What IT certifications are and how to pursue them

An IT certification is a credential you earn by passing an exam that tests your knowledge of a specific technology, system, or skill. Unlike a degree, which takes years, most IT certifications require three to twelve months of study and cost between $100 and $500 per exam. You study on your own or through a training course, take a proctored test (usually online or at a testing center), and receive a certificate if you pass.

The path depends on what you want to do. If you're starting from scratch, you might begin with CompTIA A+, which covers hardware and operating systems. If you already work in IT, you might pursue vendor-specific certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Administrator. Some people stack certifications—earning A+ first, then moving to network or security credentials—to build toward a specific role.

Employers often list certifications as preferred or required qualifications in job postings. Some roles, like Cisco network engineer positions, nearly always expect a relevant certification. Others treat them as a bonus that increases your pay or chances of promotion. A few certifications, like CompTIA Security+, meet federal requirements for certain government IT jobs.

Key Takeaways

  • Most IT certifications require three to twelve months of self-study or formal training and cost $100 to $500 per exam attempt.
  • CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ are vendor-neutral and useful for entry-level roles or as a foundation before pursuing vendor-specific credentials.
  • Vendor certifications from AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, and others are often more specialized and may lead directly to higher-paying roles in those specific technologies.
  • You can study through free resources like YouTube and documentation, paid courses on Udemy or Coursera, or instructor-led bootcamps that cost $2,000 to $10,000.
  • Exams are proctored and taken online or at testing centers; you must pass a single exam to earn most entry-level certifications, though advanced ones may require multiple exams.

Vendor-neutral certifications versus vendor-specific ones

Vendor-neutral certifications are created by independent organizations and test knowledge that applies across multiple companies' products. CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ are the most common. They don't require you to know one company's specific software, so they're useful if you're unsure which technology you'll work with or if you want a broad foundation. They're also cheaper—usually $150 to $200 per exam—and widely recognized by employers across industries.

Vendor-specific certifications test your knowledge of one company's products or services. AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Administrator, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer are examples. These certifications often lead to higher salaries because they prove you can work with tools that specific employers use every day. They're also more specialized: an AWS certification won't help you get a job working primarily with Microsoft Azure, though the underlying cloud concepts overlap.

Many people pursue both. A common path is CompTIA A+ or Network+ first (to prove foundational knowledge), then a vendor-specific credential in the technology that matches the jobs you want. If you're aiming for cloud roles, AWS or Azure certifications are more valuable than CompTIA. If you want to work in network administration, CCNA is often expected.

How much study time and money you'll need

Study time varies by certification and your background. CompTIA A+ typically requires 150 to 300 hours of study. AWS Certified Solutions Architect requires 100 to 200 hours if you already work with AWS, or 300+ if you're new to cloud. CCNA requires 200 to 300 hours. These are rough estimates—some people finish faster, others need longer.

Exam fees range from $100 to $400. CompTIA exams cost $165 to $220. AWS exams cost $150. Microsoft exams cost $99 to $165. Cisco exams cost $330. You pay the testing company (Pearson VUE, Prometric, or the vendor directly) when you schedule your exam. If you fail, you pay again to retake it.

Study materials add to the cost. Free options include YouTube channels, official documentation, and practice tests on sites like Professor Messer (for CompTIA) or A Cloud Guru (for cloud certifications). Paid courses on Udemy cost $10 to $50 and are often on sale. Comprehensive platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning cost $30 to $60 per month. Instructor-led bootcamps or boot camps run $2,000 to $10,000 and compress the study into weeks with live instruction and hands-on labs. Many people spend $200 to $500 total on a single certification when combining exam fees and study materials.

Where to study and what resources work best

Free resources are real and substantial. YouTube channels like Professor Messer (CompTIA), John Hammond (security), and A Cloud Guru's free tier cover most entry-level material. Official documentation from AWS, Microsoft, and Cisco is free and often the most accurate source. Practice exams are available free on some platforms, though paid practice tests ($20 to $50) are usually more realistic and detailed.

Paid courses on Udemy, Coursera, or Pluralsight ($10 to $60 per month) are structured and include video lectures, quizzes, and sometimes labs. They're good if you learn better with a curriculum than self-directed study. Instructor-led bootcamps (online or in-person) provide live classes, mentorship, and hands-on labs with real systems. They cost more but compress learning into weeks and often include job placement support.

