IT Career Guide

The Best IT Certification for Complete Beginners

An honest, direct answer on the best IT certification to start with as a complete beginner in the UK, and why.

For genuine beginners with no IT background, CompTIA A+ is the clear, honest answer, not because it is the only option, but because it is specifically designed to assume no prior knowledge, is widely recognised by UK employers, and directly maps to the entry-level IT support roles that are realistically the first step for career changers.

What you need to know

CompTIA A+ is specifically designed for genuine beginners, no prior IT knowledge assumed

Widely recognised across UK employers as the standard entry-level IT certification

Directly maps to IT support and helpdesk roles, the realistic first step for career changers

Costs around £480-£520 for both required exams, a modest investment against realistic entry-level salaries

Other certifications (AZ-104, MS-102) are genuinely better suited as second steps, not starting points

Weekend only

Sat & Sun schedule

Small cohorts

Max 8 students

20 AI tools

Included free

Ready to start?

The September 2026 cohort is now enrolling. Small cohorts fill fast.

See the IT Career Programme