What Is the Easiest IT Certification to Get?

Careers in information technology are currently in demand, with the field growing parallel to the world’s increasing use of technology. Job requirements vary among employers, with some requiring a degree, previous work experience, or completing popular IT certifications to showcase your skills and knowledge. Getting certified may also boost your salary. According to a report by Pearson Vue, 35 percent of the study’s 21,000 participants received an increase in their pay after acquiring an IT certification [1].

Read further to explore the easiest IT certifications to get, the requirements for each, and which jobs you can get by being certified. 

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications

Top 5 easiest IT certifications to earn

The easiest IT certifications to get typically have little to no prerequisites to meet before you can sign up for the certification exam. Pursuing credentials like the following can be particularly helpful if you’re new to IT:

1. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

Cost (US): $138 [2]

Passing score: 650 out of 900

Requirements: The CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam has no prerequisites for you to sign up. To pass the exam, you must understand the fundamentals of computing, including the necessary infrastructure and elements like databases and software development. You can expect a maximum of 75 multiple-choice questions, with 60 minutes to complete.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals, offered by CompTIA, teaches you the basics of information technology and prepares you for starting a career in the IT industry. With this certification, you’ll learn how to use and develop software, keep devices safe and secure, and best practices for troubleshooting and problem-solving.

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals

Cost (US): $99 [3]

Passing score: 700 or greater

Requirements: Before taking the Azure Data Fundamentals exam, it is helpful to test your knowledge of data fundamentals with practice exams and understand different kinds of data. The exam will test your skills in core data concepts and how to work with relational and non-relational data on the platform. You will have 45 minutes to complete the exam, and a proctor will monitor the test-taking process.

The Azure Data Fundamentals certification offered by Microsoft enhances your knowledge and builds your skills when using Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing software. This certification is for aspiring cloud engineers and other careers that work directly with data and data storage.

Read more: Azure Certification: What It Is, Career Benefits, and How to Get Certified

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cost (US): $300 [4]

Passing score: at least 825 out of 1000

Requirements: The CCNA exam doesn’t require any prerequisites; however, it does recommend at least a year of experience using Cisco before attempting to take the test.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge while learning more about networking practices, automation in network management, and cybersecurity. The examination takes 120 minutes to complete. 

When you earn the certification, your credentials are valid for three years. Afterward, you’ll need to apply for recertification.

Read more: What Is the CCNA? An Entry-Level Networking Certification

4. CompTIA A+

Cost (US): $253 [2]

Passing score:

• 220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900)

• 220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900)

Requirements: CompTIA recommends nine months to a full year of field experience before taking the two examinations for CompTIA A+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification allows you to display your knowledge of more in-depth strategies for troubleshooting software and hardware, how to utilize different technologies in person and remotely, and how to install various operating systems on computers. CompTIA A+ requires two examinations, which consist of different question types, including multiple choice (single and multiple-response), drag-and-drop questions, and questions that require you to perform actions. You are allowed 90 minutes per exam.

5. Linux Essentials certification

Cost (US): $120 to $200 [5]

Passing score: 500 out of 800

Requirements: While you don’t need any prerequisites to take the exam, to qualify for this credential, you must complete and pass the examination, displaying an understanding of Linux as an operating system and computer security practices.

The Linux Essentials certification offered by the Linux Professional Institute will benefit you if you’re interested in a developer, administrator, or engineer career path. Earning the accreditation showcases your proficiency with the Linux operating system while proving your foundational knowledge of open-source technologies. You will have one hour to finish the 40-question exam. Once you pass the examination, you will not need to renew your certification.

Read more: What Can I Do With a Linux Certification?

What jobs can you get with an IT certification?

IT certifications may help you qualify for an entry-level job, get a promotion, or gain experience in the field. Gaining credentials can also help smooth a career transition if you’re embarking on one. Completing an information technology certification may help you qualify for one of the following jobs:

IT support specialist

Average annual base salary: $59,574 [6] Requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree

IT support specialists help computer users solve problems with their technological devices. If you work for a company, you may assist in or even manage the computer network's planning, installation, and upkeep. As an IT support specialist, you have a background working with technology, software, and hardware and know how to answer any questions that the user you’re helping may have.

To become an IT support specialist, consider completing an associate or bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science. However, keep in mind some employers may prefer a bachelor's degree over an associate's. If you want to enhance your skills and stand out to employers, the CompTIA A+ certification will help you strengthen your troubleshooting abilities. It also showcases your knowledge regarding cybersecurity, mobile devices, operating systems, and the cloud.

Read more: How to Become an IT Support Specialist: Your Guide

Security analyst

Average annual base salary: $108,517 [7] Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

As a security analyst, you help prevent cyberattacks on computer systems for a company or business and train employees to prevent these attacks. You also test your own software and hardware by attempting to break into it, which helps you create better security measures to keep cybercriminals out.

To become a security analyst, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing, cybersecurity, or a related field. While many IT certifications cover cybersecurity practices, CompTIA offers a specific cybersecurity analyst certification, CompTIA CySA+, for those looking to advance in cybersecurity. This certification deals with continually monitoring the cybersecurity system to detect incidents, prevent them, and respond appropriately.

Read more: 15 Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Analysts

Network technician

Average annual base salary: $69,942 [8] Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Network technicians regularly work to update and fix computer systems for users who have problems and need troubleshooting. As a network technician, some of your responsibilities include teaching fellow employees how the network functions, establishing internet connections and building the networks, installing and updating antivirus software, and assisting users when they need help.

A bachelor’s degree in IT-related areas like computer science can help you qualify for this job. Since many employers expect to see certifications on your resume for this role, popular IT certifications for a network technician to complete include CompTIA A+ by CompTIA and the CCNA certification offered by Cisco.

Read more: What Is a Network Technician, and How Do I Become One?

Data analyst

Average annual base salary: $75,974 [9] Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

As a data analyst, your responsibilities include organizing and analyzing data for a business or company in industries such as health care, government, marketing, or finance. You use your strong analytical skills to draw conclusions from the data you’re collecting and present your findings to other team members. You then work together to create new business strategies that will lead to further company success.

To become a data analyst, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, math, or statistics, but additional education, such as certifications, can help you pursue this career. If you want to further your knowledge of data analytics with IT certification, consider CompTIA Data+ offered by CompTIA, which is an excellent way to showcase your understanding of data-driven decisions in the business world. Another option for you might be CompTIA IT Fundamentals, which demonstrates your general knowledge of data and information technology.

Read more: What Does a Data Analyst Do? Your 2024 Career Guide

Cloud engineer

Average annual base salary: $115,124 [10] Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Cloud engineers work directly in developing and implementing infrastructure to ensure the cloud can store data and information properly for long periods. As a cloud engineer, your responsibilities may include making necessary improvements to infrastructure and working with a team to problem-solve any issues within the infrastructure that may arise.

To pursue this job, you’ll likely need to get a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science. Years of relevant experience, knowledge of programming languages, and the completion of IT certifications may also help you stand out to employers. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals is a certification that will highlight your comprehension of foundational cloud concepts and how the Azure cloud-computing platform functions in terms of services, management, and governance.

Read more: What Is a Cloud Engineer? Building and Maintaining the Cloud

Getting started with Coursera

Whether you’re beginning your IT career or have already gained a few years of experience, earning a certification can help you convince potential employers or your current employer that you have the skill set to do your job effectively. Easy credentials provide an excellent starting point, but you can also boost your resume and skill set with online learning. For example, you might explore Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization, offered by IBM, and System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services, offered by Google, both available on Coursera.