Top 10 Essential IT Certifications for 2023

IT certifications offer advantages whether you are commencing your career or already established in it. The following are ten noteworthy beginner-level IT certifications.

1. 1. CompTIA A+:CompTIA A+ is widely considered one of the go-to certificates for a well-rounded entry-level introduction to IT. Those who hold A+ certifications can walk to qualified to solve basic issues in networking, operating systems, security, and mobile devices. The CompTIA A+ certification is vendor-neutral and equips holders with a specific general introduction to the IT world. From there, many IT professionals can go on to more advanced certifications, or a new specialty.
2. 2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA):The CCNA certification is an associate-level certification that covers the fundamentals of IT networking issues. This includes network access, IP connectivity, and IP services. Though it's a vendor-neutral certification—meaning it’s not just exclusively to Cisco products and tools—it provides knowledge and network professional, because of Cisco’s dominance in the networking market. One exam is required to get the CCNA certification.
3. 3. CompTIA Security+:The CompTIA Security+ certification will equip you with the skills to perform basic security functions. The certification will cover encryption, physical security, and wireless security. It requires one exam. Suppose you're more interested in going in security specifically. In that case, you can go on to other CompTIA certifications like Security+ and certifications like the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or the advanced Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Security is a growing field, with 17.4% more job openings globally, according to the 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study. On top of this large global workforce, the study also estimated a worldwide gap of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers.
4. 4. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications:Microsoft offers multiple certifications designed to work with Microsoft product ecosystems - making your studying more practical and focused on developing a specific skill set. For those who want to focus on their ability to know and manage software like Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics. If you're looking for a certification in an in-demand area, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification will enable you to learn the essentials of Microsoft Cloud concepts.
5. 5. Amazon Web Services (AWS): Cloud Practitioner Cloud computing:Along with security, is one of the most in-demand fields in IT, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is currently the most-used cloud platform in the world. Learning the AWS platform may give you an edge in this growing industry. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is needed before obtaining higher-level AWS certifications. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is designed to help you gain foundational AWS knowledge and can be great for those just starting in IT. However, to gain a more advanced role, the associate-level AWS certification may be the better option. If you already have a year of experience with AWS, the associate-level AWS Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator or Developer certifications may be more appropriate than the Cloud computing jobs. You can also consider other cloud certifications, like Microsoft Azure Fundamentals or the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification.
6. 6. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+):The ITF+ is a beginning-level certification designed for those who want to see if IT is the right career path for them. If you're a student or a career switcher trying to see if IT is for you, try out the IT Fundamentals+ certification. If you're looking for a certification that will help you gain skills for a job in IT, other certifications like the CompTIA A+ might fit your needs better.
7. 7. CompTIA Network+:The CompTIA Network+ is a foundational certification in networking principles. Unlike the CCNA, the Network+ is vendor-neutral—meaning it doesn't tie you to any particular product or company. The Network+ is considered more advanced than the CCNA, making it more ideal for those who are just starting in networking or who find the CCNA too comprehensive for their starting level.
8. 8. GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF):The GISF is a foundational certification for security and related concepts like networking, cryptography, and cybersecurity technologies. GIAC recommends the certification for anybody new to cybersecurity who wants a fundamental introduction to the field and those who can benefit from cybersecurity knowledge, such as system administrators and non-IT security managers.
9. 9. Google Cloud Digital Leader:The Cloud Digital Leader is Google's foundational cloud certification. The Cloud Digital Leader exam will test you broadly on basic Google Cloud principles. Though many entry-level Google Cloud jobs request the next level certification—the Google Associate Cloud Engineer—studying the material in the Cloud Digital Leader certification can give you a solid foundation in Google Cloud.
10. 10. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM):The CAPM is a certification designed to prepare you for entry-level project management positions. Though not an IT certification, many IT positions and teams value project management skills. The CAPM can be worth pursuing if you have a technical background and hope to move into a more project management-oriented role.