Entry-Level IT Certification: Where to Start?
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals: Your First Cloud IT Certification?
Starting your IT career journey with a Microsoft 365 certification is a smart move. The Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification (SC-900) is designed for beginners and provides a solid foundation in Microsoft 365 services and concepts. This certification covers essential topics such as cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services and concepts, security, compliance, privacy, and trust. According to Microsoft Learn, this certification is ideal for individuals looking to validate their understanding of Microsoft 365 and its benefits1. By obtaining this certification, you demonstrate your ability to understand and utilize Microsoft 365 services, making you a valuable asset to any organization. We are delivering a live MS-900 in Liverpool, on the 25th of April 2025. Contact us if you are interested in joining us for day of training and a bit of lunch.
Networking Certifications - CompTIA Tech+ and Network+
If you’re aiming for a career in cybersecurity, starting with foundational certifications like CompTIA Tech+ and Network+ is a smart move. CompTIA Tech+ provides a broad spectrum of foundational tech knowledge and hands-on skills, making it an excellent entry point for those new to the IT field. This certification covers essential IT concepts and practices, preparing you for more specialized roles.
CompTIA Network+ is particularly valuable for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. It validates the core skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks2. Strong networking skills are crucial in cybersecurity because they enable you to understand how data flows through networks, identify vulnerabilities, and implement effective security measures. Network+ covers key topics such as network security, network operations, and network troubleshooting, all of which are fundamental to protecting an organization’s IT infrastructure.
By starting with these certifications, you build a solid foundation in IT and networking, which is essential for advancing to more specialized cybersecurity roles. With strong networking skills, you’ll be better equipped to secure networks, detect and respond to threats, and ensure the overall safety of an organization’s digital assets.
The Best Beginner-Friendly Azure Certifications
For those interested in cloud computing, the Azure Fundamentals certification (AZ-900) is an excellent starting point. This certification provides a comprehensive overview of Azure services, including core Azure concepts, Azure pricing and support, and the fundamentals of cloud security, privacy, compliance, and trust. According to Microsoft Learn, the Azure Fundamentals certification is designed for individuals with no prior technical background and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced Azure certifications. By earning this certification, you gain a foundational understanding of Azure, which can open doors to various cloud-related roles and further certification opportunities.
Windows Server Certification for IT Support Roles
If you’re aiming for a career in IT support, the Windows Server certifications (AZ-800T00 and AZ-801T00) are highly recommended. These certifications focus on configuring and managing Windows Server on-premises, hybrid, and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platform workloads. The Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification, for example, covers tasks such as integrating Windows Server environments with Azure services, managing Windows Server workloads in a hybrid environment, and implementing and managing on-premises and hybrid networking. By obtaining these certifications, you demonstrate your ability to support and manage Windows Server environments, making you an ideal candidate for IT support roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting your IT career with entry-level certifications such as MS-900 Microsoft courses, such as 365 Fundamentals, Azure Fundamentals, and Windows Server certifications, or CompTIA Tech+ & Network+ can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. These certifications not only validate your expertise but also open up various career opportunities in the IT industry. Stay tuned for our next blog post “Windows Server Certification: Is It Still Relevant in 2025” where we will explore the top skills needed for implementing Windows Server in a modern day hybrid environment.