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Below, you will find the TOP CERTIFICATIONS that will help you on your journey to secure these Life-Changing Cyber and IT Jobs. Each certification comes with an overview and a few links (all of which are provided at the bottom) to courses, books, and practice tests that you can study before taking the final certification exam.
STACK THE DECK STRATEGY: Rob Cyber advises avoiding the bare minimum mentality of obtaining JUST ONE certification and spamming 500 jobs. Instead, aim to acquire 3-5 certifications to demonstrate to recruiters that you are dedicated and willing to put in the effort, which will help you stand out as a strong candidate and get the offer!
Reminder: 95% of Cybersecurity professionals have to get an IT Job first!
UDEMY: Go to Udemy.com and search for any certification. Several courses will be available, and Jason Dion is one of the most popular instructors.
Entry Level IT Certs
These are certifications to get foundational knowledge in IT.
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
(10-21 Days)
Microsoft 365 Certified: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals (AB-900) is a great certification for aspiring Help Desk Analysts who want to stand out for entry-level IT support roles. Since many companies use Microsoft 365, Copilot, and AI-powered workplace tools, this certification helps prove you understand Microsoft 365 services, security, identity, access, and basic administration concepts.
Azure Cloud Basics
(7-12 Days)
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is an entry-level certification that validates basic cloud computing knowledge with a focus on Azure services, security, and governance. Ideal for entry-level IT and non-technical professionals, 90% of Fortune 500 companies use some form of Microsoft Azure Cloud and Entra ID in their networking environments. This certification will help you start your IT career.
UPDATE: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) has been replaced by the new AB-900 certification. AB-900 still covers core Microsoft 365 services, but now goes deeper into Artificial Intelligence in the Microsoft environment, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, AI agents, security, identity, access, and Microsoft Entra ID.
Rob recommends AB-900 for students coming from non-technical backgrounds like truck driving, security guard, retail, warehouse, or customer service. This certification helps prove to recruiters that you understand the Microsoft ecosystem and are serious about building the foundational skills needed to break into IT.
Linux Operating System
(10-15 Days)
LPI Linux Essentials is an entry-level certification that validates fundamental Linux skills for beginners. It covers basic command-line usage, file management, system administration, and security. Ideal for those starting an IT career, it provides a strong foundation for more advanced Linux certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1. This certification is for anyone that is serious about pursuing an IT career.
IT Service Management
(7-12 Days - See Note Below)
ITIL 5 Foundation is an entry-level certification that validates core IT service management (ITSM) principles, focusing on aligning IT services with business needs. It covers service value system (SVS), key practices, and ITIL guiding principles to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business outcomes. This certification is expensive, but Over 7,000 open IT jobs currently mention "ITIL" on indeed.com
NOTE: Everybody and they mama has ONE certification. It's best to get 3-4 IT certifications if you want to stand out from the competition and get noticed by recruiters.
ITIL Foundation is Optional-Expensive
The ITIL FOUNDATION certification is expensive (more than $500), but over 7,000 IT jobs listed on indeed.com mention "ITIL" in the job description. If money is not an issue, Rob Cyber advises obtaining the certification to check the box for recruiters.
Entry Level CompTIA Certs
CompTIA is the industry standard when it comes to IT certifications. If you get a few of these
certifications you can start to gain traction with recruiters for entry level IT jobs.
Computer Basics
(2 Exams 25-30 Days)
The A+ is for the hardware of computers, and is best for working as an ON-SITE Help Desk Analyst. Some help desk jobs require the A+ cert and some don't. Rob isn't particularly fond of the A+ because you have to pass 2 exams instead of 1 to get the certification. However, there are thousands of jobs on indeed.com that are asking for the A+ cert.
Networking Basics
(30-40 Days)
CompTIA Network+ validates essential networking skills, including network design, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and protocols. It covers wired and wireless networks, TCP/IP, subnetting, and cloud connectivity, making it ideal for aspiring network administrators, IT support specialists, and cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity Basics
(30 Days)
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates core cybersecurity skills needed to secure networks, detect threats, and manage risk. It covers network security, cryptography, threat management, identity access, and compliance—making it ideal for IT professionals looking to enter cybersecurity and government (DoD 8570) roles. The next certification after the Security+ is the CySA+.
