IT Certification Roadmap: A Guide
There are many IT certifications—here's a quick guide to navigating them.
April 16, 2021
Article
IT
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
![[Featued image] A person in a green plaid button-down shirt sits in a chair and searches for IT jobs on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/DZInDrz47gFkHHI1DSXTL/128fa09c22c96546d5065f3d872207a1/GettyImages-1222547509.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular IT courses
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, Computer Hardware, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, Peripheral Devices, Encryption, Data Storage, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills
Status: New AI skills
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Desktop Support, Network Security, Network Architecture, Routing Protocols, Linux, Encryption, Microsoft Windows, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Security Awareness, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation
Skills you'll gain: Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Active Directory, Disaster Recovery, Server Administration, Linux Administration, Cloud Computing, Servers, Windows Servers, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage, Virtualization, User Accounts
![[Featured image] An information security analyst wearing black headphones and a patterned tank top works at a monitor with a printer to their right and colleagues in the background.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5V4WhhSdKIQDWna1LCpWk1/da0edd62e5fbc89b178dcc0875e14f4c/GettyImages-1145619679.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Network administrator works on a laptop in an open-plan office](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5kpKJ1y7C4POgZv2BL4DZT/9f51821b9fab6c0622330797e19ee788/iStock-542298764_super.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A CompTIA A+-certified IT worker sits in a server room and works on a black desktop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4Sau3xNFGrmrzciQ0o6web/c6d5bf4e221c1979222b1d2aa86224ce/what-is-theCompTIA-A_-Certification_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A person in a blue button-down and black cardigan holds a blue folder and sits at a desk with a laptop and two monitors.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/53xRQ0CAMlfmPHeIwPSA2S/6c62dcfb76f40dc8c1e9d3ac01257de8/Cybersecurity.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] IT learner in a pink blouse sits at a desk with a laptop and book and considers which entry-level IT certification to get.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/14lLHlq87ar3b4D3iUnyjp/a4a73e79a8de20871f2e7433792306fb/best-IT-certifications_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A tattooed male computer technician works at a dual-screen workstation in an office with windows behind him.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6UAsg3PF2pv9onoBifGAuy/e0cc6abbb2eff80ae2be305990bb2954/computer-technician_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A systems administrator in a gray shirt holds a tablet while standing between rows of black electrical equipment.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4j1kvXZ0NQ82wrIAj99Wm8/d4d96da50d84a9e0f1890cca4019b2f5/GettyImages-580501705.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore information technology topics, including:
