IT certifications give beginners a documented, testable credential that hiring managers recognize. Unlike a degree, a certification can be earned in weeks to months, targets specific job roles, and costs under 500 dollars in most cases. The five credentials below are ranked for beginner accessibility, employer recognition, and practical job-readiness. Each links to a study resource search rather than a specific product, since exam prep materials vary by learner type.
| Certification | Study Time | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | 6-12 weeks | Help desk, IT support | 4.9/5 |
| Google IT Support Certificate | 6 months | Career switchers | 4.7/5 |
| Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) | 3-4 weeks | Office IT roles | 4.5/5 |
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) | 3-5 weeks | Pre-certification prep | 4.4/5 |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | 4-8 weeks | Cloud career entry | 4.6/5 |
CompTIA A+ — The standard first credential for IT support
CompTIA A+ is a two-exam certification (Core 1 and Core 2) covering hardware, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting. It is one of the few certifications that the US Department of Defense recognizes under DoD 8570 for baseline IAT Level 1. Help desk job postings cite A+ more than any other entry-level credential. The vendor-neutral scope means it applies across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS environments. Study resources range from Professor Messer’s free videos to Jason Dion’s Udemy courses, all of which appear in searches for CompTIA A+ study guides.
Search for CompTIA A+ Study Guide on Amazon
Google IT Support Professional Certificate — Structured beginner pathway
Google’s IT Support Certificate is a five-course series on Coursera covering technical support fundamentals, computer networking, operating systems, system administration, and IT security. Completion takes about 6 months at 10 hours per week, though motivated learners finish faster. Google has employer partnerships that present graduates directly to hiring companies. The certificate is recognized by CompTIA as equivalent to 12 months of A+ exam preparation. For career switchers with no prior technical experience who want a guided curriculum rather than self-directed study, this is the most structured option here.
Search for Google IT Support Certificate Study Materials on Amazon
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals MS-900 — Fastest path for office technology roles
MS-900 covers Microsoft 365 cloud services, security, compliance, privacy, and pricing. It is a single exam with a 165-dollar fee and most candidates report 3 to 4 weeks of preparation time. The certification is specifically relevant for roles in organizations that run Microsoft 365 environments, which includes the majority of corporate employers. While narrower than CompTIA A+, it is achievable faster and directly relevant to the environment most business IT support workers encounter daily.
Search for Microsoft MS-900 Study Guide on Amazon
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ ITF+ — Pre-certification for absolute beginners
ITF+ is designed for people who are not yet sure if IT is the right path and want a low-stakes introduction to computing concepts before committing to A+ study time and cost. The single exam covers basic IT literacy, infrastructure, software, and career paths. At 123 dollars it costs less than either A+ exam. Many community college IT programs recommend ITF+ as a starting point. It does not qualify for DoD 8570 and is not listed on job postings the way A+ is, but it builds a solid foundation before taking the more demanding exams.
Search for CompTIA ITF Plus Study Guide on Amazon
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Entry point for cloud infrastructure careers
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the most accessible AWS credential and covers cloud computing concepts, AWS services, billing, and shared responsibility. The 100-dollar exam is a single session of 65 questions. Cloud skills are among the most in-demand in current IT job postings, and this certification signals basic fluency with the dominant cloud platform. It does not require coding or hands on AWS console experience to pass, though pairing it with free AWS Skill Builder labs strengthens practical understanding for job interviews.
Search for AWS Cloud Practitioner Study Guide on Amazon
How to Choose a Computer Certification for Beginners
Pick based on your target job, not prestige. If you want help desk or IT support work, CompTIA A+ is the clearest path. If you are a complete beginner wanting structure, Google’s certificate provides a guided curriculum. If your local job market is heavily Microsoft-focused, MS-900 gives a faster win with direct relevance. Cloud roles are growing fastest in compensation, but AWS Cloud Practitioner alone is rarely enough for a first cloud job without supplemental project experience. Starting with one certification and building from there beats trying to earn multiple credentials simultaneously.
For more technology career decisions, see our guides on articles/best-computer-certs-to-have and articles/best-compact-android-phone for pairing your study setup with the right mobile tools. Our selection criteria are at methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for an entry-level IT certification?+
Study time varies by prior experience and available hours per day. CompTIA A+ requires 6 to 12 weeks of focused study for most beginners with no prior IT background. Google IT Support Certificate takes roughly 6 months at 10 hours per week on Coursera. Candidates with some technical background or daily computer use often complete preparation faster. Consistent daily study sessions outperform infrequent marathon reviews for retention.
Do employers value IT certifications without a degree?+
Many employers in IT support, help desk, and entry-level networking roles explicitly accept certifications in place of degree requirements. CompTIA A+ is listed as a requirement or preference in a large share of help desk job postings. Google's IT Support Certificate has direct hiring partnerships with Google, Cognizant, Deloitte, and other large employers. Certifications signal verifiable, assessed knowledge rather than attendance, which some employers prefer for technical roles.