An IT certification is a credential that shows you know how to do specific technical work, even if you don't have a degree

An IT certification is a document from a testing company or vendor that says you've passed an exam proving knowledge in a particular area of technology—like network management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or database administration. Unlike a college degree, which takes years, most IT certifications require studying for weeks or months and passing a single exam that costs between $100 and $400.

Employers use certifications as a way to verify you can actually do the job, especially for roles that don't require a four-year degree. Some companies require specific certifications before they'll hire you for certain positions. Others use them as a tiebreaker between candidates or as a reason to pay you more. Many people earn certifications while working in tech, using them to move into a different specialty or to advance in their current role.

The certification landscape is large and fragmented. There's no single "IT certification"—there are hundreds, offered by different companies and aimed at different skill levels and job types. This guide explains how they work, what the main categories are, and how to think about whether one might make sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • IT certifications are exams you pass to prove knowledge in a specific technology area, and they typically take weeks or months of study, not years.
  • The major certification vendors are CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google, each with different specialties and difficulty levels.
  • Entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ or Security+ are often the first step and don't require prior experience; advanced ones assume you already work in the field.
  • Some certifications expire or require renewal exams every few years, so you'll need to budget time and money to keep them current.
  • A certification alone won't get you hired, but it can open doors when combined with real work experience or a portfolio of projects you've completed.

The major certification vendors and what they cover

CompTIA offers broad, vendor-neutral certifications that teach general IT skills. The A+ covers hardware and operating systems; Security+ covers cybersecurity fundamentals; and Network+ covers networking. These are often considered entry points into IT work because they don't assume you already have a job in tech. CompTIA exams cost around $300 each and typically require 6 to 12 weeks of study.

Cisco specializes in networking and runs a ladder of certifications: Certified Associate Network Technician (CCNA) is the most common entry point, followed by more advanced certifications for specialists. Cisco exams are harder than CompTIA and assume you already understand networking basics. A single CCNA exam costs about $330.

Microsoft certifies people on its own products—Windows, Azure (its cloud platform), SQL Server, and Microsoft 365. If you want to work as a systems administrator or cloud engineer using Microsoft tools, these are the certifications employers look for. Exams cost $99 to $165 each, and most roles require passing two or three exams.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud certify people on cloud computing platforms. AWS certifications range from Associate level (for people new to cloud) to Professional and Specialty levels. Google offers similar tiers. These are valuable if you want to work in cloud infrastructure or cloud development. Exams cost $100 to $300 each.

Other vendors include Oracle (databases), Salesforce (customer relationship management software), Linux Foundation (open-source systems), and many others. The vendor you choose depends on what technology your target employers use.

Entry-level versus advanced certifications

Entry-level certifications assume you have little or no work experience in IT. CompTIA A+, Security+, and Network+ fall into this category, as do AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer. These are designed to teach you the fundamentals and prepare you for your first IT job or your first role in a new specialty. They typically take 2 to 4 months of study if you're new to the topic.

Advanced certifications assume you already work in the field and want to specialize or move up. Cisco CCNP (Professional level), AWS Solutions Architect Professional, and Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect informed are examples. These exams are harder, cost more, and require you to already understand the basics. If you're just starting in IT, jumping straight to an advanced certification will likely result in failing the exam and wasting money.

Some certifications sit in the middle. The CCNA, for instance, is considered associate level but still assumes you've worked with networks or studied networking for several months. Before you sign up for an exam, check the vendor's recommended prerequisites and be honest about whether you meet them.

How long certifications last and renewal requirements

Some certifications are permanent once you pass the exam. CompTIA A+ and Security+, for example, are valid for three years from the date you pass. After three years, you can renew by passing the exam again, paying a renewal fee, or in some cases completing continuing education credits. If you don't renew, the certification expires and you can no longer list it on your resume or job applications.

Other certifications, like Cisco CCNA and AWS certifications, have different renewal windows—often one to three years. Microsoft certifications typically last one year, which means you'll need to renew more frequently if you want to keep them current. Before you commit to a certification, check how long it lasts and what renewal costs, because that's an ongoing expense, not a one-time purchase.

