7 Best Entry Level IT Certifications

You do not need a computer science degree to start working in IT. What you do need is a clear route in, and the best entry level IT certifications can give you exactly that. The right cert helps employers see proof of practical knowledge, but just as importantly, it helps you avoid wasting months on a path that does not match the job you actually want.

That matters because “IT” is not one job. It could mean fixing user issues on a help desk, managing networks, moving into cyber security, or building cloud skills that lead to higher salaries later on. A good starting certification should not just be easy to access - it should move you closer to real vacancies.

What makes the best entry level IT certifications worth it?

A beginner certification is only worth your time if it does three things. First, it gives you knowledge that employers recognise. Second, it leads naturally to an actual entry-level role. Third, it leaves room to progress once you are in work.

This is where many people get stuck. They choose the cheapest course, the fastest badge, or the qualification a friend mentioned, then realise it does not line up with the jobs they are applying for. The best entry level IT certifications are not necessarily the most advanced. They are the ones that make hiring managers think, “This person could start contributing with the right support.”

For most beginners, that means looking at certifications tied to IT support, networking, cyber security fundamentals, and cloud basics. These are the areas where employers regularly hire junior talent and where structured learning can make a noticeable difference.

7 best entry level IT certifications to consider

1. CompTIA A+

If you are starting from zero, CompTIA A+ is often the safest first step. It is widely recognised and built around the kind of knowledge used in first-line support roles: hardware, software, troubleshooting, operating systems, devices, and basic networking.

This certification is a strong fit for help desk, service desk, desktop support, and junior IT technician positions. It shows that you understand the foundations of how IT environments work, not just how to follow a script.

The trade-off is that A+ is broad rather than specialised. If you already know you want cyber security or cloud, it may not feel exciting. But breadth is exactly why employers value it for entry-level hiring.

2. CompTIA Network+

Network+ is a smart option if you are interested in connectivity, infrastructure, and how systems communicate. It covers networking concepts, routing, switching, wireless, network security, and troubleshooting.

For someone aiming at junior network support or infrastructure roles, this can be a better fit than A+. It is also useful if you want to build towards cyber security later, because strong networking knowledge makes security concepts much easier to understand.

The catch is that Network+ can feel technical if you have never worked in IT before. Many beginners do better starting with A+ and then progressing to Network+, rather than jumping straight in.

3. CompTIA Security+

Security+ is one of the most recognised beginner-friendly cyber security certifications. It covers core security principles such as threats, risk, access control, incident response, and network security.

If your goal is to move towards a cyber security analyst pathway, Security+ is highly relevant. It is often requested or preferred in junior security job descriptions, and it gives you a solid grounding without being too narrow.

That said, cyber security is rarely a true “no experience needed” field. Many people use Security+ to strengthen an application for IT support, SOC trainee, or infrastructure roles that can lead into security. It is a strong certification, but it works best when paired with practical skills and a realistic job plan.

4. Cisco Certified Support Technician, or CCST

CCST is designed as an accessible entry point into networking or cyber security. It is a useful option for beginners who want a recognised Cisco pathway without going straight to the more demanding CCNA level.

The appeal here is simple: Cisco carries weight with employers, especially in networking. If you know you are drawn to network infrastructure, CCST can help you build confidence before tackling more advanced study.

The limitation is that it is not as universally requested in job adverts as A+, Network+, or Security+. It can still be a smart stepping stone, particularly if your long-term plan includes Cisco certifications.

5. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Cloud skills are no longer niche. Even at entry level, employers value candidates who understand the basics of cloud platforms. Azure Fundamentals introduces core cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing models, security, and governance.

This is a good certification for people who want to future-proof their career from the start. It works particularly well if you are interested in support, administration, infrastructure, or eventually moving into cloud-focused roles.

On its own, Azure Fundamentals is unlikely to land a job if you have no other evidence of IT ability. Think of it as a valuable add-on rather than your only qualification. Combined with A+ or Network+, it becomes much more powerful.

6. ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation is different from the more technical certifications on this list. It focuses on IT service management - how IT teams deliver, support, and improve services within organisations.

For service desk, support, and operational IT environments, ITIL can be genuinely useful. Employers often like candidates who understand incident management, change management, and service processes, especially in larger businesses.

However, ITIL is not a substitute for technical knowledge. It tells employers you understand how IT support is organised, but not necessarily that you can troubleshoot a laptop, configure a device, or diagnose a network issue. It tends to work best alongside a technical certification.

7. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

For complete beginners who need a gentler start, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate can help build confidence. It introduces troubleshooting, customer support, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security basics in a more guided format.

This can be useful if you are testing whether IT is right for you before committing to industry exams. It gives structure and practical exposure, which many career changers find helpful.

The downside is employer recognition. In the UK job market, it usually does not carry the same weight as CompTIA or Microsoft certifications. It can still be valuable as preparation, but many learners will want a more established certification afterwards.

How to choose the right certification for your career goal

If you want the shortest route into work, start by matching the certification to the job title, not the other way round. Search entry-level vacancies you would realistically apply for and look at what employers are actually asking for. That will tell you far more than generic advice.

If you want IT support roles, CompTIA A+ is often the strongest first move. If you are drawn to networks, A+ followed by Network+ gives you a solid progression. If cyber security is your long-term target, Security+ makes sense, but many beginners still benefit from support or networking knowledge first. If you want to show cloud awareness early, Azure Fundamentals is a useful addition rather than a replacement.

This is also where structured training matters. A certification alone is not always enough if you are changing career, managing study around work, or unsure how to translate learning into a job application. The people who progress fastest usually have a plan that covers training, exam preparation, CV support, and realistic next steps into employment.

Are the best entry level IT certifications enough to get hired?

Sometimes yes, but usually not by themselves.

Employers hire entry-level candidates on a combination of recognised certification, practical understanding, communication skills, and evidence that they can learn quickly. If you have customer service experience, office experience, military experience, or technical hobbies, those can all strengthen your case when framed properly.

This is good news for career changers. You are not starting from nothing, even if you are new to IT. A former retail worker may already have problem-solving and customer support skills. A military leaver may already understand process, pressure, and responsibility. A warehouse supervisor may already have experience with systems, reporting, and team communication. Certification gives that existing experience a clearer route into a technical role.

A realistic starting path for most beginners

For many people, the most practical route is to begin with CompTIA A+, then build towards Network+ or Security+ depending on the direction they want to take. If cloud interests you, add Azure Fundamentals once you have the core basics in place. If your target roles are service desk based, ITIL Foundation can also add value.

That is not the only route, but it is one of the most reliable. It balances employer recognition, entry-level relevance, and future progression.

If you are looking for certainty, focus less on finding the “perfect” certification and more on choosing the first certification that leads to a real job market. Momentum matters. Once you are in the industry, your options widen quickly.

The best certification is the one that gets you moving towards a role you can actually secure - and from there, your career can grow faster than you think.