AWS
Azure
Cisco
CompTIA
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Why This Roadmap Is Essential
IT certifications validate your skills and can significantly boost your earning potential. This tool helps you visualize the complete certification path across four major vendors, track your progress, and identify the most efficient next steps based on prerequisites and career goals.
- AWS: Foundational → Associate → Professional → Specialty. Foundational exam costs ~$100 USD, Associate ~$150, Professional/Specialty ~$300[reference:0].
- Azure: Role-based certifications from Fundamentals to Expert. AZ-900 is the recommended starting point for beginners[reference:1].
- Cisco: CCNA is the prerequisite for all CCNP tracks. CCNP requires passing a core exam plus one concentration exam[reference:2].
- CompTIA: The trifecta (A+, Network+, Security+) is the gold standard for entry-level IT security and administration roles[reference:3].
Certification Roadmap FAQ
AWS: Cloud Practitioner. Azure: AZ-900 Fundamentals. Cisco: CCNA. CompTIA: A+. These foundational certs require no prerequisites and build essential knowledge.
Foundational certs: 1-2 months. Associate/CCNA: 3-6 months. Professional/CCNP: 6-12 months. This depends on prior experience and study time.
Yes. AWS certs are valid for 3 years. Microsoft role-based certs expire after 1 year but can be renewed for free online. Cisco certs are valid for 3 years. CompTIA certs expire after 3 years and require CE credits.
Technically yes, but foundational certs build confidence and often provide 50% off future exams. They're recommended for those new to the platform.
AWS Foundational: ~$100, Associate: ~$150, Professional/Specialty: ~$300. Azure fundamentals: ~$99, Associate/Expert: ~$165. Cisco CCNA: ~$300, CCNP core: ~$400. CompTIA A+: ~$246 per exam (2 required).
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure Administrator Associate consistently rank among the highest-paying IT certifications, with average salaries exceeding $120,000.