IT Certification Roadmaps
and Study Plans
CertBlueprint cuts through the noise. Understand what a cert covers, who it is for, what salary to expect, and exactly where to study—before you spend money on an exam.
Certification guides
Browse all vendors →Cisco
Cisco CCNA 200-301
The established entry-level networking certification. Covers IP connectivity, routing, switching, security fundamentals, and automation basics. Recognized globally by networking employers.
CompTIA
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
The DoD-approved baseline cybersecurity credential. Covers threats, vulnerabilities, identity management, cryptography, and incident response. Required for U.S. government and federal contractor roles.
AWS
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most widely held and in-demand cloud certification globally. Validates designing scalable, fault-tolerant, cost-optimized systems on AWS. Consistently among the highest-paying IT credentials.
Microsoft
Microsoft AZ-104
The foundational Azure administration credential. Validates managing Azure identities, storage, virtual machines, networking, and monitoring. Essential for Microsoft-centric enterprise environments.
Browse by vendor
All vendors →Cisco
1+Networking, security, collaboration, and DevNet certifications. CCNA is the entry point for enterprise networking careers.
Explore certsCompTIA
2+Vendor-neutral IT certifications: Security+, Network+, A+, and CySA+. DoD-approved and recognized across government and private sector.
Explore certsAWS
1+Cloud platform certifications: Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps, and specialty tracks. Among the highest-paying credentials in IT.
Explore certsMicrosoft
1+Azure administration, architecture, security, and DevOps certifications. Dominant in enterprise Microsoft environments.
Explore certsBrowse by career path
Networking
Network+ → CCNA → CCNP Enterprise
Routing, switching, wireless, and infrastructure. CompTIA Network+ for vendor-neutral foundations; CCNA for Cisco-specific depth and enterprise networking roles.
Cybersecurity
Security+ → CySA+ → CASP+
Security fundamentals, threat detection, and incident response. Security+ is DoD-approved and opens the most entry-level security doors fastest.
Cloud
AWS SAA → AWS SAP or AZ-104 → AZ-305
Infrastructure design and operations on AWS and Azure. Among the fastest-growing cert categories in demand and the highest correlation to salary increases.
Systems & Infrastructure
CompTIA A+ → AZ-104 → AZ-305
Server management, virtualization, identity, and cloud administration. Microsoft Azure certifications dominate this path in enterprise environments.
How to choose a certification
Start with the role you want, not the cert that sounds most impressive. The certification is a tool to get a job—pick one that matches where you want to land.
Define your target role
Network engineer, cloud architect, security analyst, systems administrator. Each role has a recognized cert path. Start there.
Check what employers actually require
Look at real job listings in your target market. Note which certifications appear most often for entry-level and mid-level roles. That list is your priority queue.
Start at associate or foundational level
Unless you have substantial hands-on experience, starting at associate level is the right move. Expert-level certs assume knowledge you will not have otherwise.
Study to learn, not just to pass
Modern IT exams include simulation and performance-based questions. Rote memorization is not sufficient. Build the actual skills, and passing follows.
Why CertBlueprint
What each cert actually covers
Broken down by skill domain, not marketing copy.
Who it is and isn't for
Honest audience framing so you do not study the wrong cert.
Salary expectations per cert
Realistic compensation data so you can prioritize by ROI.
Where to study
Curated free and paid resources with honest assessments—no filler.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best IT certification for beginners?
It depends on your target role. For networking, CCNA is the strongest foundational credential. For general IT support, CompTIA A+ is the recognized starting point. For cloud, AWS Cloud Practitioner is a common entry. For cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ opens the most doors fastest. If you are undecided, Security+ or CCNA cover the most transferable ground.
Is CCNA good for beginners?
Yes, if you are serious about networking. No prior work experience is required. Plan for 3 to 6 months of part-time study. Build a basic grasp of IP addressing before starting a full course and the process will be faster.
Are IT certifications worth it?
Yes, when chosen strategically. Employers use them to filter candidates, especially for roles where direct experience is limited. The return is highest when the cert aligns with a specific role you are targeting and when you genuinely learn the material.
Which cloud certification pays the most?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Professional consistently rank among the highest-paying IT certifications globally. Azure certifications (AZ-104, AZ-305) command strong salaries in Microsoft-heavy enterprise environments. Cloud architect roles with 3+ years of experience and multiple cloud certs frequently earn $130K–$180K+.
How long does it take to study for Security+?
Most candidates spend 6 to 12 weeks studying part-time. Those with existing IT experience may be ready in 4 to 6 weeks. Hands-on practice with tools like TryHackMe matters as much as video course completion—performance-based questions require real skill.
What certification should I get after CCNA?
Depends on direction: CCNP Enterprise for networking, CCNP Security or CyberOps Associate for security, DevNet Associate for automation, or AWS SAA / AZ-104 for cloud. Pick the path that aligns with the roles you want.
Do I need experience before getting certified?
Most associate-level certifications have no formal prerequisites. Hands-on lab practice is still essential—exams include simulation questions that require real skill, not just memorization. Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3 are both free and sufficient for CCNA lab work. AWS free tier covers SAA lab needs.