This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure.
Over 70% of IT hiring managers now say certifications matter more than college degrees for entry-level roles. That’s a huge shift—and a massive opportunity if you’re starting from scratch. The best part? There are plenty of IT certifications without experience that can land you your first job faster (and cheaper) than a degree ever could. This guide will help you pick the right one, prepare smart, and start earning sooner.
Learn more in our best it certifications for beginners 2025 guide.
Learn more in our best it certifications without a degree guide.
This is the zero-experience on-ramp in the first-cert cluster: use entry level it certifications, beginner it certifications, and beginner it certification paths to choose your starting lane, then use this guide to narrow the best cert for getting interviews fast.
Which IT Certifications Fit Zero Experience?
Not all certifications are built for beginners. Some expect years of field experience, while others are practically made for newcomers.
For more on this topic, see our guide on it certifications for remote jobs.
For more on this topic, see our guide on it certifications.
For more on this topic, see our guide on cloud certifications.
- CompTIA A+: This one’s the go-to for many beginners. It covers computer hardware, basic networking, operating systems, and troubleshooting. You’ll learn real support skills—how to fix a slow PC, reset a broken Wi-Fi connection, or replace faulty hardware.
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate: Offered on Coursera, this is a hands-on series—more like a mini-diploma. You’ll use virtual labs to practice software installs and server management at your own pace.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP): Great if you’re curious about cloud technology. It introduces cloud concepts and pricing models. No tech background needed, and Amazon even provides free study tools.
From what I’ve seen, these three are the easiest certs that can open doors to real IT jobs in under six months.
How Do These Certifications Compare?
Each certification focuses on a different corner of IT, but they share one goal—getting you hired. Here’s a snapshot comparison:
| Certification | Cost | Exam Time | Typical Jobs | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $350 | 90 mins (x2) | Help Desk Technician ($50K) | 3 years |
| Google IT Support | $49/month (Coursera) | No final exam | IT Support Specialist ($48K) | Lifetime |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | $100 | 90 mins | Cloud Support ($60K) | 3 years |
| Microsoft AZ-900 | $99 | 85 mins | Cloud Assistant ($55K) | 1 year |
| Cisco CCST | $120 | 90 mins | Network Tech ($50K) | 3 years |
If you’re aiming for broad knowledge, CompTIA A+ is a strong option. If you’re eyeing tech’s hottest area—cloud—AWS CCP is a straightforward choice. Want to move into cybersecurity later? There’s also the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), which has a free entry exam and zero experience requirement.
Top 5 Beginner Certs Table
| Rank | Certification | Focus | Difficulty (1–5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA A+ | IT Support | 3 |
| 2 | Google IT Support | Support + OS | 2 |
| 3 | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Cloud | 2 |
| 4 | Microsoft AZ-900 | Azure Cloud | 2 |
| 5 | Cisco CCST | Networking | 3 |
If you’ve ever compared AWS vs Azure certifications, the difference is mostly employer culture—AWS dominates startups, Azure rules the enterprise world. Both are worth a look, but start with the cheaper one to get momentum.
What Jobs Can You Land First?
Here’s the thing: these certs aren’t just pieces of paper—they’re tickets into the IT world.
- Help Desk Technician: With CompTIA A+, you can expect around $45K–$55K starting pay in the U.S. It’s the best entry route because you’ll handle real client problems daily.
- Junior Cloud Support Associate: AWS CCP holders often get their foot in the door at Amazon or partner companies managing cloud accounts.
- IT Support Specialist: The Google certificate was designed specifically for this role, and many grads score remote jobs right after completion.
Even better, these jobs help you gain experience toward the networking or cybersecurity certifications that pay six figures later.
How Much Time and Money to Invest?
You don’t need to quit your job or go broke to get certified. Here’s the average cost and time commitment for beginners:
| Certification | Cost | Study Time | Study Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | ~$350 per exam (2 exams) | 2–3 months | YouTube (Professor Messer), ExamCram |
| Google IT Support | $49/month (Coursera) | 6 months part-time | Coursera labs |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | $100 exam | 4–6 weeks | AWS Free Tier, tutorial dojo |
Honestly, CompTIA A+ is the most expensive but widely recognized. The Google cert is the most beginner-friendly. AWS CCP is the cheapest and fastest to complete.
If you’re comparing options, the math says this: spend under $400 total and six months or less, and you can start applying for real IT jobs. That’s an easy place to start.
How to Study and Pass Without Experience?
No need to panic if you’ve never opened a computer case—these courses are built for you. Here’s how to prep smart:
- Watch Professor Messer’s free videos for CompTIA; he explains tricky topics better than most paid classes.
- Practice in real labs. The Google IT Support program provides virtual desktops right in Coursera.
- Take at least two to three practice exams before scheduling your test. It builds confidence and highlights weak spots.
Free Study Resources List
- Professor Messer (YouTube) for CompTIA A+ and Network+
- AWS Free Tier for hands-on cloud practice
- NetworkChuck (YouTube) for networking and cloud tutorials
- Reddit r/ITCareerQuestions for advice from working pros
In my experience, consistency beats cramming. Study 30–60 minutes daily, and you’ll keep making progress.
What’s Your Best Certification Path?
Once you get your first cert, it’s all about building the next step.
- IT Support Path: Start with CompTIA A+, then move to Network+. You’ll understand devices, connections, and servers—perfect preparation for admin roles.
- Cloud Path: Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner, then go for Solutions Architect Associate. That combo can get you into roles over $85K.
- Cybersecurity Path: Begin with ISC2 CC, then move to CompTIA Security+. From there, you can follow the networking certifications roadmap 2026 to chase roles like Security Analyst or SOC Technician.
Feeling agile-inclined? Take a Scrum Master certification later—it pairs well with tech backgrounds, especially if you ever move into project management. (I’ve seen some folks double their pay doing that.)
Conclusion
If you want to break into tech, start with IT certifications without experience that prove your skills fast. CompTIA A+ builds foundation, Google’s IT Support focuses on real-world troubleshooting, and AWS CCP opens the door to cloud jobs.
Pick one, hit YouTube for free study help, and stick with it for a few months. Once you’ve passed, add small home projects or lab setups to your resume—they show employers you’re hands-on.
No degree. No experience. Just proof that you can learn, apply, and grow. And that’s what hiring managers really want to see.
