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10 Best IT Certifications for Beginners of 2026
This list is for people with little or no IT work history who want a first job on a help desk, a service desk or in desktop support. We compared ten entry-level credentials from CompTIA, Google, Cisco, AWS, Microsoft, HDI and Apple using what each provider publishes: number of exams, question counts, exam length, passing scores, recommended experience and U.S. fees. Scores weigh features (how closely the credential matches support work and how widely it is requested) at 40 percent, and ease of access (prerequisites, exam format, prep) and value at 30 percent each. We compared documented features and published prices. CompTIA, Microsoft and Apple do not show a U.S. exam fee on the pages we can check from here, so those rows are marked as pending.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 10, 2026 · 10 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 10, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
CompTIA A+ is our top pick for a first IT support job: two 90 minute exams that map directly to the help desk and IT support specialist roles CompTIA builds it for, and coverage across Windows, Linux and macOS. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is the easiest place to start if you have never worked in IT, since it needs no experience, runs about three months at 10 hours a week and also prepares you for the A+ exams. Cisco CCST IT Support is the low-cost alternative, a single 50 minute exam for $125. After the first job, Network+ or CCST Networking builds networking depth, AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals adds cloud basics, and HDI Support Center Analyst covers service desk process and customer handling.
Top picks
Best overall
CompTIA A+
8.7 / 10
Beginners applying for help desk technician and IT support specialist jobs who want a broad, vendor-neutral credential.
Read the review →Runner-up
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
8.6 / 10
Complete beginners who want a guided, self-paced course before sitting any proctored exam.
Read the review →Also great
Cisco CCST IT Support
8.5 / 10
Beginners who want a low-cost, single-exam support credential and like Cisco's Networking Academy course path.
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA A+ | Beginners applying for help desk technician and IT support specialist jobs who want a broad, vendor-neutral credential. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.7 |
| 2 | Google IT Support Professional Certificate | Complete beginners who want a guided, self-paced course before sitting any proctored exam. | Included in Coursera Plus at $59 per month after a 7-day free trial | 8.6 |
| 3 | Cisco CCST IT Support | Beginners who want a low-cost, single-exam support credential and like Cisco's Networking Academy course path. | $125 per exam attempt | 8.5 |
| 4 | CompTIA Network+ | Help desk staff and A+ holders who want to move toward network support or system administration. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.3 |
| 5 | Cisco CCST Networking | Beginners who want a cheap networking credential and plan to work toward CCNA later. | $125 per exam attempt | 8.2 |
| 6 |  AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Beginners who want cloud literacy on their resume alongside a support credential. | $100 per exam attempt; foreign exchange rates apply outside the U.S. | 8.1 |
| 7 | CompTIA Tech+ | People still deciding whether IT is for them who want a simple first exam before A+. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.9 |
| 8 |  Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Beginners aiming at support roles in Microsoft-heavy organizations who want cloud basics. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.8 |
| 9 |  HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) | Frontline help desk and service desk staff whose employer values support process and customer service skills. | $699 self-study package including three exam attempts; $849 online course | 7.7 |
| 10 |  Apple Certified Support Professional | Help desk staff and beginners targeting schools, agencies or companies that run on Mac and iPhone. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.6 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
CompTIA A+
A vendor-neutral, two-exam certification covering hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting for entry-level IT support roles.
comptia.org8.7
out of 10
Best for: Beginners applying for help desk technician and IT support specialist jobs who want a broad, vendor-neutral credential.
A+ is CompTIA's entry-level certification for IT support, and CompTIA says it prepares you for roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician. Version V15 launched on March 25, 2025 and is split into two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), which must come from the same version. Each exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based tasks, with passing scores of 675 and 700 on a 900 point scale. The objectives cover installing hardware, supporting mobile devices, setting up small office networks, supporting Windows, Linux and macOS, basic security and customer-facing troubleshooting. CompTIA lists A+ as approved for DoD 8140 roles such as technical support specialist. The trade-offs are cost and effort: two vouchers instead of one, and a recommended 12 months of hands-on experience that many beginners do not have yet. CompTIA prices vouchers by country, so we list the fee as pending.
Standout feature
The standard entry-level support credential, built around help desk and IT support specialist tasks.
Use cases
Career changers
Get past resume filters for help desk technician jobs
Outcome: A credential built for entry-level support roles
Retail or customer service workers moving into IT
Prove hardware, operating system and troubleshooting skills
Outcome: A vendor-neutral credential that applies across employers
Key features
- Two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), both from version V15
- Up to 90 questions per exam in 90 minutes, including performance-based questions
- Covers hardware, mobile devices, networking, Windows, Linux and macOS, security and troubleshooting
- Approved for DoD 8140 work roles including technical support specialist
- Bundles that add CertMaster practice, labs and an exam retake
Pros
- Built for help desk technician and IT support specialist roles
- Vendor-neutral, so it applies to Windows, Mac and Linux shops
- Recognized for U.S. Department of Defense work roles
Cons
- Two exams, so two vouchers and two study blocks
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on support experience
- U.S. fee not shown on the page we can check, so price is pending
Rank 2 · Runner-up
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
A six-course online program from Google on Coursera that takes beginners from no experience to entry-level IT support skills.
coursera.org8.6
out of 10
Best for: Complete beginners who want a guided, self-paced course before sitting any proctored exam.
Google's IT Support Professional Certificate is the easiest way into IT on this list if you are starting from zero. It is a six-course program on Coursera covering technical support fundamentals, computer networking, operating systems, system administration and IT security, plus a short course on using AI tools for the job search. Coursera rates it beginner level with no prior experience required and estimates about three months at 10 hours a week. The program is included in Coursera Plus, which costs $59 a month after a seven-day free trial, so a fast learner can finish for a small total. Google says it prepares you for the CompTIA A+ exams and that you earn a dual credential when you complete both. It is also ACE approved for up to 15 college credits. The limit is that it is a course certificate, not a proctored exam, so many hiring managers still look for A+ alongside it.
Standout feature
No experience required, about three months part time, and priced as a monthly subscription.
Use cases
Career changers with no IT experience
Learn support fundamentals on a part-time schedule
Outcome: A Google credential and a path toward the A+ exams
Students
Earn college credit while building IT skills
Outcome: Up to 15 ACE recommended credits
Key features
- Six courses: technical support, networking, operating systems, system administration, security and an AI job search course
- Beginner level with no prior experience required
- About 3 months at 10 hours a week, self-paced
- Prepares you for the CompTIA A+ exams, with a dual credential when you complete both
- ACE approved for up to 15 college credits
Pros
- No experience needed and no exam appointment to book
- Monthly subscription means a fast learner pays less
- Doubles as structured prep for CompTIA A+
Cons
- A course certificate rather than a proctored exam, so some employers rate it below A+
- Ongoing monthly cost if you study slowly
- Less depth on hardware than the A+ objectives
Rank 3 · Also great
Cisco CCST IT Support
Cisco's entry-level 100-140 exam on IT support tasks such as troubleshooting, documentation, end-user help and security threats.
cisco.com8.5
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who want a low-cost, single-exam support credential and like Cisco's Networking Academy course path.
Cisco Certified Support Technician IT Support is a direct challenger to A+ at a lower price. The 100-140 exam takes 50 minutes and costs $125, and Cisco says it tests foundational knowledge of IT support tasks: queue and time management, documentation, troubleshooting, assisting end users, managing computer components and identifying security threats. That mix is closer to daily help desk work than most entry exams, since it covers how you handle tickets as well as the technology. Cisco offers the exam in seven languages and links an IT Support Specialist career path on Networking Academy that prepares you for roles it names as IT end user support, help desk support and computer support specialist. The weakness is recognition: CCST is newer than A+ and less established with employers, and its single exam covers less ground than A+ Core 1 and Core 2. For a beginner on a tight budget, it is a credible first credential.
Standout feature
A single $125 exam that tests ticket handling and documentation as well as troubleshooting.
Use cases
Beginners on a budget
Earn a proctored support credential with one exam
Outcome: A Cisco certification for $125
Networking Academy students
Turn coursework into a credential
Outcome: A certification aligned with the academy's IT support path
Key features
- One 50 minute exam (100-140)
- Covers queue and time management, documentation, troubleshooting, end-user help, computer components and security threats
- Offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese and Portuguese
- Networking Academy IT Support Specialist career path for prep
- Cisco lists help desk support and computer support specialist as target roles
Pros
- Single exam with a published $125 fee
- Includes help desk work habits such as queue management and documentation
- Short 50 minute exam
Cons
- Newer and less established than CompTIA A+
- Narrower scope than the two A+ exams
- Prep resources center on Cisco's own academy
Rank 4
CompTIA Network+
A vendor-neutral networking exam covering connectivity, documentation, services, cloud, monitoring, troubleshooting and hardening.
comptia.org8.3
out of 10
Best for: Help desk staff and A+ holders who want to move toward network support or system administration.
Network+ is the natural second certification for people who start on a help desk and want to work on networks. The current N10-009 exam launched on June 20, 2024 and has up to 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 720 on a 100 to 900 scale. CompTIA says it covers deploying wired and wireless devices, IP addressing, ports and protocols, documentation and change management, cloud and virtual networking, monitoring, troubleshooting and security hardening, and prepares you for technical support, network operations and system administration work. It is vendor-neutral, so it applies whatever network equipment an employer runs. It is not the easiest first step: CompTIA recommends holding A+ and having 9 to 12 months in a junior network role. The exam is expected to retire around 2027, and CompTIA prices vouchers by country, so we list the fee as pending.
Standout feature
The most complete vendor-neutral networking credential a beginner can work toward.
Use cases
Help desk technicians
Move into network support
Outcome: A vendor-neutral networking credential
A+ holders
Add networking depth before a sysadmin role
Outcome: Proof of IP addressing, troubleshooting and hardening skills
Key features
- One exam, N10-009 (version V9), launched June 20, 2024
- Up to 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes
- Passing score of 720 on a 100 to 900 scale
- Offered in English, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish
- Covers IP addressing, ports, protocols, cloud, virtual networking and troubleshooting
Pros
- Deeper networking coverage than any other credential here
- Vendor-neutral, so it applies to any network equipment
- Single exam
Cons
- CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months of network support experience
- Harder than the other entry options for true beginners
- U.S. fee not shown on the page we can check, so price is pending
Rank 5
Cisco CCST Networking
Cisco's entry-level 100-150 exam on how networks operate, including devices, media and protocols, and a first step toward CCNA.
cisco.com8.2
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who want a cheap networking credential and plan to work toward CCNA later.
CCST Networking is the cheapest networking credential here and the entry point to Cisco's certification track. The 100-150 exam runs 50 minutes and costs $125. Cisco says it validates entry-level networking concepts, including how networks operate and the devices, media and protocols that carry traffic, and describes it as a first step toward CCNA. The linked Network Technician career path on Networking Academy covers basic troubleshooting and help desk practices, and Cisco lists network support technician, entry-level help desk technician and IT support specialist as target roles. For a beginner, it pairs well with a support credential such as CCST IT Support or A+, since those cover desktops and users while this one covers the network. The downside is depth: Network+ asks more and is better known, and CCST Networking will matter most to employers that run Cisco gear or value the CCNA path.
Standout feature
A $125 first step on Cisco's track toward CCNA.
Use cases
Help desk beginners
Add a networking credential cheaply
Outcome: A Cisco certification for $125
Future network engineers
Start the Cisco track before CCNA
Outcome: A foundation for CCNA study
Key features
- One 50 minute exam (100-150)
- Validates entry-level networking concepts: devices, media and protocols
- Cisco describes it as a first step toward CCNA
- Offered in seven languages
- Networking Academy Network Technician career path for prep
Pros
- Low $125 fee for a networking credential
- Clear path toward CCNA
- Cisco names entry-level help desk technician among target roles
Cons
- Less depth than Network+
- Focused on networking rather than desktop support
- Newer credential with less name recognition
Rank 6
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS's foundational exam on cloud concepts, AWS services and terminology, aimed at people with no prior IT or cloud experience.
aws.amazon.com8.1
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who want cloud literacy on their resume alongside a support credential.
Cloud Practitioner has the lowest published fee of the proctored exams on this list at $100, and AWS positions it as a starting point for people with no prior IT or cloud experience. The exam has 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions over 90 minutes and can be taken at a Pearson VUE center or online. It checks a high-level understanding of AWS Cloud, its services and its terminology, which helps support staff who field questions about cloud apps or who want to move toward cloud roles later. AWS publishes a four-step prep plan on Skill Builder with an official practice question set and pretest. The credential lasts three years, and you can recertify through a game-based Cloud Quest course. For a help desk job, though, it is a supporting credential: it does not test hardware, operating systems or ticket handling, so it works best next to A+, CCST IT Support or the Google certificate.
Standout feature
The lowest published exam fee here, with AWS stating no prior IT experience is needed.
