Which IT Certifications Truly Matter? Avoid These Costly Mistakes
The Only IT Certifications That Matter – And the Ones You Should Skip
If you’re drowning in advice about IT certifications, feeling overwhelmed by the endless options, or unsure which ones will help you land a job—I get it.
I thought certifications were the golden ticket to a high-paying job. I spent time and money chasing certifications that I thought would make me stand out, only to realize that some were resume fluff that didn’t impress employers. The IT industry is full of advice like:
"Just get certified, and you’ll get hired."
"The more certs you have, the better."
"Certifications are more important than experience."
I believed all of this. And I was wrong.
Some certifications are essential for breaking into IT, while others sound impressive but won’t help you get. This post will break it down:
The only certifications you need to land your first IT job
Which ones are a waste of time (at least in the beginning)
The best certification path based on your IT career goals
Let’s ensure you don’t let months (or thousands of dollars) go to the wrong certifications.
The Biggest Certification Mistakes I Made
Before we discuss the proper certifications, let’s consider the mistakes that many beginners (including me) make.
1. Thinking More Certifications = More Job Offers
I used to believe employers would be impressed and eager to hire me if my resume included a long list of certifications.
So, I kept collecting certifications like trading cards, thinking each new one would bring me closer to a job.
The reality? Employers weren’t impressed.
They were not looking for someone with a long list of certifications—they wanted someone who could actually apply what they learned.
2. Believing Every Employer Cares About Certifications
Some employers require certifications, and others don’t care. Certifications can help you through applicant tracking systems (ATS), but once you get to the interview, it’s all about your i'sls.
I learned this the hard way. Although I had all the certifications, I struggled in interviews because I didn’t have enough real-world hands-on experience.
3. Thinking a Certification Alone Will Get You Hired
I thought getting my CCNA would make companies fight over me. Instead, I kept getting rejections.
Why? Certifications only prove you passed a test. They don’t prove you can do the job.
You need hands-on experience to accompany your certifications. Employers want people who can troubleshoot, configure, and fix things, not just memorize answers for an exam.
Which IT Certifications Matter?
Now that we’ve covered the sweepstakes, let’s talk about how certifications help you get hired and which ones you should start with based on your career goals.
1. If You Want to Work in Help Desk / IT Support
Best Certifications:
CompTIA A+ – Great for entry-level IT jobs, covers hardware/software troubleshooting.
Google IT Support Certificate – A solid alternative to A+, beginner-friendly.
Why These Matter:
If you’re new to IT, the help desk is the easiest way to get your foot in the door. Most help desk jobs ask for CompTIA A+, which employers recognize as proof that you understand basic IT troubleshooting.
2. If You Want to Get Into Networking
Best Certifications:
CompTIA Network+ – Covers fundamental networking concepts.
Cisco CCNA – More advanced and highly respected in networking jobs.
Why These Matter:
Networking jobs pay well and are in high demand. CCNA is one of the most respected networking certifications, but Network+ is a good first step if starting from scyou're
If you want to work as a Network Technician or Network Engineer, CCNA is worth it.
3. If You Want to Get Into Cybersecurity
Best Certifications:
CompTIA Security+ – The best entry-level cybersecurity certification.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – This is more advanced and is focused on ethical hacking.
Why These Matter:
Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, but you need a solid foundation first. That’s why your best starting point.
Security+ proves you understand security fundamentals—many government and corporate security jobs require it.
4. If You Want to Get Into Cloud Computing
Best Certifications:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – Beginner-friendly, teaches AWS cloud basics.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – This course covers Microsoft cloud services.
Why These Matter:
Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing IT fields, and companies need people who understand AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
If you want to work in cloud computing, these entry-level certs will help you stand out.
5. If You Want to Work in System Administration
Best Certifications:
CompTIA Linux+ – This covers Linux fundamentals, which are essential for system admins.
Microsoft MCSA (Windows Server) – This helps if you want to work with Windows-based systems.
Why These Matter:
System administrators manage servers, troubleshoot IT infrastructure, and keep systems running smoothly.
Linux+ is especially valuable because many companies use Linux servers.
Which Certifications Should You Avoid (At Least for Now)?
Not all IT certifications are helpful when you’re just starting.
Here are some that aren’t necessary early on:
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – Requires years of experience before you can even qualify for it.
CompTIA CASP+ (Advanced Security Practitioner) – Overkill for beginners.
Cloud Certifications Without Hands-On Work—Certifications like AWS Solutions Architect Associate are great, but without hands-on experience, they won’t help you land a job.
Final Thoughts: Which Certification Should You Get?
If you’re starting, here’s a simple certification roadmap to follow:
New to IT? Start with CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support.
Interested in networking? Get Network+, → Then CCNA.
Want cybersecurity? Start with Security+.
Thinking about cloud computing? Start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
No matter your chosen certification path, certifications will not get you hired—you also need hands-on experience.
Start building real-world projects and learning through home labs while working toward your certification. That’s what will make you stand out.
What’s Your Next Step?
I wasted a lot of time chasing certifications that didn’t help me get hired. You don’t have to make the same mistakes.
Which certification are you working on—or struggling to decide on? Let me know in the comments.
If you’re serious about breaking into IT, subscribe to my blog. I’ll be sharing:
How to craft a resume that gets interviews
The best beginner-friendly IT jobs and salaries
How to get hands-on experience before your first job
Your IT career starts now—let’s make it happen.
Part 1: My First Attempt at Breaking Into IT — Why It Was Harder Than I Thought
