Starting your education · South Bay Tech Guru

Starting your education

Here’s a solid list of entry-level computer / IT certifications — especially useful for someone trying to get into help desk, desktop support, field tech, junior sysadmin, or MSP work.

Since you’ve got real-world experience already, I’ll also flag which ones are actually worth it vs. just resume filler.

Best Entry-Level Computer / IT Certifications

CompTIA ITF+ (IT Fundamentals+)

Best for: Absolute beginners with almost no IT backgroundCovers:

Basic hardware
Software
Networking basics
Security basics
Troubleshooting basics

Good if:

Someone is truly brand new
Career changers need a confidence builder

Not great if:

You already know basic PC repair / troubleshooting

Verdict:👉 Skip if you already know computers at all

CompTIA A+

Best for: Help desk, desktop support, field tech, repair tech, entry-level MSPCovers:

PC hardware
Windows / macOS / mobile basics
Basic networking
Basic security
Troubleshooting methodology
Printers, peripherals, tickets, documentation

Why it matters:

This is the classic entry-level IT cert
Still one of the most recognized for: Help desk Desktop support Field service Break/fix MSP starter roles

Verdict:👉 Best all-around entry-level cert👉 If someone gets only one, this is usually the one

CompTIA Network+

Best for: Entry-level networking, MSPs, support roles with network exposureCovers:

TCP/IP
Switching/routing basics
Wireless
VLAN basics
Network troubleshooting
Cabling / standards
Network security basics

Good for:

Help desk wanting to level up
Desktop support that touches networking
MSP work
Junior network support

Verdict:👉 Very worthwhile👉 Especially useful if you want to look more “serious” than just A+

CompTIA Security+

Best for: Entry-level security awareness + broad IT credibilityCovers:

Security fundamentals
Threats / vulnerabilities
Access control
Encryption basics
Risk / compliance
Incident response basics

Why it helps:

Widely recognized
Often requested in gov / contractor roles
Makes you look more current than just hardware support

Verdict:👉 Great second or third cert👉 Strong resume booster

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Best for: Beginners who want a structured low-cost startCovers:

Troubleshooting
Customer support
Linux basics
Networking basics
System administration basics
Security basics

Good because:

Beginner-friendly
Cheaper than some cert routes
Good for confidence + structure

But:

Employers often value CompTIA A+ more

Verdict:👉 Good learning path👉 Not stronger than A+ on a resume

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Best for: People curious about securityCovers:

Security concepts
SIEM basics
Linux
SQL
Threat detection concepts

Verdict:👉 Good learning certificate👉 Not as powerful as Security+ for most hiring managers

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Best for: Entry-level cloud awarenessCovers:

Cloud concepts
Azure services
Basic cloud security/compliance
Pricing / support basics

Why it matters:

Cloud is everywhere now
Easy-ish intro cert
Helps if applying to: Help desk Sysadmin MSP Microsoft-heavy shops

Verdict:👉 Excellent modern entry-level cert👉 Strong add-on with A+

Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (MS-900)

Best for: Help desk / desktop / MSP / Microsoft 365 supportCovers:

Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Exchange / Teams / SharePoint / OneDrive basics
Licensing basics
Security/compliance overview

Why it’s good:This is actually very relevant for:

Help desk
Desktop support
MSPs
Small business support
Admin assistant to IT transition
Office 365-heavy environments

Verdict:👉 Underrated and very practical👉 Especially strong for the type of environments you’ve worked in

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST Networking / Cybersecurity)

Best for: Entry-level learners who want a Cisco-flavored startCovers:

Basic networking or security depending on track

Why it matters:

Newer entry-level Cisco option
Easier than CCNA
Good stepping stone

Verdict:👉 Worth considering👉 But Network+ is usually more broadly useful at entry level

10)

Cisco CCNA

Best for: Serious networking path (not really “beginner beginner,” but common next step)Covers:

Routing/switching
VLANs
Subnetting
Wireless
Automation basics
Network troubleshooting

Important:This is often called entry-level networking, but it’s harder than true beginner certs

Verdict:👉 Excellent, but more like early-career / next-step than true starter

11)

Linux Essentials (LPI)

Best for: Beginners who want Linux familiarityCovers:

Linux basics
Command line basics
Files/permissions
Open source concepts

Verdict:👉 Good add-on👉 Helpful for modern IT / MSP / cloud paths

12)

CompTIA Linux+

Best for: People going deeper into Linux support/adminVerdict:👉 More intermediate than beginner👉 Good if aiming at sysadmin / MSP / hosting / cloud support

Best Entry-Level Cert Path (Most Practical)

If someone wants the best starter stack, I’d rank it like this:

Tier 1 (Best starting point)

CompTIA A+
Network+
MS-900 or AZ-900

Tier 2 (Strong add-ons)

Security+
Linux Essentials

Tier 3 (Optional depending on direction)

CCST
CCNA
Google IT Support
Google Cybersecurity

Best by Job Goal

For

Help Desk / Desktop Support

CompTIA A+
MS-900
AZ-900
Network+

For

Field Tech / Break-Fix / Onsite Tech

CompTIA A+
Network+
MS-900

For

MSP Work

CompTIA A+
Network+
MS-900
AZ-900
Security+

For

Cybersecurity Starter

Security+
Network+
AZ-900
Google Cybersecurity (optional learning)

For

Networking Path

Network+
CCST
CCNA

My honest take for YOU specifically

Because you already have real hands-on experience (far beyond entry-level), the best “resume credibility” certs for your kind of work would actually be:

Best ROI for your background: