What are the best entry-level certifications worth pursuing?
In today’s IT world, certifications can verify your skills and knowledge. As a new in the workplace, IT certifications give more credibility to the resume. The most important is the employers trust that you can do everything well in the job. No matter you are a new to IT certifications or you want to consider more advanced certifications to continue your professional development, you need to make sure that you have complete some entry-level certifications as the prerequisites. In this case, you need to know the best entry-level certifications which are worth pursuing to promote the career.
10 Best Entry-Level IT Certifications
No matter you are a new or you decide to make a change in career, 10 best entry-level certifications listed here can be your choice:
- Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
- PMI Certified Associate in project Management (CAPM)
- Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
- Comp TIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals MS-900 exam is one of the Microsoft fundamental certifications, which is designed for who is looking to demonstrate foundational-level knowledge on the considerations and benefits of adopting cloud services in general and the Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model. It is the required exam for Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals certification. According to the description and introduction, one who earned Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals certification proves that he/she understands the options available in Microsoft 365 and the benefits of adopting cloud services, the Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model, and implementing Microsoft 365 cloud service.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications are the entry-level certifications offered by Microsoft that signify fundamental technology knowledge in those who earn it. It is designed for IT generalists and students. As the unique certifications, it is for beginners looking to enter a career in technology, whereas many of the other certifications are more specialized or role-focused.
Currently, there are 12 Microsoft MTA certification exams available:
- 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals
- 98-361 Software Development Fundamentals
- 98-364 Database Fundamentals
- 98-365 Windows Server Administration Fundamentals
- 98-366 Networking Fundamentals
- 98-367 Security Fundamentals
- 98-368 Mobility and Devices Fundamentals
- 98-375 HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
- 98-381 Introduction to Programming Using Python
- 98-382 Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript
- 98-383 Introduction to Programming Using HTML and CSS
- 98-388 Introduction to Programming Using Java
You can choose the one you need to complete your MTA certifications. More, if you are planning for Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certifications, please make sure you can complete as soon as possible. The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exams will officially retire on June 30, 2022.
PMI Certified Associate in project Management (CAPM)
Certified Associate in project Management (CAPM) certification exam is an entry-level certification issued by PMI, which recognizes your knowledge of the profession’s preeminent global standard, you’ll stand out to employers and be poised to move ahead. PMI CAPM certification exam is hot subject, which becomes more and more popular. Till 2020, more and 1 million new jobs will be created each year and qualified practitioners are in demand. With the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, you’ll be on the fast track to opportunity.
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
Earn Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification to be Cisco Certified Technicians to prove that you have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. There are three paths of Cisco CCT certification, including CCT Collaboration, CCT Data Center and CCT Routing and Switching.
CCT Collaboration mainly focus on the skills required for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco collaboration endpoints and operating environments. It requires candidates to take and pass 100-890 CLTECH Supporting Cisco Collaboration System Devices (CLTECH) v1.0 exam successfully.
CCT Data Center certification requires to complete 010-151 DCTECH Supporting Cisco Data Center System Devices (DCTECH) v3.0 certification exam to prove that you have the skills required for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco Unified Computing Systems and servers.
CCT Routing and Switching is special in IT area, achieving CCT Routing and Switching certification is considered the best foundation for supporting other Cisco devices and systems. It focuses on the skills required for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches, and operating environments. 100-490 RSTECH Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices v3.0 is available for CCT Routing and Switching certification.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) only requires to take one exam after upgraded. 200-301 Cisco CCNA certification exam is available online, which gives you a broad range of fundamental knowledge for all IT careers. As the first step in preparing for a career in IT technologies, Cisco CCNA certification validates your skills and knowledge in network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) is introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills, which helps professionals to decide if a career in IT is right for them or to develop a broader understanding of IT. It is a good starting point if you want to continue down the CompTIA certification path, but it’s not a requirement for other certifications. CompTIA ITF+ certification exam mainly focuses on the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, software development, and database use. Candidates can choose to take FC0-U61 exam to complete your CompTIA ITF+ certification.
Comp TIA A+
Comp TIA A+ certification is one well-regarded entry-level certification in the industry, which is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world. The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Based on the exam description, CompTIA A+ 220-1001 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing and network troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ 220-1002 covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ is one of most important entry-level certifications helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. It requires candidates to take N10-007 exam to earn the certification, then ensures that an IT professional has the knowledge and skills to
- Design and implement functional networks
- Configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices
- Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
- Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
- Implement network security, standards, and protocols
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Support the creation of virtualized networks
By the way, CompTIA Network N10-008 exam will ba available in September of 2021. N10-007 exam will retire in Summer of 2022.
CompTIA Security+
As the first security certification a candidate should learn, CompTIA Security+ certification opens the door to your cybersecurity career. It is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. CompTIA Security+ certification requires candidates to take one written exam. SY0-501 English language exam will retire on July 31, 2021. We recommend to take and pass new CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam to verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT; operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
Systems Security Certified Practitioner(SSCP)
Systems Security Certified Practitioner(SSCP) is a hot and entry-level certification at (ISC)². SSCP is a globally recognized advanced security administration and operations certification. Earning SSCP certification is a great way to grow your career and better secure your organization’s critical assets. SSCP certification proves that you have the advanced technical skills and knowledge to implement, monitor and administer IT infrastructure using security best practices, policies and procedures established by the cybersecurity experts from(ISC)².