, you can decide where your career takes you! 

Are you eligible to become a Per Scholas student? Visit our eligibility page to make sure. Most adults, even those without any technical experience, can join. 

Now, it’s time to take that first step! Apply now to jumpstart your IT career!