Navigating the tech job market in 2025 can feel like reading contradictory headlines. On one side, you see news of layoffs at major companies like Microsoft, Intel, and Salesforce. On the other, you hear that the demand for skilled tech talent has never been higher, with nearly 90% of tech leaders finding it challenging to hire the people they need.
So, what’s the real story?
The truth is, the tech industry isn’t shrinking; it’s transforming. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is reshaping hiring priorities. While some administrative and junior roles are being phased out, there’s an explosive demand for professionals who can support, secure, and manage the new technological infrastructure. Job titles containing “AI” have surged by a factor of seven in 2025 alone.
This creates a massive opportunity for beginners. Companies are grappling with significant skills gaps and are desperately seeking new talent with foundational knowledge in high-growth areas like IT support, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. For those looking to break into the field, this is where IT certifications become your most powerful tool.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise. We’ll provide a clear, strategic roadmap to the best IT certifications for beginners in 2025, showing you exactly which credentials align with today’s most in-demand roles and offer the most direct path to a successful and future-proof career in tech.
Why IT Certifications Matter for Beginners in 2025
In a workplace that now values adaptable, skilled workers over candidates with only traditional degrees, certifications have become the modern, efficient credential for launching a tech career. They offer a direct and powerful way to prove your skills in a competitive market.
- A Cost-Effective Entry Point: A four-year degree can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast, a foundational IT certification exam typically costs a few hundred dollars. For example, the two exams for the globally recognized CompTIA A+ certification total just over $500, while the exam for the advanced CISSP certification is $749. This makes certifications an incredibly accessible entry point into a high-paying field.
- Builds Immediate Credibility with Employers: For a beginner without a tech degree or prior experience, a certification is a signal to hiring managers that you are serious, motivated, and possess a verified baseline of knowledge. It’s often the key that gets your resume past automated HR filters and into the hands of a real person.
- Provides Practical, Job-Ready Skills: Unlike theoretical university courses, certification curricula are designed around the practical, hands-on skills needed to solve real-world problems from day one. This directly addresses the skills gap that so many companies are struggling with, making certified candidates highly attractive hires.
- Enhances Job Stability and Salary Potential: In a volatile market, specialized skills make you an indispensable asset. Certifications not only provide a layer of job security but also unlock opportunities for advancement and higher pay. Research shows that IT professionals who earn a new certification see an average salary increase of $13,000.
Ultimately, while AI is automating certain tasks, it’s also creating a massive need for people who can manage, troubleshoot, and secure the systems that power it. The certifications in this guide equip you with the skills to be on the right side of this technological shift.
How We Ranked These Certifications
To give you the most practical and valuable advice, we selected and ranked these certifications based on four key criteria:
- Job Relevance: We prioritized certifications that align with the most in-demand entry-level roles for 2025, including IT support, cloud administration, networking, and cybersecurity.
- Industry Recognition: These are credentials that employers know, trust, and frequently list in their job descriptions.
- Value for Investment: We assessed each certification on its potential career impact—including job prospects and salary uplift—relative to its cost and the time required to prepare.
- Accessibility for Beginners: Every certification on this list is designed as an entry point, with no formal prerequisites and a focus on building a strong foundational knowledge base.
Top IT Certifications for Beginners in 2025
Here is our deep dive into the seven best certifications to kickstart your IT career this year. Each one offers a unique entry point into a different corner of the tech world.
CompTIA A+
What It Is & Who It’s For: The CompTIA A+ is the undisputed gold standard for starting a career in IT. For over two decades, it has been the go-to credential for proving you have the core skills to succeed in endpoint management and technical support roles. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone aspiring to become a help desk technician, IT support specialist, or field service technician.
Skills You’ll Learn: The A+ certification is earned by passing two exams, Core 1 and Core 2. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering the foundational knowledge every IT professional needs.
- Hardware: Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting PC components, mobile devices, and peripherals.
- Operating Systems: Working with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Networking: Understanding TCP/IP, installing and configuring SOHO (small office/home office) networks, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
- Security: Identifying and protecting against malware, implementing security best practices, and securing data.
- Troubleshooting: Applying a universal troubleshooting methodology to diagnose and resolve a wide range of hardware, software, and network problems.
- Cloud & Virtualization: Understanding the basics of cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and setting up client-side virtualization.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). The latest version (v15) was launched in March 2025.
- Format: Up to 90 questions per exam, featuring a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions that simulate real-world tasks.
- Duration: 90 minutes per exam.
- Cost: Approximately $253 per exam, for a total of $506.
