By Michael Stromberg, Hack Reactor graduate (2016) · Last verified November 9, 2026
Certifications are proctored exams that prove you meet an industry standard, and they’re what many IT, cloud, and security job postings ask for by name. This directory lists the major ones for people starting out, what each proves, and what the exam costs, with a full study guide for each as we publish them.
How to choose a certification
- Read job postings first. Search the job you want in your area and note which certifications appear most often.
- Start with an entry-level exam. Foundational certifications have no prerequisites; advanced ones like CISSP require years of experience.
- Budget for prep, not just the exam. Practice tests and a course usually cost less than a failed attempt.
- Check renewal rules. Most certifications expire after about three years unless you earn continuing-education credits or retake the exam.
Exam fees are the vendors’ U.S. list prices as of November 2026. Vendors change them, and taxes may apply, so confirm before you book. Want a training program instead of an exam? See professional certificates.
IT support and networking
| Certification | Issued by | What it proves | Level | Exam fee (U.S.) | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | CompTIA | Core hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting skills for help desk and support roles | Entry | $274 per exam; two exams ($548) | Coming soon |
| CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA | How networks are built, secured, and fixed | Entry to intermediate | $399 | Coming soon |
| Cisco CCNA | Cisco | Configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, and networks | Associate | $300–$400 (Cisco lists both; confirm at booking) | Coming soon |
Cloud
| Certification | Issued by | What it proves | Level | Exam fee (U.S.) | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Amazon Web Services | What AWS services do and how cloud pricing and security work | Foundational | $100 | Coming soon |
| AWS Solutions Architect – Associate | Amazon Web Services | Designing reliable, cost-effective systems on AWS | Associate | $150 | Coming soon |
| AWS Developer – Associate | Amazon Web Services | Building and deploying applications on AWS | Associate | $150 | Coming soon |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Microsoft | Core Azure services, pricing, and governance | Fundamentals | $99 | Coming soon |
| Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | Microsoft | Managing Azure identities, storage, compute, and networking | Associate | $165 | Coming soon |
| Google Cloud Digital Leader | Google Cloud | What Google Cloud products do and when to use them | Foundational | $99 | Coming soon |
| Google Associate Cloud Engineer | Google Cloud | Deploying and operating applications on Google Cloud | Associate | $125 | Coming soon |
| Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) | Linux Foundation / CNCF | Running Kubernetes clusters, tested hands-on | Intermediate | $445 (frequently discounted) | Coming soon |
Cybersecurity
New to security? Most beginners prepare with a training program first. Read our Google Cybersecurity Certificate review, which covers how it leads into Security+.
| Certification | Issued by | What it proves | Level | Exam fee (U.S.) | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | Baseline security skills; required for many U.S. government and contractor jobs | Entry | $439 | Coming soon |
| ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | ISC2 | Security fundamentals for complete beginners | Entry | $199 (the free exam program closed to new sign-ups in May 2026) | Coming soon |
| CompTIA CySA+ | CompTIA | Threat detection and analysis for security analyst roles | Intermediate | About $439 | Coming soon |
| ISC2 CISSP | ISC2 | Security leadership; requires five years of paid security experience | Advanced | $749 | Coming soon |
Data and AI
| Certification | Issued by | What it proves | Level | Exam fee (U.S.) | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified AI Practitioner | Amazon Web Services | How AI and generative AI services work on AWS | Foundational | $100 | Coming soon |
| Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) | Microsoft | Building data models and reports in Power BI | Associate | $165 | Coming soon |
Project management
| Certification | Issued by | What it proves | Level | Exam fee (U.S.) | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMI CAPM | Project Management Institute | Project management fundamentals; the entry-level step before the PMP | Entry | About $225 for PMI members, $300 for non-members | Coming soon |
Google’s Project Management certificate counts toward the CAPM’s education requirement. See Google Career Certificates.
Certifications vs. bootcamps and degrees
Certifications are the cheapest credential employers actively screen for, but they test knowledge rather than build it. Most people prepare with a course or certificate first. If you want a structured program with career support, compare coding bootcamps; for free and low-cost options, see Other Paths.