Breaking into the IT industry can feel intimidating—especially if you have no technical background, no degree in computer science, and no prior work experience. The good news? You don’t need years of experience or a university degree to start a career in IT.

Today, IT certification exams have become one of the fastest, most affordable, and most practical ways for beginners to enter the tech industry. Many globally recognised certifications are specifically designed for absolute beginners, career switchers, students, and non-technical professionals.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover the best IT certification exams for beginners with no experience, how they work, what jobs they can help you land, how long they take, and how to prepare—even if you’re starting from zero.

Whether you want to work in IT support, cloud computing, cybersecurity, networking, or systems administration, this article will help you choose the right starting point.

What Are IT Certification Exams?

IT certification exams are standardised tests that validate your knowledge and skills in specific areas of information technology. They are offered by globally recognised organisations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, and ISC2.

Unlike traditional degrees, IT certifications are:

• Skill-focused, not theory-heavy

• Industry-recognised by employers worldwide

• Time-efficient (weeks or months, not years)

• Affordable compared to university education

• Continuously updated to match real-world technology trends

How IT Certification Exams Work

Most IT certifications involve:

• Self-paced study or instructor-led training

• Hands-on labs or practical exercises

• A proctored exam (online or at a test centre)

• A passing score that earns you a credential

Some certifications require renewal every few years, ensuring your skills stay relevant.

IT Certifications vs University Degrees

Can You Get IT Certifications With No Experience?

Yes—absolutely. Many IT certifications are created specifically for people with zero technical experience.

Beginner certifications assume:

• No prior IT job experience

• No programming or networking knowledge

• No technical background

These certifications start from the basics—explaining concepts like:

• What a computer is

• How operating systems work

• How networks function

• Basic cybersecurity principles

• Introduction to cloud computing

How Employers View Entry-Level Certifications

While certifications alone don’t guarantee a job, employers see them as:

• Proof of commitment to learning

• Evidence of foundational IT knowledge

• A strong signal for entry-level roles

When combined with hands-on practice and basic projects, certifications can open doors to your first IT job.

Benefits of IT Certifications for Beginners

1. Faster Entry Into the IT Industry

You can move from beginner to job-ready in 3–6 months, instead of spending years in school.

2. Lower Cost

Most entry-level IT certification exams cost between $100–$400, far cheaper than university tuition.

3. Globally Recognised Credentials

Certifications from CompTIA, Google, Microsoft, AWS, and Cisco are recognised worldwide.

4. Skill-Based Learning

You learn practical, job-relevant skills—not just theory.

5. Access to Remote & Global Jobs

IT certifications make it easier to work remotely or apply for international roles.

Best IT Certification Exams for Beginners With No Experience

Below are the top beginner-friendly IT certification exams you can start with—even if you’ve never worked in tech before.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

Overview

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly IT certifications available.

Who It’s For

• Absolute beginners

• Students exploring IT careers

• Non-technical professionals

• Career switchers

Skills Covered

• Basic computer hardware

• Software and operating systems

• Introduction to networking

• Databases and storage

• Cybersecurity fundamentals

Exam Details

• Exam code: FC0-U61

• Format: Multiple-choice

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Cost: Around $130

Career Value

ITF+ is mainly a foundational certification. It helps you understand IT concepts before moving to more advanced certifications like CompTIA A+.

CompTIA A+ (The Gold Standard for Beginners)

Why CompTIA A+ Is So Popular

CompTIA A+ is widely considered the best IT certification for beginners. It is often the first certification employers look for when hiring entry-level IT staff.

What It Covers

• Computer hardware and peripherals

• Windows, macOS, and Linux basics

• Mobile devices

• Networking fundamentals

• Cybersecurity basics

• Troubleshooting and problem-solving

• IT professionalism and best practices

Exam Structure

• Two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102)

• Multiple-choice + performance-based questions

• Cost: About $246 per exam

Jobs You Can Get

• IT Support Specialist

• Help Desk Technician

• Technical Support Analyst

• Desktop Support Technician

CompTIA A+ is often the gateway certification to the IT industry.

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly

This certification is designed for people with no IT experience at all and focuses heavily on real-world skills.

What You’ll Learn

• IT support fundamentals

• Operating systems

• Networking

• System administration

• Security best practices

• Customer support skills

Key Advantage

• No single exam—assessment is spread across courses

• Hands-on labs and practical exercises

• Available on platforms like Coursera

Career Opportunities

• Entry-level IT support roles

• Help desk jobs

• Junior system administrator roles

Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications

Microsoft offers several fundamentals-level certifications ideal for beginners.

