There were huge IT layoffs in 2023 and 2024, but there will still be millions of job vacancies in 2025 to fill. What you need is to choose the right certification to create a positive trajectory for your career.
This article presents the top 13 entry-level certifications that will be in demand in 2025. Whether you’re transitioning from another career or looking to enter the IT field right out of school, these certifications are designed to give you a strong foundation in the tech world. We’ll discuss the benefits of each certification, what types of roles they can lead to, and how you can get started. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can kickstart your tech career with these credentials!
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Why Certifications Are Key for Entry-Level IT Jobs
If you’re new to IT, you might wonder why certifications are important. Certifications act as proof that you’ve gained the essential skills needed for specific roles in the tech industry. They show potential employers that you’re knowledgeable, competent, and ready to hit the ground running. For many entry-level positions, certifications are seen as more valuable than degrees because they are job-focused and provide hands-on skills.
Industry statistics indicate that over 65-70% of IT job postings for entry-level roles prefer or require a certification. This means that obtaining certifications could significantly improve your chances of landing your dream job. Moreover, certifications provide a structured learning path, making it easier for beginners to learn specific skills, whether that’s in networking, cloud, cybersecurity, or IT support.
Top 13 Entry-Level Certifications in 2025
Below is a list of the top 13 entry-level certifications that will be highly sought after in 2025. Each certification includes an overview, the types of roles it can lead to, and the benefits of pursuing it.
If you’re just starting out in IT, CompTIA A+ is a great foundation. This certification provides knowledge in hardware, networking, and troubleshooting, making it ideal for roles like IT support and helpdesk. As technology continues to grow, businesses of all sizes will need IT support professionals to keep their systems running smoothly. In 2025, expect strong demand for this certification, with salaries starting around $50,000.
As cybersecurity threats grow, Security+ is becoming one of the most sought-after certifications. It provides the foundational knowledge required for roles such as cybersecurity analyst and IT auditor. The certification covers important topics like network security, risk management, and encryption. With the cybersecurity industry projected to grow by 31% by 2029, certified professionals can expect salaries starting at $70,000, making Security+ a valuable asset.
CCNA is perfect for those looking to dive into networking. It covers a range of networking fundamentals, including IP services, security, and automation. This certification opens doors to positions such as network engineer or network administrator. As businesses continue to expand their digital presence, the demand for network engineers will rise, with average salaries reaching $80,000.
Cloud computing is the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect is the gold standard for those entering the cloud computing field. This certification teaches you how to design scalable systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the most widely used cloud platforms globally. Cloud architects earn an average of $120,000, and as cloud adoption continues, this certification will remain in high demand.
Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud provider after AWS, and the Azure Fundamentals certification is a great entry point into cloud computing. It teaches the basics of cloud concepts and services, making it ideal for roles like cloud engineer or cloud support specialist. With the growth of Azure, professionals can expect average salaries of $90,000.
Google Cloud is rapidly growing, and the Digital Leader certification focuses on high-level cloud strategy and solutions. This certification is ideal for those aspiring to become cloud consultants or project managers. As Google Cloud continues to expand its reach in the enterprise market, certified professionals will be highly sought after in 2025.
7. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Ethical hacking is a rising field in cybersecurity, and the CEH certification is designed for those who want to specialize in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. As cyber threats continue to escalate, organizations will need ethical hackers to protect their systems. CEH holders can earn around $80,000 and above, with demand for ethical hackers increasing rapidly in 2025.
Project management skills are becoming increasingly important, especially in the tech industry. The CAPM certification, offered by PMI, is a solid introduction to project management principles. It’s ideal for entry-level project managers or anyone aspiring to oversee IT projects. In 2025, CAPM holders can expect to earn around $65,000 as demand for project managers grows.
9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is a globally recognized certification for IT auditors, focusing on auditing, control, and assurance of information systems. As companies invest more in IT governance, certified professionals will be needed to ensure that systems and processes meet industry standards. With salaries starting around $100,000, this certification is expected to be in high demand in 2025.
10. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Agile methodologies are becoming the norm in software development, and the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is designed to help professionals manage Agile teams. As businesses adopt Agile practices, the demand for ScrumMasters will grow, with average salaries reaching $95,000 by 2025.
11. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Designed by Google, this certificate is a beginner-friendly introduction to IT support. It covers system administration, troubleshooting, and networking, making it an excellent stepping stone into entry-level IT roles. Professionals with this certification can move into higher-level roles such as IT administrator, with starting salaries around $50,000.
12. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
The demand for data scientists is growing, and this certification provides a strong foundation in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. It’s ideal for roles such as data analyst or junior data scientist. As businesses continue to invest in data-driven decision-making, certified professionals can expect salaries starting at $75,000.
13. Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
There aren’t many widely popular Machine Learning Certificates but this certificate can be a great starting point. The Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer certification is ideal for individuals interested in building and deploying machine learning models. It covers fundamental ML concepts, model development, and deployment on Google Cloud. This certification is a great starting point for those aiming to enter the field of AI and machine learning, leading to roles such as Junior Machine Learning Engineer or AI Specialist. With AI rapidly evolving, this certification is valuable for those who want to be at the forefront of tech innovation.
Future Trends for Entry-Level Certifications
The IT industry is constantly evolving, and new certifications will emerge to meet the demands of tomorrow’s job market. In addition to existing certifications, professionals should look out for emerging trends in AI, blockchain, and automation. Certifications in these areas are expected to gain popularity as industries increasingly adopt new technologies. Continuous learning will be essential for professionals to stay competitive and adapt to changes in the job market.
Conclusion: In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, certifications are becoming more crucial than ever. Whether you’re starting out or switching careers, earning one of these top 13 entry-level certifications will put you on the path to success in 2025 and beyond. As industries continue to adopt new technologies, certified professionals will be well-positioned to take advantage of growing job opportunities. So, why wait? Start your certification journey today and future-proof your career.
FAQs
CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and CCNA are great options.
Yes, they help you gain essential skills and improve your job prospects.
It varies, but most entry-level certifications take 2-6 months to complete.
Costs range from $100 to $500, depending on the certification.
Yes, many entry-level roles require only a certification, especially in support and cloud roles.
Certifications validate your skills and help you stand out to employers.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Google Associate Cloud Engineer are top choices for beginners.
No, while certifications significantly improve your chances, getting a job also depends on other factors like experience, interview performance, and job market conditions.
