It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re beginning your IT career. There are a number of certifications, terms, and choices (such as CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, vendor-neutral, and vendor-specific certifications), and it can be hard to figure out where to start.
This guide is designed for all IT professionals and beginners looking for certifications to start with, their requirements, cost, and how to plan a certification path for getting hired.
What Is the Best First IT Certification for Beginners?
CompTIA A+ is the answer for most who ask themselves, “Which IT certification is first? It’s vendor-neutral (not dependent on any particular company’s hardware or software). It includes the basics that all IT pros need to know: hardware, operating systems, networking basics, troubleshooting and security essentials.
A+ is recognised by employers in the UK as a good indication that you know the fundamental concepts of IT, whether you end up in a job running Windows, Linux, Apple or Cisco kit in the future. It is a basic level IT certification, similar to learning to drive before selecting a particular vehicle.
Is CompTIA A+ a Good Starting Certification?
CompTIA A+ is one of the most popular starting certifications for people entering the IT industry. It helps beginners build essential technical skills while proving they understand the fundamentals employers look for in entry-level IT roles.
- No prior experience required: it’s for absolute beginners.
- Broad foundation: you get a foundation in hardware, software, networks, and security all in one place.
- Widely recognised: In entry-level job postings, employers from MSPs to large companies reference A+ in their job postings.
- Opens doors to other certs: puts you in a natural position for CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or vendor-specific courses like Microsoft certifications or CCNA.
In the case of a helpdesk, technical support, or junior sysadmin position, A+ is typically the easiest way to get in the door.
Should I Get CompTIA or Cisco Certification First?
It is one of the most frequently asked beginner IT certification questions: vendor-neutral or vendor-specific certs.
- CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+): introduces concepts applicable to all vendors/platforms. Good choice if you are undecided about how to move on in your career – support, networking or security.
- CCNA (Cisco): vendor-specific and networking-centric (routers, switches, Cisco’s ecosystem). A good option when you have already decided that you want to specialise in networking or network engineering.
The principle: specialise after going vendor neutral. Most beginners find that they gain more value in starting with CompTIA A+ and then, if they have an interest in networking, taking Network+ before they go for CCNA. Taking CCNA without the basic knowledge often requires a steep and costly learning curve.
Where Do Microsoft Certifications Fit In?
Once you have your core knowledge, you could consider Microsoft certifications, like Microsoft 365, Azure Fundamentals or Windows Server, for example, where you are looking for a position at an organisation that is highly dependent on Microsoft infrastructure, which encompasses a significant proportion of UK businesses.
Beginner IT Certification Roadmap: Your Step-by-Step Path
In the UK, most people beginning their IT career will find it easier to learn and build their skills in the correct sequence by taking a step-by-step approach to their certification path.
Step 1: Build your IT foundation through CompTIA A+.
Gain knowledge of the basics of hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, networking, and security. This is the perfect place for those who are new to the IT Support world.
Step 2: Develop networking skills with CompTIA Network+
Know about networking concepts, protocols, infrastructure, and troubleshooting. This will equip you for network support and administration jobs.
Step 3: Build cybersecurity knowledge with CompTIA Security+
Understand fundamental security principles, risk management and threat protection. This qualification is a stepping stone towards IT roles with a security focus.
Step 4: Choose Your Specialisation
Take your route in line with your career aspirations:
- Networking: Advanced networking and Cisco CCNA certifications.
- Cloud & Infrastructure: Take a look at one of the Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 or AWS certifications.
- Cyber Security: Pursue higher levels of security certifications and in-real-world security training.
Designed for people who are new to the field, this pathway allows for a gradual development of knowledge, rather than starting an advanced certification too soon.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an IT Certification?
The price of exams may change, and fees are subject to change, so please review the official price with the vendor before booking. Generally, for UK students:
- CompTIA A+: Usually two exams that are within a price range that most people can afford who don’t have degrees.
- CompTIA Network+ and Security+: Each a single exam, usually priced slightly higher than an individual CompTIA A+ exam part, though less than the total A+ credential.
- CCNA: A single, more advanced exam that tends to cost more than entry-level CompTIA exams, reflecting its higher difficulty and specialisation.
In addition to the exam fee, you’ll need to consider study materials, practice exams, and, if you need direction, a training course. For learners who are at risk of failing and needing to resit, it will cost them more (at first) to have structured training, but it will cost them less overall.
Do I Need a Certification to Get an IT Job?
Not necessarily, but it does really help, particularly if you don’t have a degree or experience. Certifications provide instant and credible proof that you have learned the basics, so it’s highly important at the entry level when there’s no evidence yet of your work history.
However, when used with:
- Hands-on practice: Free-tier cloud accounts, virtual machines, home labs, etc.
- A basic portfolio or GitHub profile: Demonstrating practical troubleshooting or configuration tasks
- Soft skills: Communication, as most entry-level IT jobs are in direct contact with non-technical staff.
Certification alone rarely guarantees a job, but it is often the difference between getting an interview and being filtered out at the CV stage.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right First Step
When in doubt, go with the CompTIA A+! It is vendor-neutral, easy to understand, and trusted within the UK IT industry, and it opens all specialisations (networking, security, cloud, Microsoft infrastructure) up to you after course completion. Often, rushing into a vendor-specific certification like CCNA before building strong networking fundamentals can cost more time and money in the long run. Starting with the basics first creates a stronger foundation and makes advanced certifications easier to achieve.
If you’re looking for advice on which certification track is right for you, Impact IT Training can help you chart a course from novice to ready-to-work.
FAQ
What is the best first IT certification for beginners?
CompTIA A+ for its comprehensive and vendor-agnostic knowledge of IT fundamentals.
Is CompTIA A+ a good starting certification?
Yes, it's open to entry and is accepted by employers in the UK.
Should I get CompTIA or Cisco certification first?
Begin with CompTIA (vendor-neutral) and then proceed to Cisco's CCNA upon the decision to specialise in networking.
How much does it cost to get an IT certification?
The fees are subject to change depending on the exam and provider; please always check the fee with the certifying body before taking an exam.
Do I need a certification to get an IT job?
Not exactly, but definitely, it helps your odds at the start level, particularly with practical experience.
