What Order Should You Take IT Certifications In?

In modern times, entering the tech industry has become significantly easier, as a computer science degree is no longer required to become an IT professional. However, employers do expect candidates, especially those who are coming from a non-technical background, to validate their skills via industry-recognized certifications.

Since there is an overwhelming number of entry-level IT certifications available, like CompTIA A+, AZ-900, 200-301 CCNA, and more, beginners tend to experience decision paralysis. Otherwise, they end up aiming for an advanced certification that deters them from their IT career goal.

This guide will help you choose the right, beginner-friendly IT credential that aligns with your specific goals, available time, and financial resources.

Why Certification Order Matters for Your Career Transition

According to a survey report released by Pearson Vue, 82% of the candidates gained confidence to explore and pursue new job opportunities, which is a huge benefit (psychological) for career changers.

However, these certifications are only able to provide benefits if they are earned strategically because:

• Foundation Matters: Many intermediate certifications assume you understand basic IT concepts covered in entry-level programs. Skipping foundational training often leads to frustration, failed exams, and wasted money.
• Job Markets Reward Sequences: Employers recognize certification paths. Someone with CompTIA A+ followed by Network+ and Security+ appears more credible than someone claiming random certifications without progression.
• Salary Progression Accelerates With Specialization: Progressing through the CompTIA trifecta (A+, Network+, Security+) or into cloud certifications can increase earnings, depending on specialization and experience.
• Exam Difficulty Builds Logically: Each certification layer builds knowledge from the previous one, making study time more efficient and success rates higher.

Entry-Level Certification: CompTIA A+ (The Industry Standard)

While the tech industry is divided on many things, it agrees on one credential: CompTIA A+ certification.

It is regarded as the base for any and all advanced IT roles.

• Best for: Career changers entering IT support roles, help desk positions, or gaining broad foundational knowledge.
• What it covers: Hardware, software, networking basics, troubleshooting, mobile devices, operating systems, security fundamentals, and cloud computing concepts.
• Why choose it: CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT credential in the United States. Job postings consistently list it as preferred or required, and it demonstrates to employers that you understand the fundamentals of IT infrastructure. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning you learn industry-wide principles rather than proprietary systems.
• How much does it cost: 265 USD
• How to prepare for it: Computer Support Technician Training Program

Progression Followed by CompTIA A+ Based on Roles

Network Technician – CompTIA Network+

Earning CompTIA Network+ is usually the path most helpdesk technicians aim towards.

• Best for: Career changers interested in infrastructure, network administration, or climbing toward network architect roles.
• What it covers: Network protocols, IP addressing, routing, switching, wireless networking, network security, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Why after A+: Network+ assumes familiarity with hardware, operating systems, and basic security concepts—all covered in A+. The overlap between certifications makes Network+ more digestible after building A+ foundations.
• How much does it cost: 312 USD
• How to prepare for it: Computer and Network Technician Training Program

Cybersecurity (Entry-level) – CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an essential certification if one wants to become an Information Security Analyst.

• Best for: Career changers specifically interested in security analyst, SOC (Security Operations Center) roles, or government/defense contractor positions.
• What it covers: Threats and vulnerabilities, identity and access management, cryptography, risk management, incident response, compliance frameworks, and security architecture.
• Why after A+: Familiarity with basic security protocols and network infrastructure. A little jump-up compared to Network+; however, not too extreme that you lose track of your progression.
• How much does it cost: 425 USD
• How to prepare for it: Cybersecurity Training Program

Cloud Computing (Entry-level) – AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud

• Best for: Career changers targeting high-growth, high-pay specializations in cloud infrastructure or engineering.
• Best entry point: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900).
• Why after A+ first: Although most cloud certifications don’t require A+, it does help with getting familiar with the fundamentals, i.e., software and hardware.
• How much do they cost: 99 USD (AZ-900), 100 USD (AWS)
• How to prepare for these: Cloud Computing Training Program

NOTE: These are just three linear paths you can take to upskill and advance in IT. Use the certifications roadmap below to choose the right path for your goals.

Your Personalized Certification Roadmap: Identifying Your Path

Step 1: Clarify Your Career Goal

Your first certification choice hinges on knowing what IT role excites you: