IT Hiring Still Rewards Certifications Over Degrees in Many Roles
Cybersecurity and general IT support remain two of the more accessible tech career paths for people without a computer science degree, largely because hiring in these areas has long relied on standardized, vendor-neutral certifications to verify skill level. A handful of well-recognized certifications can realistically take you from no experience to an entry-level help desk or security analyst role within a year.
This guide covers the certifications that show up most often in real job postings, what they typically cost, and how to sequence them if you're starting from zero.
Popular Entry-to-Mid-Level IT & Cybersecurity Certifications
These certifications are widely recognized across employers rather than tied to one company's hiring pipeline alone (with a couple of noted exceptions).
- CompTIA A+ — foundational IT support certification, generally the first step for help desk roles
- CompTIA Network+ — networking fundamentals, typically pursued after A+
- CompTIA Security+ — widely required or preferred for entry-level cybersecurity roles, including many government-adjacent positions
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate — employer-backed, project-based alternative entry point to IT support
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) — entry-level cybersecurity certification with no experience requirement
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner — foundational cloud certification, increasingly requested alongside security roles
- CompTIA CySA+ — intermediate cybersecurity analyst certification, usually pursued after Security+
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Information last reviewed: 28 August 2026. Pay ranges, eligibility, and selection stages below are estimates compiled from publicly available postings, not from a single dated official notification — actual figures vary by location and change over time. Confirm current vacancies, exact pay, and eligibility directly with the employer before applying or submitting any documents.
Official sources: NICCS, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (official), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Computer and IT Occupations (official)
Typical Cost and Starting Pay by Certification
Costs below reflect typical exam fees at the time of writing and don't include optional study materials or bootcamp tuition; starting pay ranges are general estimates that vary by region, employer, and whether the certification is your only qualification or one of several.
| Certification | Typical Exam Cost | Typical Starting Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $250–$270 per exam (two exams required) | $38,000 – $48,000/year |
| CompTIA Network+ | $350–$370 | $42,000 – $55,000/year |
| CompTIA Security+ | $390–$410 | $50,000 – $65,000/year |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Free–$79/month subscription while enrolled | $38,000 – $48,000/year |
| (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity | Often free exam voucher through (ISC)² programs | $45,000 – $58,000/year |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | $100 | $45,000 – $60,000/year |
A Realistic Certification Path From Beginner to Advanced
Most people entering IT or cybersecurity without a degree follow a similar sequence, adjusting based on which direction (support vs. security) they want to specialize in.
- Start: CompTIA A+ or the Google IT Support Certificate to establish IT fundamentals
- Next: CompTIA Network+ to build networking knowledge that underlies most security work
- Branch into security: CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)² CC, both widely recognized entry points
- Add cloud fundamentals: AWS Cloud Practitioner, since most environments now run partly or fully in the cloud
- Advance: CompTIA CySA+ or vendor-specific certifications once you have some hands-on experience
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How and Where to Study
You have several realistic options depending on budget and learning style.
- Self-study with an official study guide and practice exams — the lowest-cost route if you're disciplined about pacing
- Community college IT certificate tracks — often bundle certification exam vouchers into the tuition
- Paid bootcamps — faster and more structured, but verify job placement claims carefully before enrolling
- Free foundational resources through NICCS (a CISA-run cybersecurity career resource) for anyone exploring the field before committing money
What Employers Actually Look For Beyond the Certificate
A certification alone rarely closes the gap with zero practical exposure. Employers generally respond well to candidates who pair a certification with a home lab project, a documented CTF (capture-the-flag) exercise, or a help desk internship — something that shows the knowledge was applied, not just tested.
Bootcamp Cost and ROI: Read the Fine Print
Cybersecurity and IT bootcamps can cost several thousand dollars and sometimes market aggressive placement guarantees. Before enrolling in any paid bootcamp, ask for the school's actual placement rate calculation methodology, avoid programs promising a specific six-figure salary outcome, and read any income-share agreement (ISA) terms carefully — including what happens if you don't find a job in the field, since terms vary significantly between providers.
Final Thoughts
IT and cybersecurity remain two of the more accessible tech paths for career changers, largely because hiring in these fields still leans heavily on standardized certifications rather than a specific degree. Starting with a foundational certification, sequencing toward security or cloud specialization, and backing it up with a hands-on project gives you a realistic, budget-conscious path into the field.