Starting a career in IT is a bit like learning to ride a bicycle. Some get it right the first time around, and away they go. Others, particularly those with little experience working with computers, need more support to get up to speed with their chosen field before driving to a job.
If you are thinking a career change to IT, there is no shame in using your training wheels and getting certified in the entire basics before tackling more technical certifications.
In many cases, it is the smartest thing you can do. You wouldn’t see a doctor who decided CPR was not worth learning, would you? The same idea applies to IT professionals excellent skills are worth little in the real world if you can’t demonstrate the basics.
Here’s a list of 5 IT certifications that are perfect for anyone with limited experience, hoping to break into the well-paying world of IT.
No prerequisite exams needed and can be taken immediately
Little to no theoretical background or hands-on experience required
Shortest study time and the least amount of material to study.
1) CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA is an established certification authority which provides internationally recognized certifications for experts working in all fields of IT. Certifications like Network+ or CompTIA A+ are often included in minimum requirements sections for entry-level positions like IT helpdesk support.
Taking on the CompTIA A+ is no mere feat though, even for IT folk with a year or more of experience under their belt. For the absolute beginner to IT, CompTIA has a little known certification called IT Fundamentals that are intended to propose newcomers to the most fundamental concepts in modern computing.
After finishing your IT Fundamentals, the A+ and subsequent certifications won’t seem so harrowing as you will have a stable base on which to further develop your knowledge in IT.
This Certification is not recommended for those with working experience or an essential background in computers, but it makes an attractive certification for those starting from scratch.
2) Linux Essentials Professional Development Certification (PDC)
Do you imagine yourself as a rebel? Then you might enjoy picking up Linux certification. Linux is a free, and community-based operating system used for both server and desktop computing, and skilled Linux professionals have always been in high demand.
The Linux Essentials Certification is intended to provide students with a birdseye view of how the Linux operating system works, without assuming any previous knowledge.
LPI Certifications
» LPIC-1
» LPIC-2
Starting with an overview of the open-source software, the PDC takes you by the hand and walks you through the history of how Linux came to be and then proceeds to illustrate the basic usage of the various Linux components and tools.
Be warned: this certification does assume at least some natural aptitude for working with computers, but if you are looking for the stepping stone toward mastering Linux, this is it.
Next steps:- LPI Linux LPIC-1 and CompTIA Linux+ Prep
3) Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
If you know your path around computers well enough and would prefer to skip through to the networking side of IT infrastructure, Cisco has a nifty certification for entry-level network technicians called the CCT.
CCT Certifications
With a Cisco Certified Technician to your name, you can effectively add Network Handyman to your CV and start working as a hands-on Cisco hardware technician. Typical duties include troubleshooting, installing, and switches, repairing Cisco routers, and other network-related devices.
There are three specializations within this certification:
Next steps: CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+
4) Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
The Microsoft Technology Associate certification is a fabulous starting point for a future career supporting and developing Microsoft products. There are no requirements for the Microsoft Technology Associate and Microsoft enables you to choose one of several exams to complete, any of which will get you the MTA.
One downside to this certification is that it will not qualify you for any higher level certifications, and acts as a standalone fundamental in its own right.
5) Apple Certified Associate
Apple is now the third largest PC vendor in the US, yet Mac PCs do not see much use in the corporate environment. It’s not their thing.
This does not mean that Macs are out of the picture for certification, though. The Apple Certified Associate is a certification focused on how to make Mac users bused into a traditional IT environment based on Windows. An essential duty, indeed.
You can take the Apple Certified Associate online in the comfort of your own home or while sitting at the coffee shop. The study material for the Certification is a mere 50-page PDF that’s free of cost available at the Apple Training site, and the exam only costs $65!
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