Use cases
Help desk applicants
Show cloud literacy next to a support credential
Outcome: A recognized AWS badge for $100
Non-technical staff
Learn cloud vocabulary before an IT move
Outcome: A foundational credential valid for three years
Key features
- One 90 minute exam with 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions
- Taken at a Pearson VUE test center or online with a remote proctor
- Offered in 12 languages
- Valid for 3 years, with a game-based Cloud Quest recertification option
- Four-step exam prep plan on AWS Skill Builder
Pros
- Lowest published exam fee on the list
- AWS says no prior IT or cloud experience is needed
- Can be taken from home
Cons
- Tests cloud concepts, not help desk troubleshooting
- Specific to AWS
- Rarely enough by itself for a first support job
Rank 7
CompTIA Tech+
CompTIA's pre-career exam on computing basics, devices, software, data, programming concepts and security, formerly known as ITF+.
comptia.org7.9
out of 10
Best for: People still deciding whether IT is for them who want a simple first exam before A+.
Tech+ is the current version of what CompTIA used to call IT Fundamentals (ITF+), and it is the gentlest exam on this list. The V6 exam launched on July 16, 2024 and has up to 70 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes, with a passing score of 650 on a 900 scale and no prior experience needed. The objectives give a broad tour of IT: notational systems and computing basics, peripherals and wireless setup, operating systems and application software, AI tools such as chatbots, programming concepts, databases and device security. The FC0-U71 code does not expire. That breadth makes it useful for testing whether IT suits you, and the security and troubleshooting basics carry into A+. The problem for job seekers is demand: A+ is the credential built for help desk jobs, and much of this material reappears in A+ Core 1. CompTIA prices vouchers by country, so we list the fee as pending.
Standout feature
No experience needed, multiple choice only, and the FC0-U71 version never expires.
Use cases
High school and college students
Test interest in IT with a low-stakes exam
Outcome: A first CompTIA credential that does not expire
Office staff
Formalize general tech knowledge
Outcome: A baseline credential before A+
Key features
- One 60 minute exam with up to 70 multiple choice questions
- Passing score of 650 on a 900 scale
- No prior experience necessary
- Covers computing basics, peripherals, wireless setup, operating systems, AI tools, databases and security
- FC0-U71 version does not expire
Pros
- Easiest exam in the CompTIA lineup
- Multiple choice only, no performance-based tasks
- Broad tour of IT topics before you commit
Cons
- Not designed as a job-ready help desk credential
- Overlaps heavily with A+ Core 1 material
- U.S. fee not shown on the page we can check, so price is pending
Rank 8
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Microsoft's foundational exam on cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance.
learn.microsoft.com7.8
out of 10
Best for: Beginners aiming at support roles in Microsoft-heavy organizations who want cloud basics.
AZ-900 is Microsoft's entry-level cloud exam and a common first credential for people who want to work in Microsoft environments. Candidates get 45 minutes in a proctored exam that covers cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services such as compute, networking and storage, and Azure management and governance. The prep is the strongest part: Microsoft Learn provides a free course, a free practice assessment and an exam sandbox that shows the question types and interface before test day, and passing may qualify for ACE college credit. Microsoft says candidates should have some experience in an area of IT, such as infrastructure or database management, so it is less beginner-oriented than AWS Cloud Practitioner. Like the AWS exam, it does not test help desk skills, so it works as an add-on to a support credential. Microsoft sets the fee by the country where the exam is proctored, and we could not confirm the U.S. figure from here.
Standout feature
Free official course, practice assessment and exam sandbox.
Use cases
Help desk staff in Microsoft shops
Understand the Azure services users rely on
Outcome: A Microsoft credential that supports a move toward cloud administration
Self-taught beginners
Prepare using only free material
Outcome: Exam readiness without paying for a course
Key features
- One proctored exam with 45 minutes to answer
- Covers cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and management and governance
- Free practice assessment and exam sandbox on Microsoft Learn
- Free self-paced course on Microsoft Learn
- May qualify for ACE college credit
Pros
- Free official prep, practice questions and a sandbox
- Short exam
- Useful in organizations that run Microsoft 365 and Azure
Cons
- Cloud concepts only, no desktop support content
- Price varies by the country where the exam is proctored
- Microsoft expects some experience in an area of IT
Rank 9
HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA)
A service desk certification from HDI focused on incident management, troubleshooting, communication and handling difficult customers.
thinkhdi.com7.7
out of 10
Best for: Frontline help desk and service desk staff whose employer values support process and customer service skills.
HDI-SCA covers the half of help desk work that technical exams skip: how to take, prioritize and close incidents and how to deal with people. The exam has 65 multiple choice questions in 75 minutes and needs 80 percent to pass, with Process and Procedures making up 45 percent of the weighting. The course units cover the analyst role, service management processes such as incident management and request fulfillment, support tools, metrics, communication, troubleshooting and managing difficult customers. HDI sells it three ways: $699 self-study with a PDF manual and three exam attempts, an $849 self-paced online course of about 10 to 12 hours, and a $1,699 live virtual class. Retakes cost $99 and HDI certifications do not expire. It is the priciest option here and less widely known than A+, so it suits people already in or close to a service desk job, often with an employer paying.
Standout feature
The only credential here centered on service desk process and difficult customers.
Use cases
New service desk analysts
Learn incident handling and escalation practice
Outcome: A certification focused on support process that never expires
Support managers
Standardize skills across a frontline team
Outcome: A common framework for contact handling and incident management
Key features
- 65 multiple choice questions in 75 minutes, 80 percent to pass
- Covers incident management, service management processes, metrics, communication and customer management
- Self-study, self-paced online and live virtual class options
- Self-paced online course takes about 10 to 12 hours
- Certification does not expire
Pros
- The only credential here built around service desk process and customer handling
- Three exam attempts included in the self-study package
- No expiry, so no renewal cost
Cons
- Most expensive entry option on the list
- Less known than CompTIA A+ outside larger support organizations
- Light on hardware and operating system skills
Rank 10
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple's support credential, earned by passing the Apple Device Support exam on troubleshooting iPhone, iPad and Mac in organizations.
training.apple.com7.6
out of 10
Best for: Help desk staff and beginners targeting schools, agencies or companies that run on Mac and iPhone.
Apple Certified Support Professional is a niche credential with a clear purpose: proving you can support Apple devices in an organization. You earn the badge by passing the Apple Device Support exam, which Apple says tests the knowledge needed to support and troubleshoot Apple devices as a level 1 or 2 help desk professional. The course is free, self-paced and online, built on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate, and Apple provides a practice exam. You schedule the exam through Apple's certification system and Pearson VUE, and can take it from home or the office. That makes it attractive for schools, creative agencies and companies that issue Macs and iPhones, where Windows-focused candidates are common and Apple skills stand out. Outside those employers it carries less weight than A+, and the content tracks yearly OS releases. Apple does not show the exam fee on the U.S. training page we checked, so pricing is pending.
Standout feature
Free official course aimed squarely at level 1 and 2 Apple help desk work.
Use cases
Help desk staff at Mac-based companies
Show they can troubleshoot macOS and iOS
Outcome: A verified Apple badge
School IT technicians
Support iPad and Mac fleets
Outcome: Official Apple training at no course cost
Key features
- Earned by passing the Apple Device Support exam
- Course based on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate
- Free self-paced online course and a practice exam
- Proctored exam from home or office through Pearson VUE
- Verified digital badge after passing
Pros
- Free official course material
- Targets level 1 and level 2 help desk work directly
- Rare skill set in Windows-heavy candidate pools
Cons
- Useful mainly at employers with many Apple devices
- Exam fee not shown on the page we can check
- Tied to current Apple OS versions, so content changes yearly
Frequently asked questions
+Which is the best IT support certification?
CompTIA A+ is the best IT support certification for most beginners in 2026. Its two exams cover hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting, and CompTIA designs it for help desk technician and IT support specialist roles. Cisco CCST IT Support is a cheaper single-exam alternative at $125.
+Which certification is best for IT help desk jobs?
For help desk jobs, CompTIA A+ is the strongest pick because it is built for help desk technician roles, and Cisco CCST IT Support covers similar ground with one 50 minute exam. HDI Support Center Analyst adds incident handling and customer skills, and is a good second credential once you are on a service desk.
+What is the best IT certification for a beginner with no experience?
With no experience, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is the easiest start: it needs no background, takes about three months at 10 hours a week and is included in Coursera Plus at $59 a month. It also prepares you for CompTIA A+, which you can take next.
+What is the cheapest IT certification for beginners?
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner has the lowest published exam fee on this list at $100, followed by Cisco's CCST IT Support and CCST Networking at $125 each. For help desk work, CCST IT Support is the cheapest option that tests support tasks directly.
+Should I get CompTIA A+ or the Google IT Support Certificate?
Many beginners do both. The Google certificate is a guided course with no exam appointment, and it prepares you for A+. A+ is a proctored, two-exam credential, which many employers treat as stronger proof of skill than a course certificate.
+Do I need Network+ or a cloud certification for my first IT job?
Usually not. Network+ is aimed at people who already hold A+ and have 9 to 12 months of network support experience. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals are useful extras, but a support credential such as A+ or CCST IT Support matters more for a first help desk role.
About this list
Updated November 10, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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