The Only IT Certifications Worth Getting in 2026 (Based on Real Jobs)
🔗 My Recommended IT Resources (affiliates help the channel at no extra cost) 🎓 Coursera Certificates • Google IT Support Professional → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/courser... • Google Cybersecurity Professional → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/courser... My Labs • https://jakestechlabs.com 🧪 CompTIA A+ (Jason Dion) • Core 1 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core... • Core 1 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core... • Core 2 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core... • Core 2 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core... 🌐 Network+ (Jason Dion) • Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netp... • Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netp... 🔐 Security+ (Jason Dion) • Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secp... • Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secp... 📡 CCNA & Networking • David Bombal CCNA Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/bombal-... • Jeremy’s IT Lab (free CCNA) → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jeremys... 🧰 Hands-on Labs • AZ-104 Microsoft Labs → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/az104-labs 📚 Books I Recommend (Amazon) • CompTIA A+ (Mike Meyers) → https://amzn.to/401Qkdf • Network+ All-in-One (Meyers) → https://amzn.to/44ylMky • Security+ SY0-701 (Gibson) → https://amzn.to/4ko9GAq • CCNA – 31 Days Before → https://amzn.to/44jKiY8 🎥 My Setup • Mic → https://amzn.to/4lciFWC • Camera → https://amzn.to/46vdsEX • Lens → https://amzn.to/4lFJFhk • Laptop → https://amzn.to/4nzqDuA 💬 Comment your thoughts below and I'll respond to every one! 📲 Work With Me / Sponsor a Video: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.jakehulberg.dev 00:00 — Why certifications don’t equal higher pay (ROI mindset) 01:05 — Beginner fears + the entry-level cert trap 01:24 — Best beginner cert #1: Google IT Support (low cost, fast signal) 02:36 — Best beginner cert #2: Network+ (the real foundation) 03:18 — Best beginner cert #3: Security+ (why recruiters love it) 04:46 — Why A+ is usually not worth the money 04:48 — Mid-level careers: where people break out or get stuck 05:02 — CCNA: the highest ROI mid-level cert (by far) 06:08 — Mid-level security paths: CySA+, CASP+, SC-300, SSCP 07:37 — Senior-level certs: CCNP, CISSP, OSCP (when certs amplify experience) 08:29 — Cloud cert reality: projects + certifications 09:07 — Final takeaway: certs are tools, not the goal ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
