10 Essential IT Certifications for 2024

An IT certification demonstrates your skills by verifying that you've passed an exam. Depending on the role, some employers may ask for them by name. Certifications aren’t the only way to enter the industry; you can also prepare for an entry-level IT job by completing a certificate program. Use the following article to compare 10 employer-recognized IT certifications. If you're ready to obtain specialized training from an industry leader while earning credentials for your resume, consider enrolling to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate today.

Read more: How to Get a Job in IT: 7 Steps

Are IT certifications worth it?

Research suggests that certifications are linked to higher incomes. IT professionals who received a raise due to earning a new certification saw an average salary increase of $13,000 [2]. Additional benefits of earning a certification include stronger job performance and increased competitiveness in the job market. An IT certification on your resume can also be a quick way for hiring managers to gauge your abilities.

10 IT professional certifications

The following IT certifications are designed to prepare you for entry-to-mid-level roles in IT. Entry-level certifications are broad enough to introduce you to industry-standard tools and skills. Mid-level certifications require some existing experience and expose you to the concepts and technologies required for professional development or to pursue a specialization such as cloud computing or artificial intelligence (AI).

Did you know that nearly every US industry has seen an increase in AI-related job postings [1]? Learn to apply AI in your field productively and responsibly by enrolling in Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate, recently updated to include practical AI training.

Read more: IT Certification Roadmap: A Guide

1. CompTIA A+ 

CompTIA A+ is widely considered one of the go-to certificates for a well-rounded entry-level introduction to IT. Those who pass the certification exams will be qualified to solve basic issues in networking, operating systems, security, and mobile devices. The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams.

The CompTIA A+ provides a general introduction to a range of topics in the IT world. From there, many IT professionals can go on to specialize in a specific field of IT, like networks, security, or cloud computing, either by building experience or gaining relevant certifications.

• Cost: $253 per exam

• Potential jobs: Service desk analyst, technical support specialist, associate network engineer, desktop support administrator, system support specialist

• Requirements: Two certification exams are required. The exams do not have prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends nine to 12 months of hands-on experience.

• Certification path: After the CompTIA A+, candidates can go on to take other CompTIA certifications like Security+ or Network+, or certifications from other providers like the CCNA.

You can study for the CompTIA A+ exam with expert-level guidance from IBM by enrolling in the Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification Specialization:

Read more: What is the CompTIA A+ Certification? A Certification to Start Your IT Career

2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certification is an associate-level certification that covers the fundamentals of IT networking issues. This includes network access, IP connectivity, and IP services. Though it’s not a vendor neutral certification—meaning it’ll test you exclusively on Cisco products and tools—it’s popular among network professionals because of Cisco’s dominance in the networking market. One exam is required to get the CCNA certification.

• Cost: $300 to take the exam

• Potential jobs: Network specialist, network administrator, systems administrator, network engineer

• Requirements: One certification exam is required. The exam has no prerequisites, but Cisco recommends having a year of training and experience with computer networks.

• Certification path: After the CCNA, candidates can pursue more advanced network certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or the Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos).

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

3. CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification will equip you with the skills to perform basic security functions. The certification will cover subjects like encryption, physical security, and wireless security. It requires one exam. If you’re interested in becoming an IT security specialist, you can go on to take more advanced security certifications like the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or the advanced Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Security is a growing field, employing 4.7 million people globally, according to the 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study. On top of this large global workforce, the study also identified a "worldwide gap of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers" [3]. If you’re interested in pursuing an entry-level position in cybersecurity, check out 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications [2024 Updated].

• Cost: $404 to take the exam

• Potential jobs: Security administrator, security specialist, security consultant, security engineer, network administrator, security analyst

• Requirements: Requires one certification exam. There are no prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends having the CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in IT administration.

• Certification path: After the Security+, candidates can go on to take other security certifications like the ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) or ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Need to build fundamental cybersecurity skills while you earn credentials? Enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to familiarize yourself with entry-level skills and tools like Linux, SQL, and Python programming. No previous experience is required.

4. Microsoft Fundamentals

The Microsoft fundamentals certifications test core technology skills, making them good entry-level qualifications for those who are expected to work with Microsoft products. Knowing your way around Microsoft products is likely to be an in-demand skill—over half of surveyed IT decision-makers worldwide said their companies would invest in Microsoft technology, Global Knowledge reports. The Fundamentals certifications replaced the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications, which were retired on June 30, 2021.

You can opt to take any one exam in a number of specialized areas that fall under security, Azure (Microsoft’s cloud solution), AI, data, and software like Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics. If you’re looking for a certification in an in-demand area, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification will enable you to learn the essentials of Microsoft cloud concepts.

• Cost: $99 per exam

• Potential jobs: IT specialist, Microsoft systems administrator, Microsoft server support technician, Microsoft Technician specialist

• Requirements: One exam is required for each certification. There are no prerequisites.

• Certification path: After a Microsoft Fundamental certification, candidates may go on to receive other certifications in various specializations like Azure Database Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate.

You can prepare to pass the Microsoft Fundamentals certification exam while earning a second credential for your resume by enrolling in the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate program:

5. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Practitioner

Cloud computing, along with security, is one of the most in-demand fields in IT, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is currently the most-used cloud platform in the world. So, learning the AWS platform may give you an edge in this growing industry. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is the most entry-level of the AWS certifications.

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is designed to help you gain foundational AWS knowledge and can be great for those just starting out in IT. However, many cloud-related jobs ask for an associate-level AWS certification, which is a level above the practitioner certification. If you already have a year of experience with AWS, the associate-level AWS Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, or Developer certifications might better prepare you for entry-level cloud computing jobs.

