Best Certifications in IT for Newcomers

The IT sector has grown tremendously and employers are looking for people who have experience. This leaves those without experience to suffer the loss of job opportunities. Most newcomers in the IT sector have little or no experience but are desperately looking to snag some experience.

So how do you make yourself presentable before potential employers? Certifications! Yes, you heard it. If you are a newcomer in IT and you want to get your feet wet in the IT sector, getting certifications is what you need to start with. But what certifications are those? Continue reading to learn more.

Microsoft Technology Associate – MTA

If you are a newcomer in the IT sphere, Microsoft has got you covered. You can get detailed certification options whether you are a newcomer or an architect. As a novice to IT, consider working with Microsoft technologies, be it working with Windows server 2012 or 2008 or even Windows 7, more chances are that you will come across them throughout your career.

Your first move should be to get the MTA certification. This is a sure bet to make you get the basic knowledge you will need when working with Microsoft’s products. Note that MTA is a recommended start point when getting into the IT sector as a newcomer and to prepare yourself for job opportunities.

Once you successfully pass an MTA exam, you earn a certification thus getting you closer to the IT career. Whether you want to start your IT career or you just want to take your knowledge and understanding of the IT fundamentals to the next level, MTA will authenticate your basic knowledge.

CompTIA A+

The Computing Technology Industry Association or CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral IT certification that is aimed at advancing an individual’s education and authenticating experience with its complete vendor-neutral exams.

This certification tests on 90 questions that contain multiple choice, drag-and-drop, as well as performance-based questions. In this case, you will need to employ knowledge of operating systems, basic networks, mobile, and cloud expertise. The CompTIA A+ is the best IT certification for newcomers today. This is due to the fact that the exam tests on maintenance of PCs, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and operating systems. For you to earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you are required pass two exams. The first exam is the CompTIA A+ 220-801 that tests laptops and associated hardware, computer technology fundamentals, installation and structure of PCs, and elementary networking and the second one is the CompTIA A+ 220-802 that tests the skills necessary to install and design PC operating systems, as well as designing common features like Android and Apple iOS systems email and network connectivity.

Certified Information Security Manager – CISM

This is a certification from Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) that validates an individual’s proficiency in information security management as an expert who configures and assesses information security for a company or an organization. However, this certification has some fundamentals.

CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA happens to have incredible certifications for newcomers. Another best certification in IT for beginners for that matter from CompTIA is the Network+. Although A+ covers some of the physical networking components of IT, it doesn’t cover the details so that an individual can gain the knowledge required for an entry-level networking job.

The exam takes 90 minutes and tests up to 90 questions covering both multiple choice and also performance-based questions. This certification validates your skills when it comes to the design and distribution of networks across numerous business environments.

The exam tests on network technologies, installation, and design, security, management, media, and topologies. Once you complete the exam and earn the CompTIA Network+, you can work as a network administrator, network installer, IT cable installer or a network technician.

Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician – CCENT

The Cisco Systems offers the CCENT certification that covers more on networking and primarily Cisco’s own hardware and software. To earn the CCENT certification, you must successfully pass the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 or ICND1 exam, which tackles the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of network devices. You will also cover some security concepts as well as the fundamentals of routing and switching.

The CCENT certification is more detailed than Network+ and more complex. However, having the certification is a huge plus in your resume when it comes to beating the competition.

CompTIA Security+

This is also another certification from CompTIA certification that is a must for you if you are a beginner in the IT sphere. Considering the number of security threats in today’s world, companies are hunting for individuals with security background or certifications. Security+ is a good start for a newcomer.

CompTIA Security+ certification defines educated professionals in the field of security, one of the rapid-growing fields in IT. CompTIA Security+ is a worldwide, vendor-neutral certification that validates competency in Threats and Vulnerabilities Security of Networks, Application, Security of Data and Host, Cryptography, Compliance and operational security, Access control and identity management.

CompTIA Security+ ensures that candidates will apply knowledge of security concepts, tools, and procedures to respond to security incidents and also ensures that security staffs are forestalling security risks and securing against them.

Certified Ethical Hacker – CEH

The CEH is also a vendor-neutral certification for IT professional looking to focus on legal hacking, by use of the same skills and tools used by malicious hackers. Note that for this certification, you will need 2 years of experience in a security-related area.

Conclusion

Now that you have known the best certifications, choose the suitable one for you and work towards it. It is not a must to get all the 7 certifications above. Another important thing that you must understand is that you will need to check the exam price and research on any study materials. You can get many free study materials online. You can also consider enrolling to an institution to get some prerequisite. Grab your study materials and study hard for your certification

Good luck in your endeavours!