Breaking into IT can feel overwhelming when every job listing asks for certifications you don't have yet. The good news? Several high-value IT certifications require zero prior experience and can launch your career in just a few months of study.
We've ranked the 10 best entry-level IT certifications for 2026 based on job demand, salary impact, difficulty, and career trajectory. Each one is achievable for complete beginners.
1. CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102)
The universal entry point for IT careers.
CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the world. It validates foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting.
- Salary range: $45,000 – $65,000
- Study time: 4-8 weeks
- Cost: $358 (two exams)
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Help desk, desktop support, IT technician roles
A+ is often the first certification hiring managers look for. It proves you can handle day-to-day IT support tasks and understand how computers work at a fundamental level.
Practice free CompTIA A+ questions on CertStud →
2. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
The #1 cybersecurity certification for beginners.
Security+ is the gold standard for entry-level cybersecurity. It's approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570/8140) and is required for many government and contractor security roles.
- Salary range: $65,000 – $95,000
- Study time: 6-10 weeks
- Cost: $392
- Prerequisites: None (A+ or Network+ recommended)
- Best for: SOC analyst, security administrator, security consultant
Cybersecurity has a 0% unemployment rate and 3.5 million unfilled positions globally. Security+ is the fastest path into this high-demand field.
Practice free Security+ questions on CertStud →
3. AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
The easiest AWS certification and a great cloud starting point.
AWS Cloud Practitioner is Amazon's entry-level cloud certification. It covers cloud concepts, AWS services, pricing, and security at a high level — no hands-on experience required.
- Salary range: $60,000 – $85,000
- Study time: 2-4 weeks
- Cost: $100
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Cloud support, sales engineering, IT professionals transitioning to cloud
AWS holds 32% of the cloud market. This certification signals to employers that you understand cloud fundamentals and can contribute to cloud initiatives.
Practice free AWS Cloud Practitioner questions on CertStud →
4. Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Fundamentals
The Azure equivalent of AWS Cloud Practitioner.
AZ-900 is Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification. It covers cloud concepts, Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and pricing.
- Salary range: $55,000 – $80,000
- Study time: 2-3 weeks
- Cost: $99
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: IT professionals in Microsoft shops, career changers, students
If your company uses Microsoft 365, Teams, or Azure, this certification is a natural starting point. AZ-900 is also one of the cheapest and easiest IT certifications available.
Practice free AZ-900 questions on CertStud →
5. CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
The foundational networking certification.
Network+ validates your understanding of networking concepts, infrastructure, troubleshooting, and security. It's vendor-neutral and widely recognized.
- Salary range: $55,000 – $75,000
- Study time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $358
- Prerequisites: None (A+ recommended)
- Best for: Network administrator, network technician, systems administrator
Networking knowledge is essential for almost every IT role. Network+ gives you the foundation for more advanced certifications like CCNA and Security+.
Practice free Network+ questions on CertStud →
6. Google Cloud Digital Leader
Google's beginner-friendly cloud certification.
Cloud Digital Leader covers general cloud knowledge and Google Cloud products. It's designed for non-technical stakeholders and newcomers to Google Cloud.
- Salary range: $55,000 – $80,000
- Study time: 2-3 weeks
- Cost: $99
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Business analysts, IT managers, cloud beginners at Google-stack companies
With Google leading in AI/ML and data analytics, this certification is increasingly valuable for professionals working with modern data-driven organizations.
Practice free Google Cloud Digital Leader questions on CertStud →
7. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
A free entry-level cybersecurity certification.
ISC2's CC certification is unique — the exam and training are completely free for the first million candidates. It covers security principles, access controls, network security, and incident response.
- Salary range: $55,000 – $75,000
- Study time: 3-5 weeks
- Cost: Free
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Career changers targeting cybersecurity, students, budget-conscious learners
This is the most affordable way to get a cybersecurity certification from a respected organization (ISC2 also offers the industry-leading CISSP).
Practice free ISC2 CC questions on CertStud →
8. ITIL 4 Foundation
The standard certification for IT service management.
ITIL 4 Foundation teaches IT service management best practices. It's valued by organizations running IT support desks, incident management, and change management processes.
- Salary range: $55,000 – $80,000
- Study time: 2-4 weeks
- Cost: $383
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Service desk managers, IT operations, ITSM consultants
ITIL 4 is especially valuable in enterprise environments and government organizations that follow structured ITSM frameworks.
Practice free ITIL 4 questions on CertStud →
9. Scrum.org PSM I (Professional Scrum Master)
The definitive Scrum certification.
PSM I validates your understanding of Scrum framework, roles, events, artifacts, and values. Unlike some Scrum certifications, PSM I requires passing a rigorous exam — not just attending a course.
- Salary range: $70,000 – $100,000
- Study time: 2-4 weeks
- Cost: $200
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Scrum Masters, Agile coaches, project managers, developers
Agile and Scrum are standard in software development. PSM I proves you understand Scrum beyond just theory, making you valuable in any Agile team.
Practice free PSM I questions on CertStud →
10. Microsoft PL-900 Power Platform Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry into low-code/no-code certifications.
PL-900 covers Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents. It's ideal for business professionals who want to build apps and automate workflows without coding.
- Salary range: $55,000 – $80,000
- Study time: 1-2 weeks
- Cost: $99
- Prerequisites: None
- Best for: Business analysts, citizen developers, Office 365 power users
Low-code platforms are booming. PL-900 is one of the easiest Microsoft certifications and opens doors to more advanced Power Platform and Dynamics 365 certifications.
Practice free PL-900 questions on CertStud →
How to Choose Your First IT Certification
Here's a simple decision framework:
| Your Interest | Best Starting Cert | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| General IT support | CompTIA A+ | Network+ or Security+ |
| Cybersecurity | Security+ or ISC2 CC | CySA+ or CISSP |
| Cloud computing | AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-900 | AWS SAA or AZ-104 |
| Networking | Network+ | CCNA |
| Project management | PSM I or ITIL 4 | PMP or SAFe |
| Microsoft ecosystem | AZ-900 or PL-900 | AZ-104 or PL-400 |
Study Tips for Beginners
- Start with practice tests — Take a diagnostic test before studying to identify weak areas
- Study in domains — Focus on one exam domain at a time rather than jumping around
- Use flashcards daily — 15 minutes of flashcards per day significantly improves retention
- Take timed practice exams — Simulate real exam conditions at least 3 times before your test date
- Aim for 85%+ — Don't schedule your exam until you're consistently scoring 85% or higher on practice tests
Start Studying Today
CertStud offers practice questions for all 10 certifications listed above. Try 15 free questions per certification — no signup required.
