IT Knowledge Bases

IT Certification Roadmaps

Explore practical certification paths for cybersecurity, networking, system administration, cloud, identity, governance, and other IT careers.

These roadmaps are designed to help you choose certifications based on the job you want, the experience you already have, and the skills you still need to build.

Choose a Career Path First

Start with the role you want rather than a list of popular exams. Each roadmap connects certifications with practical skills and experience so you can see what is worth learning, what may be optional, and where to go next.

IT Certification Career Paths

Start with the role you want. Each career path connects certifications with practical skills, hands-on experience, and a realistic progression toward that type of work.

Cybersecurity / SOC Analyst

Investigate alerts, analyze suspicious activity, work with SIEM and endpoint security tools, and help detect and respond to threats.

  • Networking fundamentals
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • SIEM and threat hunting skills
  • CISSP later in your career

Roadmap coming soon

Security Engineer

Design, implement, and maintain security controls across identity, endpoints, networks, cloud platforms, and applications.

  • Security+ or equivalent knowledge
  • Networking and cloud fundamentals
  • Vendor security certifications
  • CISSP or CCSP

Roadmap coming soon

Network Engineer

Design, troubleshoot, secure, and maintain enterprise networks and the services that depend on them.

  • Network+ knowledge
  • Cisco CCNA
  • Cisco CCNP
  • Network security specialization
  • Cloud networking

Roadmap coming soon

System Administrator

Manage Windows, Linux, identity, servers, virtualization, cloud services, and enterprise infrastructure.

  • CompTIA A+ or equivalent experience
  • Network+ knowledge
  • Microsoft administration
  • Linux administration
  • Cloud administration

Roadmap coming soon

Cloud Engineer

Build and administer infrastructure using platforms such as Microsoft Azure and AWS.

  • Cloud fundamentals
  • Azure Administrator or AWS Solutions Architect
  • Cloud networking
  • Automation
  • Architecture specialization

Roadmap coming soon

GRC / ISSO

Help organizations manage cybersecurity risk, compliance requirements, security controls, policy, governance, and authorization activities.

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Governance and risk experience
  • ISC2 CGRC
  • CISSP

Roadmap coming soon

Identity & Access Management

Design and operate authentication, authorization, privileged access, identity lifecycle, and Zero Trust controls.

  • Security fundamentals
  • Microsoft and cloud identity
  • IAM platform specialization
  • Security architecture

Roadmap coming soon

Penetration Tester

Identify and validate security weaknesses through authorized offensive security testing.

  • Networking fundamentals
  • Security+ knowledge
  • eJPT or PNPT
  • OSCP

Roadmap coming soon

Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Investigate security incidents, collect evidence, reconstruct activity, and support containment and recovery.

  • Security+
  • CySA+
  • Incident response skills
  • Forensic specialization

Roadmap coming soon

Threat Intelligence

Research threat actors, infrastructure, vulnerabilities, campaigns, and attacker techniques.

  • Security fundamentals
  • CySA+
  • OSINT and investigation skills
  • Scripting and malware fundamentals

Roadmap coming soon

Start With Your Experience

Certifications should build on what you already know. Someone new to IT should not follow the same path as an experienced administrator or security professional.

New to IT

Build foundational knowledge before specializing.

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
  • CompTIA Security+

Already Working in IT

Skip certifications that only repeat skills you already use and focus on your next role.

  • Security+
  • CCNA
  • AZ-104
  • CySA+
  • Cloud certifications

Already in Cybersecurity

Specialization and practical experience usually matter more than additional entry-level credentials.

  • CISSP
  • CCSP
  • CGRC
  • OSCP
  • CCNP

Certification Does Not Replace Experience

Passing an exam can demonstrate knowledge, but it does not automatically make someone qualified for a job. Strong candidates combine technical knowledge with hands-on experience, troubleshooting ability, communication skills, and an understanding of business and security risk.

Learn the Skill, Not Just the Exam

ITKB certification guides focus on practical knowledge, not just test preparation.

  • Recommended study books
  • Video courses
  • Practice exams
  • Free learning resources
  • Hands-on labs
  • ITKB technical guides and tools
  • Home-lab ideas

Do You Actually Need the Certification?

Sometimes earning the credential is worthwhile. Other times, learning the material without paying for the exam is the better move.

  • Does the job market ask for it?
  • Does it fill a real knowledge gap?
  • Will it help you reach your next role?
  • Do you already have equivalent experience?

Affiliate disclosure: Some certification guides may include affiliate links for books, courses, practice exams, and other study resources. IT Knowledge Bases may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Recommendations are based on usefulness and relevance, not whether a resource offers an affiliate program.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Use three questions to narrow down your certification path.

1. What do you already know?

Someone with years of infrastructure experience has a different starting point than someone entering IT for the first time.

2. What job do you want?

A penetration tester, cloud engineer, SOC analyst, and security architect should not follow the same certification roadmap.

3. What skills are you missing?

Certifications are most useful when they close a real knowledge gap or help demonstrate skills relevant to your next role.