IT Certifications (Which Ones Are Worth It)
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IT is one of the few fields where a certification can genuinely open the first door, because hiring managers use them as a quick, standardized signal that you understand the fundamentals. But the value of any given cert depends entirely on the role you are targeting. A help desk job and a cloud engineering job reward completely different credentials, and collecting certs that do not match your path mostly wastes money and study time.
The list below ranks real, verifiable certifications by how widely they are recognized for general IT and support careers, with notes on who each is for. Vendor-neutral CompTIA certs build the foundation that almost every employer understands, while vendor certifications from Microsoft, AWS, Google, and Cisco prove depth in a specific platform. Pair one foundation with one vendor track, get hands-on practice, and you will be far ahead of someone with a longer but unfocused list.
Top certifications for a IT
CompTIA A+
CompTIA · Entry
Best for: People entering IT support, help desk, or desktop technician roles
The most widely recognized entry credential for general IT support, covering hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA · Intermediate
Best for: Support techs moving into networking or system administration
Vendor-neutral proof that you understand networks, which underpins almost every other IT specialty.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA · Intermediate
Best for: IT professionals adding security skills or meeting baseline security hiring requirements
A baseline security credential that many employers and government roles list as a requirement.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Microsoft · Entry
Best for: Anyone starting with Microsoft cloud or Azure-based environments
A low-cost, well-recognized entry point into the Microsoft cloud ecosystem that many workplaces run on.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services (AWS) · Entry
Best for: People moving toward cloud roles on Amazon Web Services
A foundational cloud credential that signals direction toward the most widely used cloud platform.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Google · Entry
Best for: Career changers with no IT background who want a structured starting point
A beginner-friendly program that builds and demonstrates core support skills for first IT jobs.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
Microsoft · Intermediate
Best for: System administrators managing Microsoft Azure resources
Proves you can administer real cloud infrastructure, a common requirement for cloud and sysadmin roles.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS) · Intermediate
Best for: IT professionals designing and deploying systems on AWS
One of the most in-demand cloud certifications, valued for both pay and recognition.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco · Intermediate
Best for: People specializing in networking and network administration
The standard associate-level networking credential that employers recognize across industries.
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA · Intermediate
Best for: IT professionals working with Linux servers and environments
Vendor-neutral proof of Linux administration skills that many server and DevOps roles expect.
ITIL 4 Foundation
PeopleCert (AXELOS) · Entry
Best for: IT staff working in service desk, operations, or IT service management
A common framework credential for IT service management that larger organizations value.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Cisco · Advanced
Best for: Experienced network engineers ready to prove deeper expertise
A respected professional-level networking cert that signals senior network engineering capability.
How to choose the right IT certification
Start by deciding on a direction rather than a destination. If you are aiming for help desk or general support, CompTIA A+ is the clearest first step, followed by Network+ and Security+ as you grow. If you already know you want cloud, networking, or security, pick the foundation cert that matches that lane and skip ones that do not move you forward. One focused path beats a scattered pile of certificates.
Then match the vendor to the environments you want to work in. If local employers run Microsoft shops, an Azure credential carries more weight than an AWS one, and vice versa. Look at real job postings for the roles you want, note which certs keep appearing, and let that demand guide your spending. Advanced certs like CCNP or an associate-level cloud cert are worth it once you have hands-on experience to apply, not before.
How to list certifications on a IT resume
Create a dedicated Certifications section near the top if a cert is a hiring requirement, or just below your experience if it is supporting evidence. List the full certification name, the issuing organization, and the date earned or your valid-through date, for example CompTIA Security+, CompTIA, earned 2025. Spell out the name at least once so an applicant tracking system can match it, then the acronym is fine.
Put your most relevant and most advanced certifications first, and mirror the exact wording used in the job posting so keyword scans line up. If a cert is in progress, label it clearly as expected with a target date rather than implying you already hold it. Do not pad the list with expired or unrelated credentials, because a focused set reads as more credible than a long one.
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Frequently asked questions
Which IT certification should I get first?
For most people, CompTIA A+ is the best first certification because it is the widely recognized baseline for help desk and support roles. If you already know you want a cloud track, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals is a strong entry alternative.
Are IT certifications worth it without a degree?
Yes. IT is one of the fields where certifications can substitute for or supplement a degree, especially for entry-level support roles. Many employers treat CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ as proof of fundamentals, and a relevant cert plus hands-on practice can get you interviews without a four-year degree.
How many IT certifications do I need?
Quality beats quantity. A single vendor-neutral foundation paired with one vendor certification that matches the stack you want to work in is usually enough to start. Add more only when they map directly to the next role you are targeting, and back them with real hands-on experience.
Do IT certifications expire?
Many do. CompTIA certifications are typically valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education, and most vendor certifications from Microsoft, AWS, and Cisco also require periodic recertification. Always confirm the current renewal rules on the issuing body website before relying on a credential.
