Getting into IT: CompTIA Certifications for Career-Changers

The information technology industry continues to experience explosive growth, offering new career paths to people from all walks of life. Whether you're looking to pivot out of retail, healthcare, education, or hospitality, IT presents a practical and rewarding opportunity to reskill and begin again—with high demand, strong salaries, and long-term upward mobility. If you're wondering how to get into IT, know that what was once considered a field exclusive to computer science majors or longtime hobbyists is now an open door to anyone willing to learn and earn the right credentials.

In today’s job market, certifications are increasingly used as trusted signals of technical readiness—especially for those without traditional degrees or previous experience. CompTIA, a vendor-neutral organization recognized worldwide, offers some of the most accessible and valuable certifications for launching an IT career. If you’re new to the field, credentials like A+ and Network+ can serve as the foundation for your journey, helping you gain confidence, acquire hands-on skills, and demonstrate your commitment to prospective employers. In this article, we’ll break down what these certifications cover, how they build on each other, and why they’re the ideal first steps for career-changers breaking into tech.

Understanding the Role of CompTIA Certifications

CompTIA, short for the Computing Technology Industry Association, is one of the most trusted organizations in the IT certification industry. Its credentials are vendor-neutral, meaning they focus on core principles and skills rather than locking learners into one product or technology stack. This makes them especially valuable for individuals exploring how to get into IT, as they provide a comprehensive understanding of how technology works across various systems and environments. Whether you're aiming for support roles, networking, cybersecurity, or cloud administration, CompTIA’s certifications are recognized across a wide range of industries and sectors.

The most popular entry-level certifications from CompTIA are A+, Network+, and Security+, which together create a tiered learning path. A+ lays the groundwork with hardware, software, and troubleshooting fundamentals. Network+ builds on that foundation with a deeper dive into networking technologies and protocols. Security+ adds a layer of security awareness and defensive strategies, essential for anyone considering a path into cybersecurity. These certifications are designed to be taken sequentially or individually, depending on your starting point and career goals.

Employers value CompTIA certifications because they validate job-ready skills that align with real-world IT tasks and responsibilities. For someone breaking into the field or trying to figure out how to get into IT, they serve as credible evidence that you understand essential technologies and can begin contributing right away. In fact, for many entry-level positions, a CompTIA certification can serve as a substitute for prior experience or formal education. HR systems and hiring managers often use certifications as a filter, and having A+ or Network+ on your resume can be the difference between getting passed over and landing an interview.

Why A+ is Ideal for Absolute Beginners

If you’re brand new to IT and looking for a clear starting point, CompTIA A+ is designed specifically for you. It’s widely considered the foundational certification for entry-level tech professionals, serving as a gateway to understanding core concepts in both hardware and software. A+ covers everything from assembling computers and installing operating systems to basic networking and troubleshooting. The two required exams—Core 1 and Core 2—are structured to provide learners with a well-rounded introduction to the essential knowledge areas necessary to begin working in IT support roles.

One of the most valuable aspects of A+ is its focus on developing practical, hands-on skills. You won’t just memorize terms or answer theoretical questions—you’ll learn how to configure devices, troubleshoot issues, and manage operating systems in a way that mirrors real-world situations. This builds technical confidence for those who may have never worked with enterprise-grade hardware or software before. The certification also introduces basic scripting, command-line tools, and security awareness, which are crucial building blocks for any future specialization.

A+ is most commonly associated with roles like IT support specialist, desktop technician, or help desk analyst. These jobs are often the first step into a longer IT career, offering exposure to ticketing systems, customer interaction, and diverse technical environments. Because it aligns so well with actual job responsibilities, A+ is frequently listed as a requirement in job postings for support and technician positions. For those just starting out, earning the A+ certification provides a sense of achievement, a credential that employers recognize, and a solid foundation to build upon.

How Network+ Builds on A+ (or Stands Alone)

After completing A+, many learners naturally progress to Network+ to deepen their understanding of networking fundamentals. Network+ focuses specifically on how devices communicate, how networks are structured, and how data flows securely and efficiently across various mediums. Topics include IP addressing, routing and switching, wireless technologies, common protocols, and basic network troubleshooting. This knowledge is essential for anyone aspiring to support more complex IT environments, especially those that involve managing connectivity and performance across distributed systems.

Network+ doesn’t necessarily require A+ as a prerequisite, but the two certifications do complement each other. If you already have some hands-on experience with networking equipment or understand basic hardware and operating system functions, you may be able to jump straight into Network+. This certification begins to cultivate the problem-solving mindset necessary for diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues, identifying misconfigured network devices, and securing basic infrastructure. As such, Network+ is often viewed as a preparatory step before pursuing more advanced certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate, or Microsoft Azure certifications.

For job seekers, Network+ is especially valuable when applying for roles such as junior network technician, network support specialist, or systems administrator. These positions typically involve managing local area networks (LANs), configuring switches and routers, or assisting with wireless deployments. Many employers view Network+ as an indicator that a candidate not only understands the basics of networking but can also apply them in high-pressure, real-time environments. Whether you’re starting with it or stacking it on top of A+, Network+ equips you with critical skills that are in demand across both enterprise and small-business IT teams.

