10 Essential IT Certifications for 2024
Whether you’re just starting out or are established in your career, IT certifications have their benefits. Here are 10 prominent entry-level IT certifications.
December 16, 2020
Article
Learn about the skills and qualifications needed for a career as a help desk technician, IT support specialist or similar, and how these roles keep organizational technology systems running smoothly.
Explore popular IT support courses
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Analysis, Network Architecture, Networking Hardware, Network Model, Critical Thinking, Linux, Computer Architecture, Network Security, Human Computer Interaction, Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Programming, Cloud Computing, Leadership and Management, Operating Systems, System Security, Cryptography, Customer Support
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Computer Networking, Customer Success, Operating Systems, Cloud Applications, Leadership and Management, System Security, Strategy and Operations, Cloud Infrastructure, Communication, Computer Programming, Cyberattacks, Customer Support, Databases, Networking Hardware, Cloud Platforms, Cryptography, DevOps, IBM Cloud, Information Technology, Network Architecture, Network Security, Security Engineering, Software Engineering
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Computer Architecture, Data Management, Network Security, Operating Systems
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IT support covers a wide variety of skills and industries, from data analysis to customer service and beyond. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore IT support topics, including:
Though this depends on the role, many entry-level IT positions request some knowledge of operating systems, computer security, networking principles, and troubleshooting. If you want to go into software or web development, a versatile and popular programming language like Python can be good to learn.
If you’re stuck, try finding a few positions you’re interested in on a job search website to see what skills are commonly requested.
Read more: 7 Essential IT Skills to Start Your IT Career
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities in the field. Read this article about 10 Essential IT Certifications.
When we think of entry-level IT jobs, we often think of support specialists who help troubleshoot computer issues. However, the field extends well beyond the help desk. Some in-demand entry-level IT jobs include computer support specialist, web developer, junior systems administrator, junior systems analyst, and site reliability engineer. Read this article for details about more entry-level IT jobs.