# Best IT Certifications for Beginners: A Realistic Look at Where to Start

Choosing where to begin in IT is harder than most people admit. Everyone says things like “just pick something beginner-friendly,” but when you're staring at dozens of options, that advice feels vague at best and totally useless at worst. Most newbies want a starting point that saves their time. And usually starts the quest for the top IT certifications for beginners exactly here.

You’ll notice something interesting when beginners talk about their first step. They aren’t scared of hard work. They’re scared of choosing something irrelevant. That’s why understanding what each certification actually offers is more important than following hype. The goal here is simple, give you a grounded, realistic idea of where to begin and which certifications genuinely support newcomers.

## Entry level IT certifications

When people mention entry level IT certifications, they’re talking about credentials meant for true beginners. These don’t assume prior experience. They’re designed for people figuring out the field one concept at a time. And because you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to understand which of these entry level IT certifications actually help you get started.

CompTIA ITF+ sits at the very early stage of the learning curve. It’s light, gentle, and ideal for someone who still isn’t sure what direction they want to take. It’s one of those entry level IT certifications that help you test the waters without overwhelming you.

Then comes the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. This is a favorite among beginners because it focuses on practical troubleshooting. You learn by doing, which makes it feel more real than something that’s purely theory. People who prefer hands-on learning often find this one more engaging than other entry level IT certifications.

And of course, there’s CompTIA A+. A+ has been around for years, and for good reason. It teaches the fundamentals that IT professionals rely on daily. If you’ve ever wanted a deeper understanding of how devices behave, A+ gives you that foundation.

For those curious about cloud, AWS Cloud Practitioner provides an accessible introduction. Many consider it one of the best IT certifications for beginners because it explains how modern companies use cloud services without asking you to dive into complex architecture.

## Top IT certifications in demand today

If you look at hiring trends, you’ll notice that the Top IT certifications in demand today follow predictable patterns. Companies need support technicians, cloud-aware employees, and people who understand basic security. The top IT certifications in demand today aren’t necessarily advanced credentials. They’re beginner-friendly certifications that employers trust.

AWS Cloud Practitioner continues to show up because cloud platforms are now central to nearly every industry. Azure Fundamentals and Google Cloud Digital Leader follow the same trend. These three alone represent a big portion of the top IT certifications in demand today because businesses want people who can speak the language of cloud.

Security+ is another reliable option. As threats grow, cybersecurity skills matter even at junior levels. Frequently listed in job postings, security+ is among the most sought-after IT certifications now, especially for firms seeking individuals with a fundamental grasp of cyber risks.

Finally, support-centered certifications such A+ and Google IT Support hold steady since troubleshooting is still the foundation of IT labor.

## Top 10 IT certifications for beginners

You’ll find variations everywhere, but most lists of the top 10 IT certifications for beginners look very similar because certain certifications consistently deliver value. A practical list of the top 10 IT certifications for beginners includes:

1. CompTIA ITF+

2. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

3. CompTIA A+

4. [AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner](https://www.certshero.com/amazon)

5. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

6. CompTIA Network+

7. [CompTIA Security+](https://www.comptia.org/en/certifications/security/)

8. Google Cloud Digital Leader

9. Cisco CCNA

10. [CAPM](https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certified-associate-capm)

There is a reason why each of these shows among the top 10 IT certifications for newcomers. For those who love methodical, rule-based systems, some, like CCNA and Network+, are ideal. Others, such AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals, draw to anybody interested about the cloud. Learners with a support orientation find A+ or Google IT Support appealing naturally.

No matter which of the top 10 IT certifications for beginners you choose, you’re not locking yourself into a lifelong commitment. You’re simply choosing a doorway into the field.

## Which IT certification is best for beginners

Everyone eventually asks, “Which IT certification is best for beginners?” And the challenging aspect is that the solution depends on your hobbies and character. Every learner starts from a different location; therefore, there is no one universal response to which IT certification is best for beginners.

A+ or Google IT Support is sometimes the most natural starting point if you like solving mechanical challenges or understanding computer gear. For someone who likes understanding big systems without going deep into technical details, Cloud Practitioner might feel more natural. Analytical thinkers who enjoy patterns and structure tend to enjoy CCNA. And people curious about cyber risks often gravitate toward Security+.

Examining example classes from each course will help you to determine which IT certification would be ideal for beginners. What seems natural to one person could be perplexing to another. Your degree of comfort is more significant than the popularity of the certification.

## What is the best IT certification to start with?

A slightly different version of the same question is “What is the best IT certification to start with?” And while everyone’s path is unique, three certifications usually make sense for most beginners:

·        [Google IT Support](https://grow.google/certificates/it-support/)

·        [CompTIA A+](https://www.certshero.com/comptia)

·        [AWS Cloud Practitioner](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-cloud-practitioner/)

These three are often the answer to what is the best IT certification to start with? because they give you solid foundations without requiring prior experience. Google IT Support offers guided learning. A+ explains how systems work at the technical level. And Cloud Practitioner prepares you for the increasingly cloud-centered IT world.

If you’re still debating what is the best IT certification to start with, think about how you prefer to learn. Do you want structure? Hands-on tasks? Conceptual overviews? Your learning style will point you toward the right choice.

## Top IT certifications 2026

Looking ahead, the top IT certifications 2026 will likely reflect today’s momentum, just amplified. Cloud will continue to dominate, so AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, and Google Cloud Digital Leader will remain among the top IT certifications in 2026. Because cyberattacks show no signs of slowing down, Security+ is also still important.

Networking fundamentals (such as CCNA) will continue to appear in forecasts for the top IT certifications 2026 because networks are central to everything IT touches. CAPM will also stay relevant as companies continue building structured project teams and rely on people who understand project coordination basics.

Choosing from the top IT certifications 2026 ensures your efforts remain useful for years to come.

## Finding your own path in IT

The truth is, no beginner gets this perfectly right the first time. You have many opportunities in the IT world to change directions, investigate new fields, and improve your goals. Obtaining your first certification has nothing to do with demonstrating competence. It's about demonstrating your capacity to learn, change, and converse.

Once you complete one certification, the fear disappears. You start seeing which areas interest you more. That momentum is what pushes people from their first credential to their next role.

Should you be getting ready for any of these exams, practice tests help more than most people realize. They help to lower exam-day anxiety and provide you an idea of what to anticipate.  [CertsHero](https://www.certshero.com/) makes preparation smoother by offering realistic practice questions that help beginners build confidence while filling knowledge gaps.