• Cost: $100 to take the exam

• Potential jobs: Cloud engineering intern, cloud developer, cloud engineer, cloud architect

• Requirements: There are no prerequisites to the exam, but Amazon recommends having at least a basic understanding of AWS services and uses, and around six months of exposure to AWS.

• Certification path: After the AWS Cloud Practitioner, you can go on to get a more advanced certification like the AWS Certified Developer or AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

Read more: 5 Cloud Certifications to Start Your Cloud Career

6. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

The ITF+ is a beginning-level certification designed for those who want to see if IT is the right career path for them. If you’re a student or a career switcher still trying to see if IT is for you, this certification can help you decide. If you’re looking for a certification that will help you gain skills for a job in IT, other certifications like the CompTIA A+ might fit your needs better.

• Cost: $138 to take the exam

• Requirements: No prior experience recommended

• Certification path: After the ITF+, candidates can go on to take the CompTIA A+ or other entry-level certifications.

You can prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam for free by completing IBM's Practice Exam for the CompTIA ITF+ Certification:

7. CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA Network+ is a foundational certification in networking principles. Unlike the CCNA, the Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification—meaning it doesn’t test you on any specific device or technology. The Network+ is considered to be more basic than the CCNA, making it a good option for those who are just starting out in networking, or who find the CCNA too comprehensive for their current needs. 

• Cost: $369 to take the exam

• Potential jobs: Network administrator, network engineer, system administrator

• Requirements: No formal requirements, but the CompTIA A+ and 9 to 12 months of experience with networks recommended.

• Certification path: Many candidates go on to take the CCNA or other networking certifications after the Network+.

Read more: What is the CCNA? An Entry-Level Networking Certification

8. GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)

The GISF is a foundational certification for security and related concepts like networking, cryptography, and cybersecurity technologies. GIAC recommends the certification for anybody new to cybersecurity who wants a fundamental introduction to the field, as well as those who can benefit from cybersecurity knowledge such as system administrators and non-IT security managers. 

• Cost: $979 to take the exam, $879 to retake

• Potential jobs: Cybersecurity analyst, information security specialist, non-IT security manager

• Requirements: There are no formal requirements for the GISF

• Certification path: Those who take the GISF may go on to take the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

Read more: What is GIAC Certification? A Guide

9. Google Cloud Digital Leader

The Cloud Digital Leader is Google’s foundational cloud certification. The certification exam will test you broadly on basic Google Cloud principles. Though many entry-level Google Cloud jobs request the next level certification—the Google Associate Cloud Engineer—studying the Cloud Digital Leader certification exam material can give you a solid foundation in Google Cloud.

• Cost: $99

• Potential jobs: Job-role independent

• Requirements: No formal requirements

• Certification path: After the Cloud Digital Leader, candidates can go on to take certifications that will equip them with entry-level job skills such as the Google Associate Cloud Engineer.

You can gain the training you need to pass the Google Cloud Digital Leader exam while also earning credentials for your study by enrolling in the Google Cloud Digital Leader Training Professional Certificate:

Read more: Google Cloud Certification: 2024 Guide

10. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The CAPM certification is designed to prepare you for entry-level project management positions. Though not an IT certification, many IT positions and teams value project management skills. The CAPM can be worth pursuing if you have a technical background and hope to move into a more project management-oriented role.

• Cost: $300 for non-PMI members, $225 for PMI members

• Potential jobs: IT project manager, IT project coordinator

• Requirements: No formal requirements

• Certification path: Candidates who want to continue on the project management path may go on to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Ready to start studying for the CAPM? Consider taking a Practice Exam for the CAPM Certification to ensure you're prepared to pass.

Read more: What is the CAPM Certification? Requirements and More

Picking based on earning potential? Cloud and cybersecurity certifications are generally associated with the highest salaries, according to Skillsoft [5].

Google IT Support Professional Certificate overview

Certificate programs are a great way to enhance your resume and learn critical IT skills simultaneously. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an employer-recognized credential designed to prepare you for an entry-level role in IT. It also covers the same core concepts tested in the CompTIA A+ certification exam, making it an ideal way to earn dual credentials and sharpen your skill set. In this self-paced, 100% online program, you'll master the basics of operating systems (OS), networking, customer support, and problem-solving with code. Upon completion, you'll gain access to the Google Hiring Consortium, an exclusive job board connecting you to employers hiring for professionals with Google Career Certificates.

How to get an IT certification

Getting an IT certification generally entails picking a certification, preparing for the exam, and passing the exam. If you're thinking about earning a certification, these are the steps you should take:

1. Decide on a certification. Pick a certification based on your interests and needs. If you need help figuring out where to start, look at job descriptions of positions you're interested in and see which certifications are mentioned most often.

2. Prepare for the exam. Preparing for the exam means ensuring you meet any requirements, scheduling the exam, paying for it, and studying for it. You could choose to study on your own or sign up for a course designed to prepare you for the test.

3. Take the exam. You can take the certification exam online or in person. Check any requirements a day or two before the exam to ensure you remember important artifacts, like a valid ID.

If you're looking for a more detailed explanation, read about how to get an IT certification.

Keep in mind

Exams can cost several hundred dollars to take. But if you know you want to break into the IT field, getting a certification may be a great investment in your career. If you’re already employed and think a certification will be beneficial to you and your company, you might approach your manager to see if the company will cover the costs. Read more about how to decide if IT certifications are worth it for you.

Take one step closer to becoming CompTIA A+ certified today

Build the skills you need for an entry-level IT job as you prepare for the A+ exam with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Google has teamed up with CompTIA to offer a dual badge of completion—perfect for your resume or LinkedIn profile—for those who complete the Professional Certificate and pass the A+ exam.