Before you start: this post is from November 2024. It tells my story as I lived it back then, and I’m leaving it that way on purpose: that part doesn’t change. But the certification landscape has moved on, and there are two things worth knowing before you read on.
MS-900 can no longer be taken. Microsoft retired it on 31 March 2026. The replacement is AB-900, but be careful: it isn’t the same certification under a new name. MS-900 covered Microsoft 365 broadly (licensing, Teams, SharePoint) while AB-900 focuses on Copilot and AI agent administration. The underlying argument in this post still holds (starting with an affordable Microsoft certification is a good idea) but that specific exam is gone. If you already hold MS-900, don’t worry: it stays valid for life on your transcript.
And prices went up. Where I say the two CompTIA A+ exams add up to $506, today they cost $548 ($274 each, after the May 2026 increase). The exam codes changed too: the current series is 220-1201 and 220-1202.
An updated version of this comparison is on my list. In the meantime, what follows is the original post, untouched.
Everyone’s path is different, but there’s one thing we all share: the most important thing is always to start. Once you earn your first certification, you’ll feel far more comfortable and far more motivated to go after new goals. I want to share my own experience with you and offer a few thoughts on what your first certification in the world of technology could be.
Why Start With a Certification?
The IT world is competitive and vast, so getting certified is an excellent way to open doors and prove your skills. That first certification matters especially, because it gives you the confidence and the fundamental knowledge you need to keep moving forward. This post walks through my experience earning my first certification and offers some recommendations for anyone taking their first steps in IT.
The Original Plan: CompTIA A+
When I started looking into certifications and researching which ones were most in demand for entry-level roles in my field, I always assumed CompTIA A+ would be my starting point. Even today, I still believe it’s an excellent choice for anyone getting started in IT. It covers a wide range of fundamentals that are essential in this industry:
- Broad range of knowledge: It covers hardware, software, networking, security and troubleshooting.
- International recognition: It’s a widely recognized certification, valued by employers all over the world.
- Preparation for the workplace: It gets you familiar with concepts and terminology you’ll run into in any IT job.
- Discovering your interests: Because it covers so many topics, it helps you identify the areas you’re most passionate about so you can focus on them in future certifications.
An Unexpected Turn: Microsoft MS-900
While I was studying for the CompTIA A+, though, I was lucky enough to land my first IT job. The company that hired me was heavily focused on Microsoft technologies. A few weeks in, they offered free vouchers for a limited time for Microsoft certifications. That was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass: getting certified at no cost while picking up knowledge that would make me more valuable to my employer.
I decided to take it, and started studying for the Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900). Up to that point I hadn’t considered Microsoft certifications at all. And even though the CompTIA A+ was giving me useful knowledge, I have to admit that the switch to MS-900 was a pleasant surprise.
The Advantages of Microsoft Certifications
- Free study material: Microsoft gives you all the study material for free, practice tests included, through Microsoft Learn.
- Affordable cost: The exam is much cheaper than CompTIA A+, so you can get familiar with the certification process for a smaller investment.
- Available in several languages: The resources and the exam are available in both English and Spanish, so you can learn in whichever language you’re most comfortable with.
- Job relevance: Plenty of job listings on sites like Indeed mention the MS-900 as a requirement for entry-level roles.
My Experience With the MS-900
In my case, the MS-900 was my first certification. I prepared entirely with the free resources on Microsoft Learn. After a couple of weeks of studying, I passed the exam on my first attempt. It’s a fundamentals-level certification and the exam is relatively straightforward, but you’d be surprised how many job listings ask for it.
After the MS-900 I kept certifying in other Microsoft areas before finally earning my CompTIA A+, but that’s a story for another day.
Which Certification Should You Get First?
The answer will always be «it depends», but let me try to give you something more concrete. Here are a few recommendations based on my own experience:
CompTIA A+
- Ideal for: Anyone after broad knowledge and industry recognition.
- Advantages:
- It gives you a solid foundation across multiple areas of IT.
- It’s recognized internationally by employers.
- Things to consider:
- Cost: It isn’t a cheap certification. The vouchers for the two required exams add up to $506.
Microsoft MS-900
- Ideal for: Anyone after an affordable certification focused on the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Advantages:
- Lower cost and free study resources.
- Relevant if your current or future job involves Microsoft technologies.
- Things to consider:
- It’s more focused on Microsoft 365, so it’s narrower than CompTIA A+.
My Final Recommendation
Starting with CompTIA A+ gives you a perfect balance between the knowledge you gain and the job opportunities it can open up. On top of that, it prepares you to ask the right questions and follow the technical conversations happening around you at work.
That said, if cost is a concern or you’re after something more affordable and focused, Microsoft certifications like the MS-900 are an excellent way to get started and build confidence with the certification process.
Conclusion
The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Whether you choose CompTIA A+, Microsoft MS-900 or another entry-level certification, what matters is getting started. Every certification you earn gives you new skills and knowledge, bringing you closer to your professional goals in IT.
In future posts I’ll dig deeper into comparisons between entry-level certifications to help you make an informed decision. Stay tuned, and keep going on your road to success in IT!
Have you been through something similar, or do you have questions about entry-level certifications? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for reading, and the best of luck on your path to a career in technology.
Related reading
- Starting in tech as an immigrant: my full story of breaking into IT in the United States
- Proxmox from scratch: build your own virtualization lab to practice in
- Install Docker: the tool you’ll use most in any IT role