The best approach depends on your learning style and budget. If you're disciplined and learn from video, free YouTube plus a $50 practice exam course works. If you need structure and accountability, a paid course on Udemy or Coursera is affordable. If you want intensive, hands-on training and can afford it, a bootcamp is faster but not necessary for most certifications.

How the exam works and what happens after you pass

Most IT certification exams are multiple-choice or scenario-based questions taken on a computer. You schedule an exam through the testing company's website (Pearson VUE, Prometric, or directly through the vendor). You can test at a physical testing center or, for most exams, online from home with a proctor watching via webcam. The exam usually lasts one to three hours. You receive a pass or fail result immediately or within a few days.

If you pass, you get a digital badge and certificate within days or weeks. You can add the certification to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and email signature. Some certifications require renewal every two to three years by paying a renewal fee or passing a new exam. CompTIA certifications last three years. AWS certifications last three years. Microsoft certifications last one to two years depending on the credential. Cisco certifications last three years.

If you fail, you can retake the exam after a waiting period (usually 24 hours to two weeks, depending on the vendor). You pay the full exam fee again. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they've studied seriously. Failing doesn't go on a permanent record—employers only see the certifications you've earned, not the attempts you've made.

Which certifications lead to the best job prospects

CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ are the most widely recognized entry-level certifications. A+ is useful for help desk or desktop support roles. Network+ and Security+ are better for moving into network administration or security roles. All three are vendor-neutral, so they're valuable across industries and companies.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Microsoft Azure Administrator are in high demand because cloud skills are needed everywhere. These certifications often lead to roles paying $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on location and experience. Google Cloud certifications are growing but less common in job postings than AWS or Azure.

Cisco CCNA is the standard for network engineer roles and is expected by many employers in that field. It's harder than CompTIA certifications and requires more study, but it leads to specialized, well-paying roles. Security certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CISSP are valuable if you want to move into security roles, though CISSP requires five years of experience first.

The best certification for you depends on the job you want. Look at job postings in your area for roles you're interested in and see which certifications appear most often. That's your signal for what to pursue.

How certifications fit into your IT career path

Certifications are one piece of your career, not the whole picture. Employers also want to see work experience, projects you've built, and practical skills. A certification without any IT work experience is less valuable than a certification plus two years of help desk work. But a certification can help you get that first job or move into a new area of IT.

Many people use certifications to transition between roles. If you're in help desk and want to move to network administration, Network+ plus some hands-on lab work makes you competitive. If you're in on-premises IT and want to move to cloud, an AWS or Azure certification shows you've invested in learning the new technology.

Certifications also help with salary negotiation. Some employers offer raises or bonuses when you earn a relevant certification. Others list certifications as preferred qualifications, meaning you're more competitive for the role if you have one. A few government IT jobs require specific certifications like Security+ to meet federal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to get an IT certification?

No. IT certifications don't require a degree. You can earn them with a high school diploma or GED. Many people earn certifications while working in entry-level IT roles or before entering the field. Some employers prefer a degree plus a certification, but many will hire based on certifications and experience alone.

How long does a certification stay valid?

Most IT certifications last two to three years. CompTIA certifications last three years. AWS certifications last three years. Microsoft certifications vary from one to two years depending on the specific credential. After expiration, you can renew by paying a renewal fee (usually $100 to $200) or by passing the current exam again. Your certification becomes inactive if you don't renew, but you can reactivate it later.

Can I study for a certification while working a full-time job?

Yes. Most people study part-time while working. Dedicating five to ten hours per week over three to six months is a realistic pace for entry-level certifications. You can study in the evenings, on weekends, or during lunch breaks. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or paid study time, so ask your manager if that's available.

What's the difference between a bootcamp and self-study?

A bootcamp is instructor-led, usually full-time or part-time over weeks or months, and costs $2,000 to $10,000. You get live instruction, hands-on labs, and often job placement help. Self-study is on your schedule, costs $200 to $500, and requires more discipline. Bootcamps are faster and more structured; self-study is cheaper and more flexible. Both can lead to passing the exam and getting hired.

Should I get CompTIA A+ before moving to vendor-specific certifications?

Not necessarily. If you already work in IT or have hands-on experience with a specific technology, you can go straight to a vendor-specific certification like AWS or Azure. A+ is most useful if you're new to IT entirely or want a broad foundation before specializing. If you're unsure, A+ is a safe starting point, but it's not a requirement for pursuing AWS, Azure, or Cisco certifications.