Information technology (IT) certifications validate skills in areas like computer support, networking, cybersecurity, and programming. They show competence to employers and can help boost careers.
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What are IT Certifications?
IT certifications are credentials you earn to prove knowledge of specific technical topics. There are hundreds of IT certifications available across subjects like cloud computing, database administration, graphic design, software development, and many more specialty areas. IT certifications are developed by major technology vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and CompTIA, as well as various IT industry associations and training organizations.
Top Certifications for Beginners
The world of IT certifications can be daunting for absolute beginners with no formal work experience. Nonetheless, several foundational credentials available get newcomers to the industry started off on the right foot across a range of domains and demonstrate job readiness:
- CompTIA A+: Perhaps the most widely respected entry-level cert, it covers IT hardware, software, networking, security and troubleshooting, useful for technical support and service desk roles.
- CompTIA Network+: Validates networking concepts like routing, switching, TCP/IP, virtualization and remote access which are valued across many IT jobs.
- CompTIA Security+: Proof of cybersecurity foundations, including threats & vulnerabilities, access management, risk mitigation, cryptography, and more – often a baseline job requirement.
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Demonstrates ability to manage Windows server infrastructures including cloud integration and virtualization.
- Cisco Certified Technician (CCT): Proves competency administering data networks comprising Cisco routing and switching devices, useful for network operations roles.
These well-recognized and accessible entry-level certifications establish core IT competencies and let those new to tech demonstrate baseline proficiencies to potential employers while also building confidence through great exam preparation content.
Choosing Which Certification to Pursue
With literally hundreds of IT certifications to choose from, focusing your efforts when you first get started can definitely be challenging. Doing some upfront research when deciding your first credential to pursue is wise:
- Review local job listings and nationwide labor data to identify in-demand certifications.
- Talk to mentors, colleagues, and managers about respectable beginner certifications in your target role or specialty.
- Carefully evaluate certification exam prep times and costs to budget your effort wisely.
- Match potential introductory credentials to your existing skills and long-term interests for better motivation during exam crunch time and improved knowledge retention.
According to the people over at ProTrain, getting comprehensive infrastructure support training through the popular CompTIA A+ certification is a common starting point showing cross-functional tech skills, while choosing a niche networking or programming credential right off the bat shows early commitment to specialization.
Maintaining Your Certification After Earning It
Recertification is required for the vast majority of IT certifications to ensure certified professionals’ skills stay relatively current with rapid technology innovations. Usually every 3 years, the renewal process mandates either:
- Retaking the certification exam covering the latest content revisions.
- Accruing a minimum amount of continuing education credits annually through online training, seminars, or conferences.
- Paying annual certification program fees in some cases.
To stay on track, set calendar reminders for your recertification window open and close dates as they approach. Over a long-term technology career, progressively building up a diverse portfolio of refreshed credentials across various domains demonstrates versatile abilities that appeals to employers.
Conclusion
While demanding consistency and commitment, respected IT certifications undisputedly offer motivated beginners proven channels for launching and speeding up technology careers. Follow best practice tips for smart exam preparation goal setting, content studying, and test-taking strategies. Maintaining skills currency through required recertification programs also enables certified professionals to differentiate capabilities. For newcomers without college degrees or full-time experience, IT certifications show applied dedication on top of purely academic training when initially looking to break into competitive technology fields.