The field of information technology is as broad as the ocean, and for a beginner enthusiastic about learning or starting an IT career, profitably navigating through the murky waters of hundreds of sub-disciplines can be discouraging.

Beyond getting the skill, (most of which you can get to learn over the internet these days), getting certified is equally important in gaining relevance in the field of information technology. This is because, even though the skillset is your most important asset, you may need must then just that to land your dream job because most high profile job openings get to see your certification first before evaluating your experience and knowledge level.

While job owners may need you to show some certifications to ascertain competence, you do not need any prior academic knowledge to enroll for courses that grant you certification in IT disciplines. You also need little or no theoretical background knowledge to be qualified.

In this article, we will be diving deep into 5 of the best entry-level certifications that can give you relevance in the IT field. Beyond just certifications, these courses can also help you find your footing on long term IT career paths.

Cisco Certified Network Associate

The Cisco certified network associate is an associate-level certification offered by Cisco Systems: a multinational conglomerate that design, develop and manufacture network hardware and other high technological IT products and services. It trains beginners on how to install, operate, and configure enterprise-level routers and switches.

The CCNA has a centralized intention of equipping students with networking knowledge as well as enhance already acquired networking knowledge ranging from the establishment to the maintenance and troubleshooting of any network.

Skilled associate boast proficiency in backend devices that equip them to ensure that frontend operations are hassle-free. Becoming a certified CCNA is never a difficult task to achieve. Although, as are other fields of study, commitment and dedication are required for success.

In order to get the CCNA certification, you would need to write and pass a 90 minutes test comprising 50-60 questions. Enrolling for CCNA costs on the average $295, which is moderate compared to the pricing of some other tech giant course cost.

A Cisco Certified Network Associate is often needed in most companies as a network system administrator, network administrator or engineer.

CompTIA A+ Technician

This is another hot-selling entry-level certification that can open you into a career in the IT world. The  CompTIA A+ Technician is a computer service professional vast with the installing, maintaining, and customizing of personal computers.

As a certified CompTIA technician, you will be required to maintain PC and other devices, including printer, laptops, and routers. Receiving the CompTIA certification requires that you pass two examinations. (220-901 and 220-902). The first is a multiple-choice question exam from which you're expected to select the right answers from options. The second is a performance-based test designed to evaluate your competence and understanding of the course. Both exams cost $200 to write.

As a qualified CompTIA a+ technician, you can work adequately as an in-home support specialist, desktop support technician, and a help desk the technician.

Linux Essential Professional Development Certification ( PDC)

This is a great certification for beginners looking to make a career in Linux Systems  Administration. The course begins with a list of open-source software since Linus itself is open source. Create previous knowledge of Linux is required to fill in for the Linux Essential Professional Development Certification ( PDC). You would be required to take one exam which you must pass before you can be a professional.

Knowledge of the Linux Essential Professional Development prepares you for more for a solidified career paths in Linux system since if consist mostly of expositions to tools that are foundational to the Linux framework.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are the toast of many IT companies in 2019. A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is one who has taken and passed exams that demonstrate knowledge in the Microsoft NT operating system, related desktop systems, networking, and Microsoft BackOffice Server Products.

In becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, there are multiple subcategories to specialize in, including cloud platform and infrastructure, data management and analytics, mobility, and productivity.

According to data from Payscale, a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer will usually earn between $50,000 to $145000 annually.

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)

The rampancy of attacks on companies' systems is increasing sporadically daily, and the need for professionals who can protect the system from these attacks increases by the same margin. The  Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) equips its students to protect and manage organizations' systems from attack.

As a beginner, this choice of IT certification aligns you into a career path of elite importance. The Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) comprises eight subjects, namely:

identity and access management, Security and risk management,  security engineering, software development and software operation, access security, communication and network security, security, and assessment testing.

To assume proficiency in all of these subfields, you will need to have taken a 6-hour examination that consists of 250 questions. As a CISSP (Certified Information System-Security Professional), you can work as a security analyst, information security analyst, and an information security auditor. Thousands of jobs are posted yearly, requiring the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

But hey, before you google search 'Bootcamp classes near me,' you should take a deep dive into understanding what each course requires and if you have the mental and psychological readiness to excel pursuing such certifications.

Although not mandatory, having introductory know-how of computer system can be very helpful before enrolling into these courses since some of them would assume you already familiarized with simple environments such as the Windows and Linux.

The information technology field does not require that you have previous certification or knowledge, and that grants some free access into gaining ground in the ever-growing IT industry. So take the initiative today and enroll for your IT certification to kick start your waiting career.