IT certifications for beginners
Most beginners should start with CompTIA A+, then branch into networking, security or cloud once they know which direction suits them. Below are nine beginner-friendly certifications and certificates across those four paths, with current U.S. prices, renewal rules and what's changed recently.
The short answer
If you're new to IT, start with CompTIA A+. It's CompTIA's certification for entry-level IT support, it needs no earlier certification, and CompTIA says it prepares you for entry-level roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician. If computers are new to you beyond everyday use, CompTIA Tech+ is a gentler first credential. Once you know where you're headed, networking, security and cloud each have a beginner certification of their own.
Beginner IT certifications compared
| Certification | Path | Cost (U.S.) | Renewal | Start here if |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | Support | $274 per exam | Every 3 years | You're new to IT and want a support job |
| CompTIA Tech+ | Support | $129 | The standard version doesn't expire | You want a gentle first credential |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Support | $49 a month | No expiration listed | You want a structured course from zero |
| CompTIA Network+ | Networking | $399 | Every 3 years | You have A+ or some networking experience |
| Cisco CCST Networking | Networking | $125 | Every 5 years, by passing an exam | You're aiming at Cisco's CCNA track |
| CompTIA Security+ | Security | $439 | Every 3 years | You have Network+ or a couple of years in IT and want security work |
| ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity | Security | $199 plus $50 a year | 45 CPE credits every 3 years | You want a first security credential with no experience |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Cloud | $100 | Every 3 years | Your target job uses AWS |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Cloud | $99 | Doesn't expire | Your target job uses Microsoft Azure |
Prices are U.S. list prices from each issuer's site, checked in October 2026. They change, so check again before you buy.
Support: where most IT careers start
CompTIA A+ takes two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), at $274 each. It covers hardware, mobile devices, networking, operating systems, security and troubleshooting, which CompTIA describes as the foundation for Network+ and Security+. CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71, $129) is CompTIA's beginner certification, rebranded from IT Fundamentals (ITF+). Google's IT Support Certificate is a self-paced course at $49 a month that prepares you for A+. The help desk certifications guide and the Google IT Support Certificate vs CompTIA A+ guide go deeper on these three.
Networking
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) costs $399: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, with a pass mark of 720 on a 100–900 scale. CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months in a networking role first, but doesn't require them. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking (100-150) costs $125 for a 50-minute exam with no prerequisites, and Cisco presents it as a first step toward CCNA. CCST certifications earned since July 15, 2025 are valid for 5 years. Cisco also offers CCST IT Support (100-140) and CCST Cybersecurity (100-160) at the same level.
Security
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) costs $439: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, pass mark 750. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of security or systems administration work before it. A new version, SY0-801, is scheduled to launch on November 17, 2026, and the English SY0-701 exam stays available until June 11, 2027.
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) needs no work experience. The exam is $199, 100 to 125 questions in 2 hours, and keeping it costs $50 a year plus 45 continuing education credits every 3 years. ISC2's free training-and-exam program closed to new sign-ups on May 20, 2026, so older guides that call it free are out of date; unexpired codes already issued must be used by December 31, 2026.
Cloud
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) costs $100: 65 questions in 90 minutes, with 700 to pass on a 100–1,000 scale, valid for 3 years. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) costs $99 in the U.S., takes 45 minutes and doesn't expire. Both test cloud concepts, services and pricing rather than hands-on troubleshooting, so they suit people heading into cloud-focused roles or working with a team that uses that cloud.
Why start with A+
- It covers the basics the next CompTIA exams assume. Network+ and Security+ assume the hardware, operating system and networking basics A+ covers.
- CompTIA's own order starts there. CompTIA recommends A+ before Network+, and Network+ before Security+.
- It leads to entry-level jobs. CompTIA says A+ prepares you for IT support and help desk roles, where you can build the experience Network+ and Security+ recommend.
- When to start elsewhere: if your target job is cloud-focused, a cloud fundamentals exam can come first; if you already work in IT, you may be ready for Network+ or Security+ directly.
Sample paths
- Support to networking: A+, then Network+, then Cisco's CCNA if you want to go deeper into networking.
- Support to security: A+, then Network+, then Security+. The A+ vs Network+ guide covers the first step.
- Cloud: A+ or a cloud fundamentals exam, then the cloud provider's associate-level certifications.
The A+ salary guide shows what support jobs and the next steps pay, from BLS data.
What changed recently
- ISC2's free Certified in Cybersecurity program closed to new sign-ups on May 20, 2026.
- Security+ V8 (SY0-801) is scheduled for November 17, 2026; English SY0-701 stays available until June 11, 2027.
- Cisco CCST certifications earned since July 15, 2025 now last 5 years instead of for life.
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) was rebranded as Tech+.
Start with A+
- Free A+ practice test: the 60-question test shows where you stand, with every answer explained.
- Free performance-based questions: PBQs for both A+ exams, graded instantly.
- Hands-on labs: the free A+ labs put the troubleshooting into practice.