Certifications help entry-level workers stand out from the crowd and can prove that you are skilled and knowledgeable enough to fill important roles in the field. But the IT certification world can be confusing. When you first enter the field, the choices might seem overwhelming, and it can be hard to figure out exactly which certification to focus on. Learning about the following certifications can help you make smart certification choices and pave the way for a long and successful career in IT.
CompTIA A+

CompTIA is one of the best places for entry-level IT workers to begin their certification journeys. CompTIA offers vendor-neutral exams, so you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills without tying yourself to one specific brand of technology. An A+ certification tells an employer that you know your way around computers and computer hardware. The A+ certification encompasses all the basics of computer repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

CompTIA recommends that test takers have over 500 hours of hands-on experience in the field before taking this exam, but it’s not a hard and fast requirement. This certification is one of the few that are possible to obtain through study without extensive experience. Certification candidates don’t need expensive lab equipment or a great deal of experience to pass this exam, so it’s one of the most popular options for IT workers who are getting started in the field.

Another benefit of A+ certification is that many other vendors count it as an elective for their own certification programs.
Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS)

Most business environments run some form of Windows in their data centers or on their employee workstations. As a result, experience with Windows and Microsoft products is a must-have for most IT professionals. By passing the appropriate Microsoft certification exam, you can gain the title of Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist, or MCTS.

The MCTS exams cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from the easier exams, such as those for Windows 7 and XP, to more comprehensive exams, such as those for Exchange. The good news is that the tests at this level are part of the higher-level certifications that Microsoft offers. For example, exam 70-680 covers Windows 7 configuration, but it’s also one of the exams required to become MCITP certified for Windows Server administration.

Microsoft MCTS certification is valuable both immediately and as part of a long-term certification path.
CompTIA Linux+

Linux+ is another certification offered by CompTIA. While most employers look for people with Microsoft experience, many organizations also have Linux running in their environments. The Linux+ certification provides employers with proof that you’re capable of working with a variety of technologies, and not only those that are Windows-based.

While most entry-level candidates will have experience with Microsoft products, the Linux+ certification can make you stand out from the crowd by diversifying your skill set. The wider your skill set, the easier it will be for you to land a higher-paying job.
CompTIA Security+

The Security+ certification covers the basics of information security, from passwords to general security philosophies and policies. It’s a low-level exam that serves as a good entry point for people starting a career in IT.

If you’re considering earning advanced security certifications in the future, the Security+ exam covers fundamental topics that will appear again on the higher-level exams. So, studying for the Security+ exam will build a foundation that will help you pass harder exams down the road.

Security is a vital issue to any business, making this certification a valuable addition to any résumé, as it shows employers that you are versed in foundational security concepts.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The Cisco Certified Network Associate, or CCNA, certification is probably the hardest entry-level certification. It’s a tough exam that requires a lot of study and some hands-on experience, but the return on investment it offers is not matched by any other entry-level certifications.

Cisco requires the CCNA as a prerequisite for some higher-level certifications. For example, if you’re looking to earn the more advanced CCNP certification, you must first possess a CCNA. You can take the exams out of order, but Cisco will not grant CCNP status unless you have successfully completed your CCNA. You can take this exam early in your career and then work to develop Cisco skills and experience. With Cisco products, hands-on experience will make the harder exams much easier to handle.

While the CCNA exam is difficult for many entry-level workers, employers look more favorably upon it than they do on the relatively easy CompTIA or MCTS exams. Having your CCNA shows employers that you know your way around the network and you can perform basic Cisco troubleshooting tasks. For an entry-level IT worker, a CCNA provides you with an excellent advantage over other job candidates due to its level of difficulty and the topics it encompasses.