The Value of Certifications for Career Transition

For individuals transitioning into tech from non-technical backgrounds, certifications offer a uniquely empowering path. Whether you’ve spent the last decade in healthcare, education, the service industry, or even the military, earning a certification like A+ or Network+ helps you communicate something essential to employers: that you’re serious about learning how to get into IT. Hiring managers know that certifications require time, focus, and a commitment to learn complex material—and they often view this effort as a proxy for on-the-job readiness. It’s a way to make up for the experience you haven’t yet gained.

‍Cybersecurity certifications also help translate soft skills from other industries into technical relevance. If you’ve worked in customer service, your people skills are already aligned with help desk and support roles. If you’ve managed projects or worked under pressure, that discipline applies directly to IT troubleshooting and systems operations. A certification helps bridge the gap between your previous experience and your new technical role by demonstrating that you’ve developed the necessary knowledge to begin contributing in an IT environment.

For many employers, a CompTIA certification is not just a learning milestone—it’s a hiring filter. Especially in organizations that have internship programs, apprenticeships, or tiered support teams, an A+ or Network+ certification often unlocks the first door. You might not get hired into a senior role on day one, but you will be placed on a path with clear expectations and opportunities for growth. That makes certifications an ideal choice for career changers looking to start strong, build momentum, and confidently transition into their next chapter.

Preparing for Success: Study Tips and Learning Resources

The journey to certification success begins with selecting the right study approach tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re working full-time, managing a family, or transitioning into a new industry, flexibility is key. Online platforms like Cybrary offer on-demand training that lets you learn at your own pace while still accessing structured content mapped directly to CompTIA exam objectives. This kind of guided format can be a game-changer, especially for learners who need both flexibility and a clearly defined roadmap.

Effective study also means using multiple learning modalities to reinforce your understanding. While watching videos is a great starting point, reading study guides, working through flashcards, taking practice exams, and reviewing performance analytics will help you identify areas for improvement and enhance retention. Perhaps most importantly, hands-on labs—either virtual or physical—help you turn abstract ideas into real skills. Cybrary’s lab environments provide simulations that closely mirror real-world IT scenarios, enabling you to troubleshoot systems, configure networks, or diagnose issues in a safe and testable environment.

Peer support is another underrated aspect of success. Engaging with study groups on Reddit, Discord, or Cybrary’s own community forums can provide motivation, answer tricky questions, and introduce you to valuable study techniques. These communities often share practice resources, lab walkthroughs, and even job-hunting tips for when you pass your exam. By combining content, practice, labs, and social learning, you’ll create a comprehensive study experience that doesn’t just prepare you for the test—but for the job that comes after it.‍

Job Prospects After Earning CompTIA Certifications

Once you've earned a CompTIA certification like A+ or Network+, you're no longer a beginner without credentials—you’re now a certified IT professional. This shift in status can make a significant difference in how you're perceived by employers. Job listings that previously seemed out of reach—like IT technician, help desk support, or junior network administrator—now become attainable. Many organizations view certifications as prerequisites for hiring or internal advancement, especially in environments that prioritize technical standards and formal training.

The A+ certification opens doors to support-oriented positions, such as service desk technician, field support analyst, or technical support specialist. These roles are crucial in every organization, as they form the frontline of technical troubleshooting and end-user support. With Network+, your opportunities expand into roles that involve managing connectivity and infrastructure—like junior network technician, systems support specialist, or N O C (Network Operations Center) technician. These are foundational jobs that often lead to higher-paying and more strategic IT paths.

It’s also worth noting that certified individuals often outperform non-certified candidates in application tracking systems (A T S), which scan resumes for keywords like “A+ Certified” or “CompTIA Network+.” This digital visibility is crucial in today’s competitive job market, particularly for individuals without prior IT experience. By earning one or more CompTIA certifications, you're not only gaining skills—you’re gaining a competitive advantage in the hiring process. Whether your goal is a first job in tech or a long-term shift into networking or cybersecurity, certifications give you a way to start strong and keep climbing.

Conclusion

Breaking into the world of information technology can feel daunting at first, especially if you're coming from a completely different career. But if you're wondering how to get into IT, certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+ are designed to eliminate that uncertainty. They provide a structured, industry-respected path into tech—one that doesn’t require a four-year degree, prior experience, or insider connections. Instead, they focus on developing the skills that truly matter: troubleshooting, system configuration, networking fundamentals, and problem-solving. These are the same skills employers look for in new hires across entry-level roles.

The beauty of these certifications lies not just in the knowledge they convey, but in the momentum they create. Earning your A+ certification gives you more than just a credential—it gives you the confidence to troubleshoot real issues, speak the language of IT, and pursue jobs that once felt out of reach. Adding Network+ builds on that confidence, equipping you with the networking skills necessary for more technical positions or for moving into cybersecurity, systems administration, or cloud-based roles. Each step forward compounds your capabilities and expands your options.

If you're ready to start, there’s no better time than now. The demand for IT professionals continues to rise, and organizations across industries are hiring individuals who are prepared, certified, and motivated to learn. Whether you're drawn to support, networking, or security, beginning with a certification that matches your current comfort level is the smartest move you can make. And with flexible, expert-led training options available on Cybrary, you’re never more than a click away from starting your IT journey. Sign up today and take your first step toward a rewarding career in tech.