Published: 5 November 2025
Reading Time: 5 minutes
In 2025, having a degree gets you noticed, but having a certification gets you hired.
The IT industry is growing at a rapid pace. Employers no longer just care about your college degree; they want evidence that you can be productive on day one. That evidence often comes in the form of certifications that the industry respects - the modern-day badge that proves you have the skills.
"A certificate may not define your intelligence, but it definitely defines your readiness."
For students exploring IT careers, freshers applying for entry-level jobs, or working professionals trying to switch fields, certifications have become the shortcut to visibility in crowded job markets.
They indicate that you have moved beyond just theory, that you took the time to learn, practice and validate skills of probationary value.
Think of it this way: A certification acts as your digital portfolio, a verified, employer-trusted stamp that says "this candidate can build, fix, or automate something that matters."
Certifications such as NxtWave's Industry-Recognized Certification (IRC), Google IT Support, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and others are meant to verify skills that emphasize practical experience so that you can confidently measure up to the same criteria for skills that global recruiters are looking for.
According to the CompTIA Workforce and Learning Trends Report (2024), 91% of employers consider IT certifications to be a critical factor in hiring for entry-level tech positions, and almost 60% state they prefer to hire a certified candidate more than a degree holder.
That's because certifications don't just test what you know; they demonstrate how well you can apply that knowledge in real-world settings.
The IT landscape is evolving at lightning speed; new tools, frameworks, and automation systems emerge almost every quarter. Although college degrees provide the foundation, the pace of change in the industry is such that degrees do not keep up with it. This is why industry-recognized certification credentials are so valuable; they provide additional evidence of your ability to fill the gap among the theory and practice.
These are no longer simply credentials on your resume; in 2025, they are evidence that you can apply what you know and are job-ready on your first day.
When hiring freshers, companies have limited data to judge, maybe a college CGPA or a few mini-projects. A certification from recognized bodies like IRC by NxtWave, AWS, CompTIA, or others signals, "This candidate knows what they're doing."
Recruiters today rely on certification filters while shortlisting resumes for roles like IT support, cloud associate, or network technician. It saves time and assures them that you already understand the tools they use.
Unlike static college syllabuses, certification programs evolve constantly. When you pursue certifications, you are learning the latest industry standards from automation workflows to cloud security practices.
That makes you not just employable, but adaptable, a trait every tech employer values.
Hiring managers often receive hundreds of resumes. Certifications act as a fast pass to interviews. They tell employers that you've invested in learning, can follow structured training, and can solve real problems, not just write theoretical answers.
Career Insight: Many top companies, including TCS, Accenture, Capgemini, and IBM, now prioritize candidates with certifications aligned to their projects.
It's not only about finding a job sooner, but certifications can also influence your earning potential. The latest Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report 2024 states that those with certifications earn, on average, 15–20% more than their counterparts without certifications. This difference is generally true in all job roles listed in the report, especially as it pertains to:
The reason? Certified professionals reduce the need for additional training once they join, saving companies time and cost.
Once you earn your first certification, the path doesn't stop there. You can specialize further in cloud and cybersecurity, in AI automation or DevOps. Every new certification that a learner earns is a step up towards another role and allows for an easier career change without starting over.
For example:
That flexibility is priceless in a market where roles evolve fast and job titles change every few years.
Note: In 2025, global IT giants like IBM, Accenture, and Infosys officially listed certifications such as AWS Cloud Practitioner, Google IT Support Professional, and CompTIA Security+ as preferred qualifications in their entry-level hiring descriptions.
The demand for skilled IT professionals is rising faster than ever; however, recruiters no longer rely solely on resumes. They look for certifications that prove hands-on, job-ready skills. Whether you are a student or a professional, here are some of the best beginner-level tech certifications for 2025, from global organizations and India-focused organizations.
If you are a student or fresher aiming to enter the tech industry confidently, NxtWave's CCBP 4.0 certification programs offer a structured, beginner-friendly pathway designed around real industry needs. Each program is built with input from top engineers and focuses on hands-on learning through projects and mentorship.
Top Tracks:
Why it matters:
Each certification is aimed at job roles in the industry, such as full stack developer, data analyst, or cloud engineer. Learners develop technical/practical skills that will allow them to transition successfully into an entry-level tech role.
Note: Many NxtWave learners have landed jobs at startups and leading tech companies after completing their CCBP 4.0 certification, typical of the program's strong industry alignment and outcome-based training.
A great starting point for beginners, particularly for those who seek IT support, networking, or hardware. It covers computer systems, principles of security, and troubleshooting as core skills for any professional in the technology space.
This entry-level cloud certification confirms your understanding of cloud's basic concepts, pricing frameworks, and AWS architecture. Great for students pushing toward DevOps or cloud/backend engineering.
The Google IT support professional certificate is offered via Coursera and prepares students for careers in technical support and systems administration. This is a good entry point for lurkers like this into corporate IT teams and also complements your "core" programming knowledge.
If you prefer Microsoft's ecosystem, AZ-900 introduces you to Azure's core services, governance, and deployment concepts. It's a must-have if your goal is to work in enterprise tech environments.
Still one of the most respected networking certifications, CCNA helps you master routing, switching, and security basics, making it a great fit if you are aiming for IT infrastructure or system administration roles.
A growing number of organizations and online platforms now offer free certificates and badges across a wide range of subjects. These credentials can help you showcase your skills and commitment to learning, often at no cost. Free certificate providers include not only universities but also tech companies and dedicated learning portals, giving you more flexibility and choice in your upskilling journey.
1. Universities & Academic Platforms
2. Tech Companies
3. Online Learning Portals
In the current educational ecosystem, you may obtain meaningful credentials not only from notable universities but also from internationally recognized organizations and nonprofits, all for free. These credentials indicate your commitment to lifelong learning and can improve your marketability in various fields.
