🔗 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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So I don’t have a degree so is any of this worth it without a degree?
please talk about soft skills
Last month i decide to start again google it support
i tried so many times to have computer knowledge but i failed becouse i have no roadmap
I'm new and trying to break into IT. Thanks for the useful information
I think regardless of the certification it's all about your purpose for getting it and what you plan on doing after you earn it. People could possess the greatest certification known to man but if all they do is obtain it and nothing more that it was a complete waste of time.
I love my A+ certification because I am brand new IT and it gave me a solid foundation. I decided to study for my CCNA and build on the skills I learned with my A+. My destination is my own small business with strong skills and projects. IT is a field where you never stop learning and constantly hone your skills and develop more.
Hey, great video I'm 22 looking to change my life around and find an actual career and I think I would like a job in tech the path for beginners is it still viable today. Does the path where I start with the 3 certifications then work on building a resume and trying to find projects for my resume still work as a path. Just a little overwhelmed and have no clue where to go lol I appreciate any feedback.
I been getting 75-80% on Jason dions practice exams about net+ should I take the test or is real test lot harder?
and He's a GUITARIST. Very cool
I worked for Netflix as a tier 2 tech, got laid off when they left Oregon and I was a dumb ass and let my certs laps. I want to get back into IT and I'm having to start all over again.. In a way it's kind of cool that there's so much more info. From the 90s until 2010 ish it was the wild wild West.
Nice one mate!
The CISSP and their $1000 cert can stick it right up their butts with AI now. Never been happier. I can craft an agent that will understand all possible things related to the CISSP and function as a house CISSP without the expensive paycheck. There is no reason to hire a human with this certification anymore.
Good point about the cloud certs! Im network admin wich i landed in this role from help-desk directly after the ccna, it was a big jump. After 1.5 year of experience i passed the az104 hoping that this cert would improve sonmthing in my actual company or get me some offers from other recruters, but nothing happened. BIg disapointment! Never take anymore a cloud cert unless my job is releted to that, bcs for the recruter even you say that: …"i have done projects and labs with azure/other cloud…"they start to become trustless. Never again!
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that the CASP+ has been completely replaced by the SecurityX certification since December of 2024.
what is your insight on a program like DSDT technology professional 6?
Thanks
If already have CCNA can I think just move on to higher s
Certs?
With over 15-20,000 layoffs in the tech sector recently. How are these things going to do any good? Your up against people with years of experience.
Could you make a video on how to learn Microsoft products for IT there’s no videos on it anywhere and idk what Microsoft certifications to get or how to go about learning it for IT.
What Microsoft products do you need to know for IT and should I learn these before or after getting IT certs?
I think knowing how to automate tasks is equally important. Don't think there's a cert on it, but I do see it pop up often in several job descriptions.
Could you make a video on the new CompTIA Tech+ cert? It came out in late 2024 and replaced the CompTIA IT fundamentals (ITF+) cert.
I’m asking because I’m new to tech and trying to decide if I should start with the newer tech+ cert or the Google it support cert. Many sources say start with tech+ while others say Google it support.
I just want the one that’s gives me the best foundational knowledge for IT.
What about SC-900?? For beginners level