Potential Job Roles & Salary:
- Help Desk Technician: $45,000–$55,000
- IT Support Specialist: $50,000–$62,000
- Associate Network Engineer: $60,000–$75,000
Why It Makes the List in 2025: As businesses integrate more complex cloud and AI tools, the need for skilled professionals who can support the underlying hardware, software, and networks has never been greater. The A+ proves you have those essential, vendor-neutral skills.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
What It Is & Who It’s For: Offered through Coursera, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a beginner-focused program designed to take you from zero experience to job-ready in under six months. It’s ideal for individuals who prefer a structured, hands-on learning experience and want a direct connection to potential employers.
Skills You’ll Learn: The program is comprised of five courses that cover the day-to-day realities of an IT support role.
- Technical Support Fundamentals
- The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
- Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
- System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
- IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts
You’ll gain practical skills in troubleshooting, customer service, networking, system administration, and security using systems like Linux and command-line interfaces.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exams: There is no single, high-stakes final exam. Instead, you are assessed through a series of quizzes, hands-on labs, and projects throughout the courses.
- Format: 100% online, self-paced video courses and interactive labs.
- Duration: Can be completed in 3-6 months, studying less than 10 hours per week.
- Cost: A monthly subscription to Coursera, typically $49 per month. The total cost is often under $300.
Potential Job Roles & Salary:
- IT Support Specialist: $50,000–$62,000
- Help Desk Technician: $45,000–$55,000
- Computer User Specialist: $48,000–$58,000
Why It Makes the List in 2025: Its affordability, practical focus, and direct ties to an employer consortium make it one of the most accessible and effective on-ramps to a tech career. Crucially, the curriculum is designed to prepare you for the CompTIA A+ exams, and completers often receive a discount, making it a perfect first step toward earning both credentials.
Microsoft Fundamentals (AZ-900 & MS-900)
Microsoft’s ecosystem is the backbone of the corporate world. Earning a Fundamentals certification is the best way to prove your literacy in their core platforms, opening doors in countless organizations.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
What It Is & Who It’s For: The AZ-900 is your entry ticket to the world of cloud computing on Microsoft Azure, the second-largest cloud platform. It’s designed for anyone—technical or not—who wants to understand the fundamentals of cloud services and how they are implemented in Azure.
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Core cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, public, private, hybrid models).
- Core Azure services, including compute, networking, storage, and databases.
- Azure security, privacy, compliance, and trust features.
- Azure pricing, service level agreements (SLAs), and lifecycles.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exam: AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
- Format: 40-60 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Cost: $99.
Potential Job Roles & Salary: This is a foundational cert that complements other skills. It strengthens a resume for roles like:
- Cloud Support Associate: $75,000–$105,000
- Entry-Level IT Technician: $45,000–$60,000
Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (MS-900)
What It Is & Who It’s For: While AZ-900 focuses on cloud infrastructure, MS-900 focuses on cloud productivity. This certification validates your understanding of the Microsoft 365 suite of services (formerly Office 365). It’s perfect for aspiring administrators, support staff, or anyone who will be working in a modern, cloud-based office environment.
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Cloud concepts and the Software as a Service (SaaS) model.
- Core Microsoft 365 services and apps (Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, etc.).
- Security, compliance, privacy, and trust within Microsoft 365.
- Microsoft 365 pricing, licensing, and support options.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exam: MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals.
- Format: 40-60 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Cost: $99.
Potential Job Roles & Salary: This certification is a valuable addition for roles like:
- Desktop Support Administrator: $50,000–$65,000
- IT Support Specialist: $50,000–$62,000
Why They Make the List in 2025: With the vast majority of enterprises running on Microsoft solutions, fluency in Azure and Microsoft 365 is a highly valuable and transferable skill for any IT beginner.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
What It Is & Who It’s For: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the dominant leader in the cloud computing market. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP) is the foundational certification that validates your overall understanding of the AWS Cloud. It’s designed for individuals in technical, managerial, sales, or financial roles who want to build cloud literacy and understand the core value of AWS.
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Core AWS services and their common use cases.
- The AWS global infrastructure.
- Fundamental AWS architectural principles.
- The AWS shared responsibility model for security and compliance.
- AWS billing, account management, and pricing models.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exam: CLF-C02: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
- Format: 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Cost: $100.
Potential Job Roles & Salary: Like the Azure Fundamentals cert, the CCP is a powerful addition to a beginner’s resume, boosting qualifications for roles such as:
- Cloud Support Associate: $75,000–$105,000
- Junior Cloud Engineer: $80,000–$110,000
Why It Makes the List in 2025: As more companies of all sizes migrate to the cloud, having a foundational understanding of the leading platform is a critical advantage. The CCP is the first step on the highly lucrative AWS certification path.
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
What It Is & Who It’s For: This certification is for the hands-on problem-solvers who want to work directly with network hardware. The CCT validates your ability to perform onsite support and maintenance of Cisco networking devices, working with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to resolve issues. It’s ideal for aspiring field engineers and on-site support technicians.
