How Long Does IT Certification Take?
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified in IT? A Timeline for Beginners
IT certifications—You’ve heard of them, and everybody says you need them. But how long does it actually take? Which ones should you focus on?
It’s a confusing world out there, and if IT is new to you, the terminology can be overwhelming. In this blog, we’re breaking down some of the most popular industry-recognized certifications based on experience level—so you know exactly how long it takes to earn them and how to get there faster. Let’s dive in!
Entry-Level IT Certifications (Beginner, 2-6 Months)
These certifications are perfect for those starting out in IT with little to no experience.
The Classic Starting Point
Who it's for: Those looking to start a career in help desk, IT support, or technical support.
Independent Study Time: 2-3 months for beginners.
Exam Length & Cost: Two exams, each 90 minutes, around $250 per exam.
Hot Tip: A+ covers hardware, software, and troubleshooting—making it the go-to certification for IT newcomers.
Understanding IT Service Management
Who it's for: IT professionals who want to understand IT service management best practices.
Independent Study Time: 1-2 months.
Exam Length & Cost: 60 minutes, around $300.
Hot Tip: ITIL is great for anyone planning to work in IT operations, service management, or leadership roles down the line.
Networking & Security Certifications (Intermediate, 3-9 Months)
Once you have foundational IT knowledge, these certifications help you specialize in networking or cybersecurity.
Networking Basics & Beyond
Who it's for: Those pursuing network technician, network support, or NOC technician roles.
Independent Study Time: 2-3 months.
Exam Length & Cost: 90 minutes, around $350.
Hot Tip: Many networking jobs require Network+, and it’s an ideal stepping stone to CCNA.
Your Gateway to Cybersecurity
Who it's for: IT professionals looking to enter cybersecurity.
Independent Study Time: 3-6 months, depending on IT experience.
Exam Length & Cost: 90 minutes, around $400.
Hot Tip: Security+ is one of the most employer-recognized cybersecurity certifications and a common requirement for government IT jobs.
EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)
Protecting IT Infrastructure
Who it's for: IT professionals focusing on network security and defense.
Independent Study Time: 3-6 months.
Exam Length & Cost: 4 hours, around $550.
Hot Tip: CND is great for those interested in learning proactive defense techniques before diving into offensive security (ethical hacking).
Advanced IT Certifications
These are for professionals looking to level up in networking, penetration testing, or security analysis.
Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)
Networking Career Booster
Who it's for: Those aiming for network administrator or network engineer roles.
Independent Study Time: 6-12 months, especially for those without hands-on networking experience.
Exam Length & Cost: 120 minutes, around $300.
Hot Tip: While not a strict prerequisite, Network+ can make CCNA prep easier.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Diving Deeper into Cybersecurity
Who it's for: Security professionals moving into security analysis and threat detection.
Independent Study Time: 6-12 months after Security+.
Exam Length & Cost: 165 minutes, around $400.
Hot Tip: CySA+ is great for those looking to work in security operations centers (SOCs).
Offensive Security & Ethical Hacking Skills
Who it's for: IT professionals looking to specialize in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
Independent Study Time: 6-9 months.
Exam Length & Cost: 165 minutes, around $400.
Hot Tip: If you’re interested in ethical hacking but don’t have years of experience, PenTest+ is a great entry point.
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Advanced Hacking & Penetration Testing
Who it's for: Security professionals aiming for offensive security roles.
Independent Study Time: 6-12 months, especially for those without prior hacking experience.
Exam Length & Cost: 4 hours, around $1,200.
Hot Tip: CEH is one of the most recognized ethical hacking certifications and can open doors to red team jobs.
How Long Does It Take? The Bottom Line
While independent study is an option, structured training can help you get certified much faster. ACI Learning Tech Academy offers live, instructor-led courses with hands-on labs to give you real-world experience—not just textbook knowledge. Instead of spending months trying to navigate IT certifications alone, you could be ready for CompTIA A+ in just 5 weeks or advance into networking with Network+ and Security+ in 8 weeks. For those looking to specialize in cybersecurity, structured training can prepare you for CySA+, CEH, or PenTest+ in as little as 6 weeks—all with expert guidance and interactive labs to reinforce what you’re learning.
One of the best ways to accelerate your IT career is through comprehensive training programs like the Network Support Specialist program, which covers CompTIA Network+, Security+, and the Cisco CCNA certification in just 8 weeks. Programs like this are designed to not only help you pass your exams but also give you the hands-on skills employers look for. If you’re ready to fast-track your career and gain real-world experience, check out ACI Learning Tech Academy’s training programs to get started.
Key Takeaways
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IT certification prep time ranges from 2 months to over a year, depending on experience and study methods, with programs like ACI Learning Tech Academy’s Network Support Specialist program covering Network+, Security+, and CCNA in just 8 weeks - the fastest path you can pursue.
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CompTIA A+ is the best starting point for beginners, typically taking 2-6 months to prepare.
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Networking and security certifications like Network+, Security+, and CCNA take 3-9 months to earn.
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Advanced cybersecurity certifications such as CySA+, CEH, and PenTest+ may require 6-12 months of focused study.
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Instructor-led training can significantly reduce study time, with programs like ACI Learning Tech Academy’s Network Support Specialist program covering Network+, Security+, and CCNA in just 8 weeks.
FAQ
Q: What is the fastest IT certification to get?
A: For career-focused IT certifications, CompTIA A+ can be earned in 2-3 months with structured study, and the material can be covered in as little as 5 weeks with our IT Support Specialist Program.
Q: Can I get an IT certification in 3 months?
A: Yes! Many entry-level certifications, like CompTIA A+ and Network+, can be completed in 3 months or less with dedicated study. Intermediate certifications like Security+ may take 3-6 months.
Q: Do I need experience before getting IT certifications?
A: No prior experience is required for beginner certifications like CompTIA A+ or ITIL® 4 Foundation. However, for advanced certifications like CEH or PenTest+, hands-on experience is highly recommended.
Q: Are IT certifications better than a degree?
A: IT certifications can be a faster and more affordable way to start an IT career. Many employers value certifications like Network+, Security+, and CCNA over traditional degrees for entry-level roles.