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

• Introduction to cloud computing

• Core Azure services

• Cloud security and pricing models

Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

• Basic cybersecurity concepts

• Identity and access management

• Compliance principles

Why Choose Microsoft Fundamentals?

• Beginner-level difficulty

• Affordable exam fees

• Strong demand for Microsoft skills in the job market

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Cloud Computing for Beginners

Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing areas in IT. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is designed as an entry-level cloud certification.

What It Covers

• Cloud concepts

• AWS core services

• Cloud security basics

• Pricing and billing

• Shared responsibility model

Exam Overview

• Multiple-choice questions

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Cost: $100

Career Value

This certification opens doors to:

• Cloud support roles

• Junior cloud practitioner positions

• IT roles requiring cloud knowledge

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)

Networking Basics Made Simple

Cisco CCST is a beginner-friendly alternative to CCNA.

Skills Covered

• Basic networking concepts

• IP addressing

• Network devices

• Troubleshooting fundamentals

Who It’s For

• Networking beginners

• Aspiring network technicians

• IT support professionals

Career Paths

• Network support technician

• Junior network administrator

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

Cybersecurity for Absolute Beginners

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is designed for people with no prior security experience.

Topics Covered

• Security principles

• Network security basics

• Risk management

• Incident response fundamentals

Why It’s in Demand

Cybersecurity skills are highly sought after, and this certification provides a strong entry point.

Comparison Table: Best IT Certifications for Beginners

How to Choose the Right IT Certification as a Beginner

1. Based on Career Goals

• IT support → CompTIA A+, Google IT Support

• Cloud computing → AZ-900, AWS Cloud Practitioner

• Cybersecurity → ISC2 CC

• Networking → Cisco CCST

2. Based on Learning Style

• Self-study learners → CompTIA, AWS

• Guided learning → Google IT Support

3. Based on the Budget

• Low budget → Google IT Support, AWS Cloud Practitioner

• Willing to invest → CompTIA A+

Best IT Career Paths You Can Start With These Certifications

IT Support / Help Desk

• Entry-level

• Great for beginners

• Builds foundational experience

Cloud Computing

• High demand

• Excellent growth potential

• Remote-friendly

Cybersecurity

• Strong job security

• High salaries

• Continuous learning path

Networking

• Backbone of IT infrastructure

• Leads to advanced roles like network engineer

How to Prepare for IT Certification Exams With No Experience

Free Learning Resources

• Official certification study guides

• YouTube tutorials

• Free online labs

Practice Exams

• Identify weak areas

• Improve confidence

• Understand exam format

Hands-On Labs

• Virtual machines

• Cloud-free tiers

• Simulated environments

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Skipping practice tests

• Memorising instead of understanding

• Not doing hands-on labs

How Long Does It Take to Get an Entry-Level IT Certification?

• CompTIA ITF+: 2–4 weeks

• CompTIA A+: 2–3 months

• Cloud fundamentals: 3–6 weeks

Consistency matters more than speed.

Are IT Certifications Enough to Get a Job With No Experience?

Certifications alone help—but combining them with:

• Hands-on labs

• Entry-level projects

• Volunteer work

• Internships

greatly increases your chances of landing a job.

IT Certification Exam Costs (Beginner Level)

• CompTIA: $130–$246

• AWS Cloud Practitioner: $100

• Microsoft Fundamentals: ~$99

• Google IT Support: Subscription-based

Look out for:

• Student discounts

• Exam vouchers

• Free retake offers

FAQs About IT Certification Exams for Beginners

What is the easiest IT certification to get?

CompTIA ITF+ and Google IT Support are among the easiest.

Which IT certification is best for beginners?

CompTIA A+ is widely regarded as the best starting point.

Can I get an IT job with just certifications?

Yes—especially entry-level roles—if you combine certifications with practical skills.

Are IT certifications worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. Demand for certified IT professionals continues to grow.

Final Verdict: Which IT Certification Should Beginners Start With?

• Best overall: CompTIA A+

• Best for absolute beginners: CompTIA ITF+

• Best for cloud: AWS Cloud Practitioner

• Best for cybersecurity: ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity

Your choice should align with your career goals, budget, and interests.

Ready to Start Your IT Career?

Breaking into IT doesn’t require a degree or years of experience—the right certification can change your career path in months.

Take the Next Step Today:

• Choose one beginner-friendly IT certification

• Create a simple study plan

• Start learning consistently

• Build hands-on skills alongside your certification

If you want:

• A personalised IT certification roadmap

• Help choosing the best certification for your goals

• Guidance on entry-level IT jobs

Start your IT journey today—your future in tech begins now.