A Key 2025 Update: Starting February 10, 2025, Cisco is consolidating its previous CCT tracks (Collaboration, Data Center, Routing & Switching) into a single, unified certification: the CCT Field Technician. This makes the path for beginners clearer and more comprehensive.
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Hardware identification of Cisco routers, switches, and other devices.
- Proper cabling and interface connections.
- Using the Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI) for basic operations.
- Configuration backup and restoration procedures.
- On-site repair, replacement, and troubleshooting of Cisco hardware.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exam: 800-150 FLDTEC: Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians.
- Format: Approximately 55-65 multiple-choice and simulation questions.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- Cost: $125.
Potential Job Roles & Salary:
- Field Technician: $45,000–$60,000
- Network Support Technician: $42,000–$55,000
- Help Desk Technician (with networking focus): $45,000–$55,000
Why It Makes the List in 2025: Every network, from small businesses to massive data centers, runs on physical hardware. The new, consolidated CCT Field Technician certification provides the essential skills for the professionals who keep that hardware running, a role that remains critical in any IT environment.
Certified Ethical Hacker (Beginner Path)
What It Is & Who It’s For: The full Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council is a world-renowned credential for penetration testers. However, it is an intermediate-level cert that requires two years of experience or official training. So, what’s the path for a beginner?
The true starting point is EC-Council’s Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) course and certification. This program is designed for absolute beginners and provides foundational knowledge in ethical hacking and penetration testing fundamentals. It serves as the first step on the journey toward the full CEH.
Skills You’ll Learn (in Ethical Hacking Essentials):
- Fundamentals of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
- Basics of password cracking, web application attacks, and network sniffing.
- Introduction to key ethical hacking tools and concepts.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown (for full CEH):
- Exam: CEH (312-50).
- Format: 125 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Cost: The exam voucher alone costs between $950 and $1,199. Bundled training packages can range from $1,200 to over $3,500.
Potential Job Roles & Salary (for CEH holders):
- Penetration Tester: $90,000–$115,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst: $85,000–$110,000
- Security Consultant: $100,000–$130,000
Why It Makes the List in 2025: Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying sectors in IT. While the full CEH is an aspirational goal, starting on the beginner path with foundational knowledge is a strategic move for anyone passionate about a career in offensive security.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
What It Is & Who It’s For: Similar to its IT Support counterpart, the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a beginner-focused program on Coursera designed to prepare you for an entry-level job as a cybersecurity analyst, with no prior experience required.
Skills You’ll Learn: This program provides a practical and comprehensive introduction to the world of a security analyst.
- Identifying and mitigating common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Using industry-standard tools like Python, Linux, and SQL for security tasks.
- Working with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms like Splunk.
- Understanding security frameworks like NIST.
- Detecting and responding to security incidents.
The 2025 Exam Lowdown:
- Exams: Like the IT Support certificate, assessment is done through ongoing labs, quizzes, and projects within the online courses.
- Format: 100% online, self-paced program.
- Duration: Can be completed in under 6 months, studying about 7 hours per week.
- Cost: A monthly subscription to Coursera, typically $49 per month.
Potential Job Roles & Salary:
- Junior Cybersecurity Analyst: $61,000–$71,000
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: $70,000–$98,000
- IT Security Specialist: $80,000–$107,000
Why It Makes the List in 2025: It is arguably the most accessible, affordable, and comprehensive entry point into the high-demand field of cybersecurity. It also explicitly prepares learners for the industry-standard CompTIA Security+ exam, providing a clear path to earning a powerful dual credential.
Comparison Table: Your 2025 IT Certification Cheat Sheet
To help you see the options side-by-side, here’s a quick comparison of the key details for each certification.
Salary ranges are estimates based on 2025 data for entry-level positions (0-2 years of experience) in the United States and can vary by location and employer.
Which Certification Should You Choose? A Strategic Roadmap
Instead of just picking one, the best strategy is often to choose a path. Here are our recommendations based on your career goals.
Path 1: The Foundational IT Support Specialist
If you enjoy solving problems and helping people with their technology, this is the path for you.
- Step 1: Start with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Its low cost, guided curriculum, and hands-on labs make it the ideal environment to learn the fundamentals without pressure.
- Step 2: Earn the CompTIA A+ Certification. Use the knowledge and the 30% exam discount you get from completing the Google certificate to tackle the industry-standard A+. Having both credentials is a powerful combination: the Google cert shows you’ve completed comprehensive training, while the A+ proves you’ve mastered the material in a proctored, high-stakes exam environment. This two-part approach makes your resume stand out for any help desk or IT support role.
Path 2: The Aspiring Cloud Professional
If you’re fascinated by the massive scale and power of cloud computing, start here.
