Help Desk Certifications for Beginners: Which One Should You Get First?

If you're trying to break into IT, the question I hear most is "which certification should I get first?" I worked IT in the Navy and on the help desk, and here's the honest answer: you don't need a stack of certs to land a Tier 1 job. You need one solid starting point and proof you can troubleshoot. Here's how to choose.

CompTIA A+: the industry standard

CompTIA A+ is the certification most help desk job postings ask for by name. It covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security and troubleshooting, which is the day-to-day work of a help desk tech.

• Two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You need to pass both, and both have to be from the same exam version.
• Format: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes per exam, including hands-on, scenario-style questions.
• Passing scores: 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2, on a scale of 100 to 900.
• Best for: anyone who wants the most widely recognized entry-level IT credential.

Exam codes and prices change, so always check CompTIA's official A+ page before you buy study materials. Make sure any book or course you use matches the 220-1201 and 220-1202 codes.

Google IT Support Professional Certificate: the gentle start

Google's IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera is built for complete beginners, with no experience required. It's self-paced and designed to get you job-ready in about three to six months. It covers computer assembly, networking, operating systems, Linux and the command line, and customer service.

• Best for: people who want a structured, beginner-friendly course before tackling A+.
• Tip: plenty of people do Google's certificate first to build a foundation, then take A+ for the name employers look for.

Which should you get first?

• Brand new to tech? Start with the Google IT Support Certificate, then go for A+.
• Already the "computer person" for friends and family? Go straight to A+.
• Short on time or money? Pick one and finish it. One completed cert beats three half-finished ones.

What comes after your first cert

Once you're working Tier 1, the usual next steps are CompTIA Network+ for networking and CompTIA Security+ for cybersecurity. Many employers pay for these once you're on the team, so it often makes sense to get hired first.

Certs aren't everything

Hiring managers want to see that you can solve problems and talk to people. Build a small home lab, fix computers for friends and family, and write down how you solved each problem. Those stories are gold in an interview.

Getting ready to apply? Read how to get a help desk job with no experience and practice with these help desk interview questions. Or save with the Help Desk Career Starter Bundle.