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/coursera-google-it
• Google Cybersecurity Professional → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/coursera-cyber

My Labs
• https://jakestechlabs.com

🧪 CompTIA A+ (Jason Dion)
• Core 1 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core1-course
• Core 1 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core1-practice
• Core 2 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core2-course
• Core 2 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core2-practice

🌐 Network+ (Jason Dion)
• Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netplus-course
• Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netplus-practice

🔐 Security+ (Jason Dion)
• Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secplus-course
• Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secplus-practice

📡 CCNA & Networking
• David Bombal CCNA Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/bombal-ccna
• Jeremy’s IT Lab (free CCNA) → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jeremys-it-lab

🧰 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: jake@jakehulberg.dev
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.

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