- Your Choice: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner OR Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900). The decision comes down to what kind of companies you want to work for.
- Choose AWS if you’re interested in a broad range of opportunities, including startups and tech companies. AWS has the largest market share, making its skills widely applicable.
- Choose Azure if you want to work in large enterprise environments, which often have deep-rooted relationships with Microsoft products like Windows Server and Office 365. A great tip is to browse job listings for cloud roles in your area and see which platform appears more frequently.
Path 3: The Future Cybersecurity Defender
If you’re drawn to the idea of protecting data and outsmarting digital adversaries, this is your entry point.
- Step 1: Start with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. This program is specifically designed to take someone with zero experience and give them the foundational knowledge and practical skills of a security analyst.
- Step 2: Pursue the CompTIA Security+ Certification. The Google program is an excellent preparatory course for the Security+, which is the globally recognized benchmark for entry-level cybersecurity roles. This “stacking” strategy gives you a comprehensive education and a highly respected credential to launch your security career.
Study Resources & Preparation Tips: Your Blueprint for Success
Getting certified requires dedication. Here are the best resources and tips to help you pass your exam on the first try.
Official Vendor Resources (Start Here)
- CompTIA: The CertMaster suite is your go-to. CertMaster Learn provides comprehensive eLearning, CertMaster Labs offers hands-on practice in virtual environments, and CertMaster Practice delivers adaptive practice exams to pinpoint your weak spots.
- AWS: AWS Skill Builder is a treasure trove of free resources, including digital courses, official practice question sets, and the game-based AWS Cloud Quest. A paid subscription unlocks full-length official practice exams and additional labs.
- Microsoft: Microsoft Learn offers free, in-depth learning paths for both AZ-900 and MS-900. These include articles, videos, and hands-on labs. They also provide free practice assessments to gauge your readiness.
- Cisco: The Cisco Learning Network is the central hub for exam topics and official e-learning modules. You can also find study bundles and practice tests from partners like Cisco Press and mindhub.
General Tips for Success
- Create a Realistic Study Plan: Don’t try to cram. Dedicate 1-2 hours per day and set weekly goals. Consistency is more effective than long, infrequent sessions.
- Focus on Hands-On Practice: Theory is not enough. Set up a home lab, use the free tiers offered by AWS and Azure, and practice the skills described in the exam objectives. This is non-negotiable for building real confidence.
- Use High-Quality Practice Exams: Take a practice exam early to get a baseline score, then use them throughout your studies to track progress. In the final weeks, take full-length, timed exams under realistic conditions to prepare for the pressure of the real thing.
- Join a Community: Connect with others studying for the same exam on platforms like Reddit or LinkedIn. Sharing resources, asking questions, and discussing difficult topics can be incredibly motivating.
FAQs: Your IT Certification Questions, Answered
Are IT certifications worth it without a degree or experience?
Yes, absolutely. Certifications are specifically designed to bridge this gap. They provide employers with verifiable proof of your skills, which is often more important to them than a degree for entry-level roles. The goal is to use the certification to land your first job, where you will then build the hands-on experience needed to advance your career.
Can I get a job with just one certification?
Yes. A single, well-respected foundational certification like CompTIA A+ or the Google IT Support Certificate is often sufficient to qualify for entry-level positions like help desk technician or IT support specialist. The certification gets you the interview; your problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm will help you land the job.
How do I choose my very first IT certification?
Start with your interests. Do you enjoy hands-on troubleshooting (IT Support)? Thinking about large-scale systems (Cloud)? Or defending against threats (Cybersecurity)? Once you have a general direction, look at job descriptions for entry-level roles that excite you and see which certifications are mentioned most frequently. This is the best indicator of what employers in your desired field value.
What is the easiest IT certification for a complete beginner?
While no certification is “easy,” some are designed specifically for those with zero prior knowledge. The Google IT Support Certificate and CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) are excellent starting points. They focus on fundamental concepts in a highly accessible, guided format, making them perfect for testing the waters and deciding if a career in IT is right for you.
How long does it take to get certified and find a job?
Most beginners can prepare for a foundational certification in 3 to 6 months while studying part-time. The job search timeline can vary based on location and the market, but holding a respected certification significantly strengthens your resume and can shorten the time it takes to land your first role.
Your Future in Tech Starts Now
The tech landscape of 2025 is defined by change, but with change comes opportunity. The demand for individuals with proven, practical IT skills is stronger than ever, and certifications are the most direct and effective way for a beginner to answer that call.
The most difficult step is often the first one. Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Pick the path from this guide that excites you the most, choose that first certification, and commit to starting your learning journey today. Your future career in tech is waiting.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our guides on or dive into our deep comparison of.
