Information technology powers the world today. It is difficult to name a single area of life, personal or professional, where people do not make use of computers or other networked devices. Therefore, skills like being able to set up, configure, troubleshoot and repair networked devices are some of the most valuable abilities a person can have when looking to enter, or re-enter, the workforce - because skilled IT professionals power information technology.
With entry-level positions like help desk technician and IT support specialist, averaging around $50,000 to $55,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Dice 2021 Tech Salary Report), there is an obvious incentive to get started.
You may have heard that entry-level IT certifications are a good way to start down an IT career path. But what exactly does that mean?
Before we discuss the best entry-level and beginner IT certifications available today, let’s address that basic question: What is this “IT certification” that everyone is talking about, and why is it so important?
What is an IT certification – and should I get one?
An IT certification is a credential that confirms a candidate’s IT skills in a given area. Certification has become crucial to getting a job in the lucrative and rewarding field of IT.
In the earliest eras of enterprise computing there were two primary pathways to an IT career. The first was teaching yourself. When there were relatively few computer users, having the self-taught ability to fix a computer or configure a network could get you in the door at a company, or even enable you to start a business. The second method was pursuing a traditional degree.
IT certification has grown popular due to the limitations of both of these models.
Being completely self-taught is increasingly impractical. The more central workplace IT has become, the more there is to know. Employers demand that IT staff can demonstrate that their skills are in keeping with the industry standards.
While degree programs are great for some, they can focus more on tech theory than practical, hands-on skill building. They may also prevent you from entering the job force quickly, since they can last multiple years.
Certifications are skills-focused, demonstrating to employers that IT pros know what they are doing. So, if you want a career in the IT field, IT certifications are absolutely worth getting.
Continue reading: https://www.comptia.org/blog/best-it-certifications-for-beginners
With entry-level positions like help desk technician and IT support specialist, averaging around $50,000 to $55,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Dice 2021 Tech Salary Report), there is an obvious incentive to get started.
You may have heard that entry-level IT certifications are a good way to start down an IT career path. But what exactly does that mean?
Before we discuss the best entry-level and beginner IT certifications available today, let’s address that basic question: What is this “IT certification” that everyone is talking about, and why is it so important?
What is an IT certification – and should I get one?
An IT certification is a credential that confirms a candidate’s IT skills in a given area. Certification has become crucial to getting a job in the lucrative and rewarding field of IT.
In the earliest eras of enterprise computing there were two primary pathways to an IT career. The first was teaching yourself. When there were relatively few computer users, having the self-taught ability to fix a computer or configure a network could get you in the door at a company, or even enable you to start a business. The second method was pursuing a traditional degree.
IT certification has grown popular due to the limitations of both of these models.
Being completely self-taught is increasingly impractical. The more central workplace IT has become, the more there is to know. Employers demand that IT staff can demonstrate that their skills are in keeping with the industry standards.
While degree programs are great for some, they can focus more on tech theory than practical, hands-on skill building. They may also prevent you from entering the job force quickly, since they can last multiple years.
Certifications are skills-focused, demonstrating to employers that IT pros know what they are doing. So, if you want a career in the IT field, IT certifications are absolutely worth getting.
Continue reading: https://www.comptia.org/blog/best-it-certifications-for-beginners