Linux Operating System
(4-8 Weeks)
CompTIA Linux+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates essential Linux administration skills for IT professionals. It covers command-line management, system configuration, scripting, security, networking, and automation across various Linux distributions. Ideal for system administrators and cybersecurity professionals, it ensures a strong foundation in enterprise-level Linux environments.
Entry Level Cyber Certs
These are three important Cybersecurity certifcations that you really want on your resume.
Cybersecurity Analyst
MANDATORY (30-45 DAYS)
This cert is the next step above the Security+. The CySA+ will teach you the basics of Security analytics, intrusion detection and incident response. This cert will get you a little bit more respect with recruiters. Rob advises all students who are serious to get both the Security+ and the CySA+.
Splunk SIEM And Logs
MANDATORY (15-20 DAYS)
As a Cybersecurity Analyst you will be looking at logs all day to determine the severity of security alerts and incidents that come into the SOAR/SIEM. Splunk is the #1 logging solution for most major companies, and the Splunk Core User is a very good cert to have.
Microsoft Security Operations
GOOD TO HAVE (15-20 DAYS)
Microsoft security software is very popular because they can bundle it with other software like Microsoft Office for corporations. More companies are switching over to Microsoft Sentinel and Defender for security so the SC-200 certification will be helpful for your job prospects.
Red Team, Cloud Security, and Identity (IAM)
These supplementals certs are NOT needed, but can help boost your resume.
Cloud security is Cybersecurity. Cloud providers like Azure and AWS send their security alerts to the SOAR for the SOC to investigate.
If you always come in SECOND place during the interview process, one of these certs can help get you over the hump!
Red Team Beginner
OPTIONAL (4-8 WEEKS)
CompTIA PenTest+ is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification focused on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It validates skills in planning, conducting, and reporting penetration tests across various networks and applications.
Azure Networking
OPTIONAL (30-45 DAYS)
This cert validates your ability to design, implement, and manage secure and reliable Azure networking solutions, including hybrid connectivity, routing, and network security. This certification is for IT professionals responsible for building and securing reliable network infrastructure in Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft Identity
OPTIONAL (15 DAYS)
This certification demonstrates foundational knowledge of Microsoft’s identity, access, compliance, and governance solutions. It’s ideal for those starting a career in cybersecurity and helps showcase your understanding of data protection and compliance across Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
Azure Security
OPTIONAL (30-45 DAYS)
This certification proves your ability to secure identities, data, and cloud networks in Azure. It’s ideal for aspiring Cybersecurity professionals skilled in threat protection, incident response, and security monitoring using Microsoft security tools like Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel.
Earn The Premiere
Hands-On SOC Analyst Certification
CompTIA certifications will get the recruiters to call you, but once you get to the interview process you will be just like everyone else, fumbling over interview questions because you don't have any real Cyber experience. In this common scenario every job candidate is on the same level (No real Cyber skills), so the hiring manager usually chooses who they like the most, and if you are not the most likeable person you will never get a job offer.
The RCASOC Certification (21 DAY CYBER) will give you a behind the scenes look at Cybersecurity Operations. You will get real hands-on experience with Intrusion Detection, Endpoint Protection, Phishing Emails, Cyber Incident Response, and Wireshark PCAP Malware Analysis.
This Cert Stack will take 4-6 months to complete
ATTENTION: You do not need every certification on this list to get an entry-level IT job!
BUT earning a few strategic certifications can help you stand out and separate yourself from candidates who only have the bare minimum.
