When you’re trying to break into tech, certifications can seem like a quick way to boost your resume. But are they really worth the time, effort, and sometimes money? The answer depends on your goals, the type of certification, and how you use it to stand out.
Let’s explore how certifications can help (or not help) your tech career and which ones might be worth pursuing.
Meet Omar: Choosing the Right Certification
Omar wanted to switch to a tech career but didn’t have a degree or experience. After some research, he decided to take the Google IT Support Certificate. The certification taught him practical skills like troubleshooting and network basics.
Omar added the certification to his resume and landed a help desk role at a local company. With experience under his belt, he’s now working toward more advanced certifications in cybersecurity. For Omar, the right certification was a stepping stone to his first tech job.
What Are Certifications?
A certification is a document that shows you’ve completed training and proven your knowledge in a specific area. In tech, certifications often focus on tools, platforms, or skills like cloud computing, security, or IT support.
Examples of popular certifications:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (cloud computing)
- CompTIA A+ (IT support basics)
- Google Data Analytics Certificate (data analysis)
- Certified ScrumMaster (project management)
Are Certifications Necessary?
The short answer: Not always. Some tech roles, like web development or UX design, care more about your portfolio and practical skills than certifications. But in fields like IT support, cybersecurity, or cloud computing, certifications can boost your chances of getting hired.
When certifications help:
- You’re entering a field that requires specific technical knowledge (e.g., IT or cybersecurity).
- You need a way to stand out in a competitive job market.
- You’re switching careers and want to prove your skills to employers.
When they don’t matter as much:
- For roles like front-end development or UX design, where portfolios and experience are more important.
- If you’re already established in your field and have years of experience.
How to Choose the Right Certification
- Research Your Field
Look at job descriptions for roles you’re interested in. Do they mention specific certifications? If so, those are worth considering.
- Start with Beginner-Friendly Options
If you’re new to tech, consider certifications like:
- Google IT Support Certificate: Great for beginners interested in IT roles.
- CompTIA A+: A good foundation for IT and tech support.
- freeCodeCamp Certifications: Free and perfect for learning coding basics.
- Check Employer Preferences
Some companies value certifications from well-known organizations like AWS, Google, or Microsoft.
Top Certifications for Beginners
- Google IT Support Certificate
- Why it’s great: Teaches practical IT skills like troubleshooting and networking.
- Cost: Free with financial aid on Coursera.
- CompTIA A+
- Why it’s great: Recognized by many employers for entry-level IT roles.
- Cost: Exam fees around $250, but discounts may be available.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Why it’s great: A beginner-friendly intro to cloud computing.
- Cost: Exam fees around $100.
- freeCodeCamp Certifications
- Why it’s great: Free and covers coding, data analysis, and more.
- Cost: Completely free.
Do Certifications Guarantee a Job?
No certification will land you a job on its own. Employers want to see how you apply your knowledge, whether through hands-on projects, internships, or work experience.
Think of certifications as a supplement to your portfolio, resume, and networking efforts—not a replacement.
How to Get the Most Out of Certifications
- Combine Them with Practical Experience
Work on personal projects or volunteer to apply what you’ve learned.
- Showcase Them Effectively
Add certifications to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio. Be ready to explain what you learned and how it applies to the job.
- Keep Learning
Tech evolves quickly, so stay up to date with new certifications and skills in your field.
Should You Get Certified?
If you’re entering a field like IT support, cybersecurity, or cloud computing, certifications can be a great way to build credibility. For other tech roles, like development or design, focus on building a portfolio first.
Choose certifications that align with your goals, and remember: They’re just one piece of your career journey.
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