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Getting a job in the world’s best IT companies does not just rely on your college degree. In 2026, skills and practical knowledge matter more than academic marksheets. If IT is your passion and you love working with technology, then certifications are a great way to validate and showcase your skills.
IT certifications can help kickstart your tech career by demonstrating your skills and knowledge in your desired field and giving you a competitive edge. But which certificates to choose for your ideal job? In this blog, we have identified the top 10 entry-level certifications that combine foundational IT skills with in-demand, high-paying tech roles.
Top 10 Entry Level IT Certifications
To start your career with entry level tech roles, getting some of the certifications below will help you enhance your IT skills. We have selected the top 10 entry level certifications for freshers based on industry relevance and future career goals.
CompTIA A+
CompTIA is a recognised certification provider for IT professionals. It offers multiple entry level certifications. The CompTIA A+ certification is ideal for those starting their careers in tech support and IT operations. The accreditation places strong emphasis on device support, operating system troubleshooting, networking, and security.
The certification is divided into two levels: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). In the coming years, the certification will emphasize cloud-based device management and security protocols.
- Certified by: CompTIA
- Course Duration: 3 to 6 months (Self-Paced)
- Pricing: USD 253 (each exam)
Key Focus Areas:
For Core 1:
- Mobile Devices
- Networking
- Hardware
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
For Core 2:
- Operating Systems
- Security
- Software Troubleshooting
- Operational Procedures
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Earning Google certifications instantly conveys confidence and reliability to learners and employers. Google offers multiple certifications for different domains. The IT Support professional certification focuses on developing skills in technical support, system administration, computer networking, security, and network troubleshooting.
Starting with the Google IT Support Certification gives you an edge over other certifications, thanks to its deep focus on practical, hands-on technical platforms. With IT support as the core, it ensures deep expertise in computer security and preferences.
- Certified by: Google (via Coursera)
- Course Duration: 3 months (Self-Paced)
- Pricing: Free
Key Focus Areas:
- Technical Support Fundamentals
- Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
- Operating Systems
- System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
- IT Security
Salesforce Associate
In recent years, Salesforce has continued to be a rapidly evolving enterprise CRM platform to learn and work with. Salesforce Associate certification is the ideal entry point for your Salesforce learning. It will help you understand how the system works and perform basic navigation and data tasks.
The certification refines your ability to navigate the platform, understand its structure, and leverage the CRM’s benefits for the business. Recent updates to the Salesforce Certification training now introduce AI and automation concepts.
- Certified By: Salesforce
- Course Duration: 1-3 weeks
- Pricing: USD 75
Key Focus Areas:
- Data Management
- Reporting and Analysis
- Customer relationship management
- Collaborating with various departments
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification provides a foundational, high-level understanding of Amazon Web Services. The accreditation is ideal for individuals with little or no prior cloud experience.
If you want to start your career or transition to a cloud career, this is the perfect certificate. It is ideal for managers and sales teams seeking to engage with technical cloud engineers and understand cloud security and pricing models.
- Certified By: Amazon Web Services
- Course Duration: Varies (Self-paced or instructor-led, based on provider)
- Pricing: USD 100
Key Focus Areas:
- Cloud Concepts
- Security and Compliance
- Cloud Technology and Services
- Billing, Pricing, and Support
Cisco Certified Network Associate
CCNA is one of the world’s renowned entry level certifications for early-career professionals in the tech and IT fields. The certification validates your skills in networking, security, IP services, automation, and programmability.
The certification course develops skills in installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting networks. These skills are your key to success as a network specialist, administrator, or engineer.
- Certified By: Cisco
- Course Duration: 4 – 6 months
- Pricing: USD 300
Key Focus Areas:
- Network Fundamentals
- Network Access
- IP Connectivity
- IP Services
- Security Fundamentals
- Automation and Programmability
CompTIA Security+
Another entry level IT certification from CompTIA is the Security+ certification for freshers. This certificate is recognized as the benchmark for cybersecurity skills. It offers hands-on skills in identifying and mitigating risks.
As the need for digital security grows, this certificate is integral to the IT industry. If you are looking for a career in cybersecurity, this is the perfect entry level tech certification course.
- Certified By: CompTIA
- Course Duration: 2 – 4 months
- Pricing: USD 425
Key Focus Areas:
- General security concepts
- Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations
- Security architecture
- Security operations
- Security program management and oversight
Salesforce Platform Administrator
If you are looking to grow in the Salesforce environment, the Admin Certification will demonstrate your administrative skills with the platform. Admin certificate holders are responsible for setting up users and automations, and for maintaining security using low-code tools.
The admin certification helps enhance key skills and understanding of Salesforce features, setup, and customisation. The Salesforce Administrator Certification provides a strong foundation for most advanced Salesforce certifications and is, therefore, an ideal choice.
- Certified By: Salesforce
- Course Duration: 3 – 5 months
- Pricing: USD 200
Key Focus Areas:
- Configuration and Setup
- Object Manager and Lightning App Builder
- Sales and Marketing Applications
- Service and Support Applications
- Productivity and Collaboration
- Data and Analytics Management (increasingly important with AI)
- Workflow and Process Automation
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
With AI among the top job roles in the near future, earning an AI certificate is a firm decision. Microsoft offers an AI and machine learning focus with the Azure AI Fundamentals Certificate. The course is ideal for candidates with technical and non-technical backgrounds.
The AI Entry Level Tech Certification course focuses on foundational AI concepts, Azure AI services, computer vision, and NLP. It will act as a foundation for learning paths in Azure AI or data-related roles.
- Certified By: Microsoft
- Course Duration: 2 – 4 weeks
- Pricing: USD 99
Key Focus Areas:
- Fundamental AI concepts
- Machine Learning principles on Azure
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
GISF security certification provides a broad academic foundation in security protocols, with a focus on computer systems and networking. The certification is valuable for people who prefer strong theoretical knowledge before moving towards technical roles.
The certificate course provides a deep understanding of security management processes for foundational security roles and for professionals transitioning into cybersecurity.
- Certified By: GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification)
- Course Duration: 2 – 4 months
- Pricing: USD 499
Key Focus Areas:
- Basic computer functions
- Networking for security
- Cryptography
- Risk Management Fundamentals
Salesforce Platform App Builder
Beyond admin roles, the platform app builder certification helps professionals deepen their knowledge in designing, building, and deploying custom applications.
The primary focus areas for the exam require data management. It includes automation, app and web design, UI configurations, and more. If an individual is familiar with the Salesforce platform, this is the next step toward building a career in app development and deployment.
- Certified By: Salesforce
- Course Duration: 3 – 5 months
- Pricing: USD 200
Key Focus Areas:
- Salesforce Fundamentals
- Data Modelling and Management
- Business Logic and Process Automation
- User Interface
- App deployment
Conclusion
Earning these entry level Tech Certifications for industry-relevant tech roles is one of the best ways to enhance your hands-on, practical industry knowledge. Each of these certificates is industry-recognised by leading training institutions and IT organisations.
Due to high demand for these professionals, certifications can be obtained through popular learning platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, S2 Labs, and other training providers. Remember, earning certifications and developing a deep understanding of your preferred fields are better ways to enter and grow in the industry.
