When you are starting your journey as an IT professional, you are eager to prove yourself. You might lack experience but you have curiosity and eagerness to learn. However, you need a way to turn your enthusiasm into something concrete.
IT Certifications are a great way to show your future employers that you are dedicated and serious about your decision. Entry-level certifications can pave the way to your first big break and help you start your IT journey on the right foot.
Here are 5 entry-level certifications to get you started:
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit trade association that provides certifications for IT professionals. It is a well-respected institution within the IT industry.
CompTIA has a broad category of professional certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security, and more. However, if you are new to the industry, CompTIA IT Fundamentals is a great place to start.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam is designed to test your knowledge in networking and cybersecurity fundamentals and your understanding of hardware and software configurations.
However, if you are already a working professional in the field or you have a computer science background, it might be better for you to look into the CompTIA A+ certification. CompTIA IT Fundamentals is designed for the true newbies of information technology.
Cisco is a powerhouse in the IT industry. So Cisco certified professionals enjoy high prestige and great job prospects. You can start your Cisco entry-level certifications with either Cisco Certified Entry Level Technician (CCENT) or Cisco Certified Technician (CCT).
CCENT certification is designed to test the knowledge of entry-level network operators and support staff. It is designed to set up the pathway to more challenging certifications like CCNA.
CCT is geared towards technicians who will provide in-field support for Cisco devices. It verifies the diagnosis and repair skills of entry-level network professionals.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
A lot of corporations are still wary about using open source products. As a result, Microsoft still has a strong hold on corporate workplaces both in the personal computer space and the backend server space. The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is designed to allow IT professionals prove their worth in the Microsoft world.
MTA has multiple tracks. Network professionals planning competencies in mobility, cloud, data or app building can use MTA as the starting point. The certification will assess the professional’s ability in infrastructure fundamentals. It opens the path to Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification which is the next level for Microsoft professionals.
Linux Essentials Professional Development Certification (PDC)
Open source Linux is an indispensable skill for today’s IT professionals. Most companies are using Linux servers in their backend designs. So IT staff need to be comfortable in executing applications or store information on Linux servers. PDC certification is a good way to verify these skills.
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is responsible for the certification. The exam tests basic command line skills and the understanding of hardware, software and security issues.
VMWare Certified Associate (VCA)
Cloud computing is on the rise and it depends on virtualization technologies. VMWare is one of the pioneers of virtualization. Naturally, VMWare Certified Associate (VCA) certification can get IT professionals started on the cloud computing route.
VMWare has multiple areas of expertise to choose from: data center virtualization, network virtualization, cloud management and automation, and desktop and mobility. Acquiring skills in VMWare through VCA can help entry-level professionals get started in these lucrative fields.
Final Words
Whether you are a young professional or a career-changer, IT can provide you with great opportunities to explore new horizons. The above certifications can help you take the first steps in the direction you want to go.