Top 5 Best Entry Level Computer Certifications (2017)

A career in Information Technology is one of the most satisfying and at the same time challenging. It is a career option that offers great flexibility, money, and satisfaction. Also as the world is getting more and more wired, thanks to computers and Internet, there are more and more people choosing technology to make their life easier and efficient. So you'll always be in a job.

Every business needs IT to effectively conduct their day-to-day operations. Information technology professionals can work in a varied medium of industries viz. Retail, Legal, Airlines etc. to name a few of them.

Certifications also increase the chances of getting a good job and keeps you neck-in-neck about the industry happenings.

If you are looking to embark your career in the IT industry then the below list of top entry-level certification could be ideal for you. The below certifications can also be taken even if you are a beginner or a complete fresher and have basic computer knowledge, however, with training, practice, and understanding of the concepts.

CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) Certifications

1) CompTIA A +

Preparing for this certification involves learning computer hardware, troubleshooting, and assembling and re-assembling a computer.

Normally an individual would attend an institute level training and learn all the essentials that are required for the certification. Passing this certification requires you to clear two exams. The first one is generally known as CompTIA+ Essentials and the second one as CompTIA A+ Practical Application. After completing this certification you can get an entry-level hardware or a field technician job.

2) CompTIA N+

After CompTIA A+ certification people normally go for N+ certification. CompTIA N+ certification requires in-depth knowledge of the basics of networking, various network topologies, understanding various networking equipment, network management and efficient ways to handle a small computer network.

A number of people go for the CompTIA N+ certification; not the A+ certification. While having both A+ and N+ really helps.

3) CompTIA Linux+

If you would like to start your career in Linux then consider this one. This is definitely not an entry-level certification but considering you as an individual who is looking to make a career in the IT industry having this at the back of your mind will not do any harm.

Not many people start with Linux because it is very much command driven and learning and working with command line utilities is a bit difficult. The job market for Linux is still unsaturated and with the right skills and knowledge you could land up with the highest pay-scale compared to your friends.

CompTIA certification is considered as an industry standard which means employers look for people with those certifications. Also, all the above certifications do not retire, that is to say, they do not need you to re-certify the same. There is generally a re-certification rule but not with CompTIA certifications.

Cisco Certification

3) CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician)

If you want to make your career in the networking industry then passing the CCENT certification is your ticket to enter the field. Cisco is the leader in the computer networking industry and Cisco certifications are always in-demand. Requires only one exam and generally, the next step is to get CCNA certified. Re-certification should be done in every three years to retain the credentials.

Microsoft Certification

5) MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)

There are no prerequisites for this one as well. Though Microsoft recommends having at least some work experience before getting certified, it is common to get MCTS certified without having real-world experience. With examinations on Windows 7, Vista which you may have used daily you can certainly get this certification very easily.

Getting MCTS credentials requires to pass one to three exams - meaning if you clear one of the exams you get MCTS and after giving five of the exams in the series you would be MCITP. There is a wide range of specialization that you can opt for, hence the word one to three exams. Such as getting " Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7" requires two exams whereas for " Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008" you'll have to clear three exams.

Expect to work on tier 1 desktop level jobs.

Those were the top five best entry-level certifications that are and will always be in demand. No certification can ever guarantee a job, but with the right skills and knowledge you will go a long way, and certifications do just that.