Help Desk Path (Tier-1)
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CompTIA A+ (Most Important)
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Azure Fundamentals AZ-900
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Linux Essentials (LPI)
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Microsoft 365 Fundamentals AB-900
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CompTIA Network+ (Bonus To Have)
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ITIL 5 Foundation (Optional-Expensive)
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MAKE TIER-1 IT VIDEO RESUME (21 DAY CYBER)
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START APPLYING TO TIER-1 IT JOBS
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Security+
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Azure Network Engineer
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CCNA
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START APPLYING TO TIER-2 IT JOBS
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DO NOT STOP UNTIL YOU GET HIRED!
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STAY FOR 1 YEAR AND MOVE UP!
Rob Cyber's Commentary
This certification path includes Microsoft, Azure, Linux, and CompTIA A+ to help you become a well-rounded candidate for entry-level IT jobs. ITIL 5 is expensive, but with more than 7,000 Indeed job listings asking for it, it is worth getting if you can afford it.
You can get a Help Desk job with just CompTIA A+, but Rob teaches the STACK THE DECK certification strategy to help you stand out from candidates with only the bare minimum qualifications. Additional certifications like Azure, Linux, ITIL, Network+, and Security+ can also help you qualify for Tier-1 Help Desk roles and move up to Tier-2 Network Operations positions. Security+ can also help qualify you for certain entry-level Department of Defense IT roles.
The 21 DAY CYBER course trains you to create an IT Video Resume showcasing Help Desk Ticket Creation, Linux System Administration, and Wireshark PCAP Network Traffic Analysis. These videos can help recruiters and hiring managers see your skills before the interview. Rob Cyber also provides an IT Help Desk Job PowerPoint Presentation to help you perform better in interviews and gain an advantage over other candidates.
This Cert Stack will take 8-12 months to complete
Network Operations Path (Tier-2)
BASIC STACK (2 CERTS)
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Network+ (REVIEW AND SKIP EXAM)
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Security+ (TAKE EXAM - DOD Jobs $$$)
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CCNA (TAKE EXAM)
It's possible to get an IT Job with just the CCNA and Security+
RECOMMENDED STACK (5 CERTS)
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Network+ (REVIEW AND SKIP EXAM)
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Security+ (TAKE EXAM - DOD GOV Jobs $$$)
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CCNA (TAKE EXAM)
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Azure Fundamentals (SKIP EXAM)
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Azure Network Engineer (AZ-700 TAKE EXAM)
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Splunk Core User (For IT Monitoring)
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CompTIA Linux+ (If skipping Tier-1)
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MAKE TIER-2 IT VIDEO RESUME (21 DAY CYBER)
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START APPLYING TO TIER-2 IT JOBS
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DO NOT STOP UNTIL YOU GET HIRED!
-
STAY FOR 1 YEAR AND MOVE UP!
Rob Cyber's Commentary
This certification path builds a strong IT foundation with Azure, CompTIA Linux+, Security+, and CCNA. Even if you skip Tier-1 Help Desk, this will still be your first IT job, so foundational certifications are important. Security+ can help qualify you for Tier-2 Department of Defense Network Operations roles, while CCNA is the golden ticket to bypass Tier-1 and move directly into Tier-2 Network Operations.
You can land a job with just CCNA, but combining CCNA, Security+, and Linux+ can make you more valuable to employers, leading to better job offers and higher pay. In this path, you review Network+ training to build a strong networking foundation, skip the Network+ exam, move straight to Security+, then study CCNA for 3–5 months before taking the exam.
The 21 DAY CYBER course trains you to create a Tier-2 Network Operations Video Resume showcasing Linux System Administration, Network Firewall Management, Bash and PowerShell Scripting, Wireshark PCAP Network Troubleshooting, and Splunk Dashboard Creation for Network Monitoring. These videos can help recruiters and hiring managers see your hands-on skills before the interview. Rob Cyber also provides a Network Operations Job PowerPoint Presentation to help you perform better in interviews and gain an advantage over other candidates.
REMINDER: This cert stack is difficult. If one of the certs is too hard just skip it and go to the next one. You don't have to follow this certification path exactly. You can create your own version of it.
