If you’re looking to kickstart a career in IT, having the right certifications can make a big difference. Merit America is here to guide you.
We’ve gathered top IT certifications that build essential skills, enhance your resume, and help you stand out to employers. These options, from foundational certificates to specialized certifications, are ideal for anyone ready to jump into the tech world.
Do I Need a Certification or Certificate?
Certification or certificate? They sound the same, but they are different. That difference mainly comes down to purpose and recognition.
A certificate indicates you’ve completed a course, like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, which teaches specific skills.
A certification, like CompTIA A+, involves passing an exam to prove your knowledge, and the industry usually recognizes it as a credential that meets specific standards.
This article lists the best IT certifications and certificates for beginners and experienced professionals. Choose the best IT certification or certificate that aligns with your goals.
Best Certifications for IT
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Google—you may have heard of this tech giant, but here’s something you may not know. Google isn’t just a search engine, it also offers industry-recognized education.
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an entry-level program designed to help beginners build foundational skills in IT support. Created by Google experts, the program aligns with industry standards, making it a respected credential among employers.
Learners gain hands-on knowledge in essential areas like:
- Troubleshooting
- Networking
- Operating systems
- System administration
- Security
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is more affordable compared to other IT certifications. It is also self-paced through Coursera. Merit America considers it one of the best beginner IT certifications for these reasons.
📌 Interested in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate? Merit America helps beginners and career changers start their IT careers using the Google certificate curriculum and personalized career coaching in three months. Learn more about our IT Professional Career Track.
| Cost | Time to completion | Difficulty | Exam | IT jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-day free trial, then $39/month on Coursera | 6 months self-learning, or 3 months with Merit America | Beginner | No | IT support specialistHelp desk technicianTechnical support specialist |
CompTIA A+
If you’re looking for IT professional certifications, look no further than CompTIA. CompTIA offers certifications to help people prove their tech skills for various IT careers.
The CompTIA A+ certification is a widely recognized credential that validates core skills needed for entry-level IT roles, such as technical support and IT operations. For those who completed the Google IT Support Certificate, CompTIA A+ is an ideal next step, adding expertise for advanced IT roles and broader job opportunities.
The IT certification covers a broad range of essential IT topics, including:
- Operating systems
- Cloud computing
- Cybersecurity basics.
As a performance-based certification, CompTIA A+ emphasizes practical, hands-on skills that employers value.
| Cost | Time to completion | Difficulty | Exam | IT jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $464 for exams, with potential additional costs for study materials | Typically 3-6 months, depending on prior knowledge | Beginner/Intermediate | Yes | IT support specialistHelp desk technicianDesktop support technician |
CompTIA Security+
If you’ve completed CompTIA A+, you may consider continuing onto the CompTIA Security+ certification.
CompTIA Security+ is a beginner-friendly certification focused on cybersecurity, ideal for anyone looking to get started in protecting networks and data.
Designed with input from industry experts, CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized by employers and gives you hands-on skills for real-world situations.
This certification covers core security topics like:
- Threat management
- Network security
- Cryptography
- Identity management
- Risk assessment
It’s a great choice if you’re aiming for a role in cybersecurity, like a security analyst or systems administrator.
📌 Related reading: Getting Into Cybersecurity: Why IT Support is the Perfect Starting Point
| Cost | Time to completion | Difficulty | Exam | IT jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies by bundle | Typically 3-6 months, depending on prior knowledge | Intermediate | Yes | Security administratorSystems administratorCybersecurity analystNetwork security specialistJunior penetration tester |
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ is a certification that focuses on networking skills, perfect for anyone who wants to dive deeper into how networks work and how they’re managed.
With Network+, you’ll learn key concepts like network design, troubleshooting, security, and device configuration—everything you need to build, maintain, and secure networks. It’s a vendor-neutral certification, meaning the skills you gain aren’t tied to any specific company or product, making it versatile in the job market.
If you’re interested in roles like network administrator or IT technician, CompTIA Network+ is a great way to show employers you have the foundational knowledge to keep their systems running smoothly.
📌 Related: CompTIA Security+ vs. Google Cybersecurity: Which Should You Pick?
| Cost | Time to completion | Difficulty | Exam | IT jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies by bundle | Typically 3-6 months, depending on prior knowledge | Intermediate | Yes | IT support specialistNetwork administratorNetwork support specialistSystems administratorNetwork technician |
ITIL Foundations
The ITIL Foundation certification is a great starting point for anyone interested in IT service management, helping you understand how to effectively align IT services with business needs.
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) provides a framework of best practices to improve efficiency, manage risk, and enhance customer satisfaction in IT services.
In the Foundation course, you’ll learn key concepts like service lifecycle, incident management, and continuous improvement, giving you practical tools for managing and delivering IT services.
The tech certificate is perfect for current IT professionals who want to add valuable management skills to their toolkits.
| Cost | Time to completion | Difficulty | Exam | IT jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $2,500 | Typically 3-6 months, depending on prior knowledge | Intermediate/Experienced | Yes | IT service desk managerIT project managerService delivery managerIncident managerProblem manager |
Frequently Asked Questions About IT Certifications
Are IT Certifications Worth It?
Yes, IT certifications can be well worth it, especially if you’re aiming to build or advance your tech career!
Employers widely recognize certifications like CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support, demonstrating that you have specific, job-ready skills.
One of the greatest benefits is the potential for salary increase. According to CompTIA, IT pros who obtained a new certification increased their salary by nearly $13,000. Cha-ching!
Many certifications and certificates are also great for career changers because they offer hands-on training and prove you know, even if you don’t have much experience.
While not every tech role requires certifications, they can give you a strong foundation, build confidence, and connect you with a community of IT professionals.
Can You Get a Job With an IT Certification?
If I complete an IT certification, will I get a job? Great question! This is a common debate—some view a certification as just another credential, while others see it as a guaranteed entry into the tech industry. The truth is a bit more nuanced.
A certification is one part of your application. Hiring managers also look at your experience, transferable skills, and strengths. Together, these elements and your certification/certificate strengthen your case for employment. IT certifications can give you an edge over the competition, showcasing your knowledge and technical skills.
Are You a Beginner? Let Merit America Help You Gain an IT Certificate in 3 Months
Ready to launch your career in tech? The Google IT Support Professional Certificate provides in-depth training and valuable career resources, making it an excellent investment in your future. Plus, with Merit America, you’ll get personalized technical support and career coaching to help you along the way!
With $0 upfront cost, our alumni have experienced an average annual wage increase of $24,000 just months after finishing the program. IT support roles are in high demand, so take the next step with Merit America and dive into our IT Support Career Track!