Some employers care deeply about current certifications; others don't. If you're working in a field where security clearances or compliance audits matter—like government contracting or healthcare IT—keeping certifications current is usually non-negotiable. If you're in a startup or smaller company, an expired certification might not matter as much, but it's still better to keep it current if you can.

What studying for a certification actually involves

Most people study for certifications using a combination of methods. Online courses (from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or the vendor's own training) are common and cost $10 to $300. Practice exams let you take a test-like experience before the real exam and cost $20 to $100. Textbooks and study guides run $30 to $80. Some people take instructor-led classes, which cost more but provide structure and live feedback.

The time commitment varies. If you're studying part-time while working, expect 10 to 20 hours per week for 8 to 12 weeks for an entry-level certification. If you're studying full-time, you might finish in 4 to 8 weeks. Advanced certifications take longer—sometimes 6 months or more of part-time study. The vendor's website usually lists an estimated study time, though your actual time will depend on your background and how quickly you learn.

Most people don't pass on their first try, especially for harder exams. If you fail, you can retake the exam, but you'll pay the exam fee again. Some vendors let you retake when ready; others make you wait a few days. Budget for the possibility of a retake when you're planning your study timeline and costs.

How certifications fit into a job search or career move

A certification alone won't get you hired, but it can be a strong signal to employers that you know what you're doing. If you're switching from one IT specialty to another—say, from help desk support to network administration—a relevant certification shows you've invested time in learning the new field and can pass a rigorous exam. If you're competing against other candidates with similar experience, a certification can be the tiebreaker.

Certifications are most useful when combined with real work experience or a portfolio of projects. If you're explore for a cloud engineering job, having an AWS certification plus a GitHub repository showing projects you've built on AWS is much stronger than the certification alone. If you're new to IT entirely, a certification can help you land an entry-level role, but you'll still need to show you can actually do the work once you're hired.

Some employers list certifications as required in the job posting. Others list them as "preferred" or "nice to have." If a certification is required and you don't have it, you're unlikely to get past the initial screening. If it's preferred, having it can help, but it's not a dealbreaker if you have strong experience instead.

The cost of getting and maintaining certifications

The upfront cost of a single certification typically breaks down like this: study materials ($50 to $300), the exam fee ($100 to $400), and possibly a practice exam ($20 to $100). Total: $170 to $800 for one certification. If you're pursuing multiple certifications—which many people do—costs add up quickly.

Beyond the initial exam, you'll need to budget for renewal. If a certification lasts three years and costs $300 to renew, that's $100 per year. If you're maintaining three certifications, that's $300 per year in renewal costs alone, not counting study time or retakes if you fail a renewal exam.

Some employers pay for certifications as part of professional development. If your company offers this benefit, take advantage of it. If not, you're paying out of pocket, which is why it's worth thinking carefully about which certifications will actually help your career before you commit the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to get an IT certification?

No. IT certifications don't require a college degree. Many people earn certifications without any formal education beyond high school. However, some advanced certifications assume you already have work experience in the field, so you may need to start with entry-level certifications first.

Which certification should I get first if I'm new to IT?

CompTIA A+ is the most common starting point because it covers hardware and operating systems—foundational knowledge for almost any IT role. If you're interested in cybersecurity specifically, Security+ is another popular entry point. If you want to work in cloud computing, AWS Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer are designed for beginners.

How long does it take to study for a certification?

Entry-level certifications typically take 2 to 4 months of part-time study (10 to 20 hours per week). Advanced certifications take longer—often 6 months or more. Your actual time depends on your background, how much you already know, and how much time you can dedicate to studying each week.

Can I get a job with just a certification and no work experience?

It's possible, especially with entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+, but it's harder than having both. Employers want to see that you can actually do the work. If you're new to IT, consider pairing a certification with internships, volunteer work, or personal projects that show you can explore what you've learned.

What happens if I fail the certification exam?

You can retake it, but you'll pay the exam fee again. Most vendors let you retake within a few days or weeks. Before you retake, review what you missed and study those areas more thoroughly. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once doesn't mean you can't get the certification.