Cybersecurity Path (Tier-1 Cyber)
8 Cert Stack - That Recruiters Will Respect
You don't need all 8 but have at least 6 of these certifications
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You Should Have 1 Year of IT Experience
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RCASOC - Certified SOC Analyst
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Network+ OR CCNA
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Linux Essentials (LPI) OR Linux+ (CompTIA)
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One Azure Cert - AZ-500 OR AZ-700 OR AZ-900
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Security+
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CySA+
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Splunk Core User
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MAKE CYBER VIDEO RESUME (21 DAY CYBER)
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START APPLYING TO CYBER JOBS
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Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 (Optional)
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Microsoft Compliance and Identity SC-900 (Optional)
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Azure Security Engineer AZ-700 (Optional)
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CompTIA Pentest+ (Optional)
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KEEP APPLYING TO CYBER JOBS
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DO NOT STOP UNTIL YOU GET HIRED!
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STAY FOR 1 YEAR AND MOVE UP!
Rob Cyber's Commentary
Most Cybersecurity jobs require at least 1 year of IT experience before you are considered for interviews. You will also need foundational IT certifications like Network+, Security+, Azure, Linux Essentials or Linux+, and possibly CCNA. CCNA is not mandatory, but it can earn extra respect from hiring managers.
To qualify for Tier-1 Cybersecurity SOC Analyst interviews, you will need 2–4 additional Cybersecurity certifications. A strong certification stack includes Security+, CySA+, Splunk Core User, and Microsoft SC-200. Pentest+ and SecurityX are optional, but they can make your resume stronger.
The 21 DAY CYBER course trains you to create a Cyber Video Resume showcasing hands-on skills in Intrusion Detection, Endpoint Security, Email Phishing Incident Response, Linux System Administration and Firewall Management, Wireshark PCAP Incident Response, and Splunk Security Dashboards.
These videos can help recruiters and hiring managers see your Cyber investigation skills before the interview. Rob Cyber also provides multiple Cyber Job Interview PowerPoint Presentations to help you perform better in interviews and gain an advantage over other candidates.
LEVEL UP: Once you are in the Cybersecurity job industry these are the Senior Certifications that will get you the jobs that pay $150,000 and up.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- SANS - GIAC Certified Incident Handler Certification (GCIH)
- SANS - GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst Certification (GCIA)
- SANS - GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
- Splunk Enterprise Security Certified Admin
- OSCP - RED TEAM (BECOME A HYBRID)
- Do NOT get the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Not worth it.
Note: I'm not putting the links to these certs on this page. These certs are at least 3-4 years down the road and you should focus on the entry-level certifications that are given in the blueprint.
The BEST Online Cybersecurity Degree
While you don't need a degree to get a job in Cybersecurity, having one is a plus. If you're interested in pursuing formal education, the Cybersecurity Degree Program at Western Governors University (WGU) is highly recommended. It's a 100% online program and is quite affordable. WGU offers self-paced learning, and some individuals complete their degree programs in just 2-3 years. Additionally, the program includes several CompTIA certifications as part of the degree curriculum.
Click Here To See WGU
Reminder: Every few years each organization upgrades the exam
requirements so make sure you are studying the most recent exam.
Udemy Certification Courses
Udemy offers low-cost, high-quality courses for IT and Cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft and Splunk.
Professor Messer
Professor Messer provides free training to help students study and prepare for CompTIA certifications like A+, Network+, and Security+
Jason Dion Training
Jason Dion is one of the top CompTIA trainers on Udemy, offering popular courses to help students prepare for A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+.
Quizlet Flashcards
Quizlet.com has flashcards for every certification exam. Type in the proper keywords like Network+ or Splunk and you will see flashcards.
Fire Tablet (E-book)
The Amazon Fire tablet will help you read the books and study guides for all certification exams without buying books. Great Investment.
Certification Books
Amazon offers affordable certification books and study guides for IT and Cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA.
Practice Exams
ExamCompass offers free CompTIA practice exams to help you review key topics and prepare for the real A+, Network+, and Security+ exams.
