If you are thinking about a career in the information technology (IT) industry, the quickest way to get your foot in the door with an entry-level job is by earning IT certifications. But there are so many different certifications out there, it’s hard to know which ones to start with. You don’t have to wonder anymore. To help you know where to begin, we’ve put together a list of the first five IT certifications newcomers should work to earn.

Combining CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification training remains one of the most efficient ways to break into IT, since it pairs foundational hardware and troubleshooting skills with networking expertise employers across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region actively seek. Whether you're a recent graduate or making a career change, this dual-certification path gives you both the credentials and the hands-on ability to compete for entry-to-mid-level IT roles in a market that continues to value verified skills over degrees alone.

Computer Networks Explained: How Devices Connect, Share Data, and Reach the Internet

Last updated: 2026

Changing careers into information technology is not about memorizing every acronym before you apply for your first job. It is about proving you can solve beginner technical problems, explain what you did, and keep learning when the first answer does not work.