Many leading academic institutions now offer free certificates for completing online courses. These credentials are highly regarded and often reflect rigorous academic standards.
International organizations and nonprofit organizations also award free certificates and digital badges, often in response to global initiatives and/or professional skills.
If you are planning to start or advance your career in AI, data science, or coding, then certification in technology and programming is key. You can earn accredited certificates on platforms like freeCodeCamp, Kaggle, and CodeSignal - programs that will equip you with job-ready skills and practical, project-based certification ranging from coding to programming.
Other Notable Certifications
Specialized industry certificates are designed for professionals targeting specific roles or sectors, such as medicine, cybersecurity, or marketing. These credentials validate advanced, job-focused skills that go beyond general tech knowledge.
Examples of Specialized Certificates:
With so many certifications available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The key is to select certifications that match your current state, career goals, and tech preference.
Here's how to create your path:
| Learner Type | Goal | Best Certifications to Start With | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students (1st–3rd Year) | Build strong foundations & explore domains | NxtWave CCBP 4.0 Foundations, AWS Cloud Practitioner, Google IT Support | Apply learning through mini-projects and build portfolios |
| Freshers / Graduates | Gain employability & stand out in interviews | NxtWave Full Stack, Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA A+ | Showcase certified project work on LinkedIn & GitHub |
| Working Professionals (Non-IT) | Transition confidently into tech | NxtWave Intensive, Google IT Support, AWS Cloud Practitioner | Add a domain specialization (Cloud, Automation, Data) |
| All Learners | Choose wisely before enrolling | Check industry recognition, hands-on learning, job role fit, and specialization alignment | Pick one focused certification aligned with your career goals |
Certifications act as career accelerators, helping students and professionals prove real-world readiness. They confirm that your knowledge is in line with present-day tools, workflows, and industry expectations.
Certifications help connect your college education to what employers are demanding on the job. Employers want you to learn what they actually use, from coding frameworks to deployment workflows.
Candidates with certifications often get through the first call of the recruiting process more easily; hiring processes tend to reward people who have verified skills and knowledge in current technologies.
Certifications emphasize hands-on projects and real scenarios, showing recruiters you can contribute from day one without additional training.
Recognized certifications provide international value to professionals pursuing remote or international careers and roles, with proven evidence of qualification.
Receiving credentials demonstrates continuous learning, which is one of the top characteristics employers look for in candidates they believe will be adaptive and develop into meaningfully contributing employees.
Today's recruiters do not only consider degrees, but also seek evidence of skill. Certifications provide this evidence. Certifications provide a definitive way for employers to see that applicants are educated and will be productive from day one.
Here's what hiring managers look for when they see a certification on your resume:
Example: If you're applying for a Cloud Developer or Full Stack Engineer role at companies like Infosys, Accenture, or Tech Mahindra, having certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or CCBP Intensive Full Stack Developer certification can make your profile stand out among hundreds of freshers with just a degree.
Certifications are not about memorizing theories and sitting in an exam; they have transitioned to experiential, hands-on learning paths.
By 2026, the majority of IT certifications will include AI-driven labs and simulation tools, allowing learners to trial and practice solving real-world scenarios before practising in the workforce. This means you will not only get a certification but also build confidence by being assessed on projects and industry scenarios.
An Example from NxtWave:
NxtWave's certification programs are already based on this next-gen model, and include student-focused guided learning, projects where students apply what they learn to real-world scenarios, and interview-focused and strategic competency-based assessment. By the time a student becomes certified, they will have crafted their own skills narrative that hiring employers value.
In this dynamic environment of IT, everything changes quickly; continuous learning is no longer a choice, it is your career insurance. Certifications provide a measure of progress along your journey, further instilling confidence, credibility, and momentum in your career with each one earned. They're more than just digital badges; they're proof that you can do the job, not just talk about it. Whether you're starting out or upskilling, the right certification can fast-track your career in months, not years.
Not really, but they definitely help a lot with getting your name considered, especially in conjunction with a portfolio of projects, an internship, or volunteering.
I would recommend getting CompTIA A+, Google IT Support or AWS Cloud Practitioner, these are reputable certifications and a good starting point.
These platforms provide certificates of completion and digital badge certifications for a wide range of online courses (MOOCs). Badges and certificates are often available upon successfully finishing courses in areas such as cartography, climate change, sustainable finance, and more.
Yes, degrees show knowledge; certifications show skill application, which recruiters value highly.
Start with the NXTWave IRC Certificate, Google IT Support Certificate or AWS Cloud Practitioner; neither of these involves coding, and they will support your entry into IT without the worry of coding.
Certificates from academic institutions are formal indicators awarded by universities or academic institutions, such as Harvard, Stanford, or the Open University when you successfully finish particular online courses. They are often used to demonstrate that you've learned some knowledge or skills.
Several top institutions provide free certificates, including:
You can earn a CS50 free certificate by completing all assignments and the final project through Harvard OCW. No payment is required for this certificate.
CME credit (Continuing Medical Education) is designed for healthcare professionals to maintain their licenses and stay updated. Stanford Medicine offers free courses with CME credit, and successful completion can be added to your formal transcript.
A certificate of completion is a document confirming that you have finished all course requirements. For example, the Open University's OpenLearn and the University of Tasmania provide certificates of completion for their free courses.
A formal transcript is an official record of all the courses and training you've completed, sometimes provided by institutions like Stanford Medicine. It is useful for professional development or further academic pursuits.
Yes. Certificates from well-known academic institutions, such as Harvard, Stanford, and the Open University, are respected by employers and can boost your job prospects.
Many academic institutions offer free certificates for select courses. However, always check the course details, as some may charge for a verified or official version.
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