certification hub
Certifications
Browse every certification RoleMath has built — grouped by vendor and ordered by the experience each vendor asks for, with the source behind every exam fact.
Build my personalized career planCertification Decision Index
Start with your experience, then compare the tradeoffs
Find the credentials that fit your current stage, then compare formal experience gates, role alignment, lifecycle cost, renewal burden, published experience expectations, official preparation, and the next useful step.
45 evidence-checked certification decisions are available. This is a fit-and-sequence tool, not a popularity or salary ranking.
Certifications
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How this index makes decisions
RoleMath separates a formal certification requirement from a vendor recommendation, calculates lifecycle cost only where reviewed fee data exists, and reports the experience a vendor publishes for a credential rather than rating how hard its exam is. Role links describe capability alignment, not a salary or hiring promise.
Each card links to its evidence, freshness labels, official/free preparation, predecessor, and next-step detail. The broader research explorer remains separate because this Index includes only credentials with a complete public decision page.
Need the basic sequence first? Choose your first credential →
Suggested starting points
RoleMath’s editorial picks for accessible, widely-recognized certifications to start with — not a measure of demand, popularity, or hiring value.
- CompTIA A+The classic first IT certification — hardware
- CompTIA Security+A common baseline cybersecurity certification for entry security roles.
- Cisco Certified Network AssociateCCNAA widely recognized foundation in networking.
- CompTIA Network+Vendor-neutral networking fundamentals.
- AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerAn accessible first step into cloud on a major platform.
- CC - Certified in CybersecurityAn entry-level security certification with a free study path from the issuer.
Fastest way inWhich description is closest to you?
More filters: gate, topic, and cost
Gate
Topic
Exam cost
- AWS Certified AI PractitionerEntry · Vendor recommendationUp to 6 months of exposure to AI/ML technologies on AWS; familiarity with core AWS services and use cases, the shared responsibility model, IAM, and AWS service pricing.Evidence checked: 2026-08-07Entrystage
- AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerEntry · Vendor recommendationUp to 6 months of exposure to AWS Cloud — explicitly not required; the exam targets candidates new to cloud who may not have an IT background.Mapped capability context: Cloud Architect · Cloud EngineerEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Entrystage
- CC - Certified in CybersecurityEntry · Vendor recommendationNo work experience requiredMapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · IT Security Operations SpecialistEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Entrystage
- Cisco Certified Support Technician CybersecurityEntry · Vendor recommendationThere are no formal prerequisites to earn these certifications, but you should have an understanding of the exam topics before taking any of the exams.Mapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · Incident Response AnalystEvidence checked: 2026-07-01Entrystage
- Microsoft Azure FundamentalsEntry · Vendor recommendationMicrosoft labels this a Beginner credential and a common starting point; the page says you should have skills and experience working with an area of IT, such as infrastructure management, database management, or software development.Mapped capability context: Cloud Operations Engineer · Cloud Support AssociateEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Entrystage
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - ProfessionalCore · Vendor recommendationRecommended experience is two or more years using AWS services to design and implement cloud solutions.Evidence checked: 2026-07-01Corestage
- AWS Solutions Architect AssociateCore · Vendor recommendationAt least 1 year of hands-on experience designing AWS cloud solutions (the vendor's recommendation, not a requirement); candidates with 1–3 years of IT experience have earned it.Mapped capability context: Cloud Architect · Cloud EngineerEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Corestage
- Cisco Certified Network AssociateCCNACore · No formal experience gateNo formal work-experience gate is stated in the reviewed evidence.Mapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · Junior Systems AdministratorBefore: Cisco Certified Support Technician NetworkingEvidence checked: 2026-08-08Corestage
- CompTIA A+Core · Vendor recommendationCompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role (a recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Data Analyst · Help Desk TechnicianEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Corestage
- CompTIA Cloud+Core · Vendor recommendation2–3 years of hands-on experience as a systems administrator or cloud engineer (a vendor recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cloud Architect · Cloud EngineerEvidence checked: 2026-06-20Corestage
- CompTIA Linux+Core · Vendor recommendation12 months of hands-on experience with Linux servers; CompTIA A+, Network+, or Server+, or comparable knowledge is recommended. (a vendor recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cloud Engineer · DevOps EngineerBefore: CompTIA Network+Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Corestage
- CompTIA Network+Core · Vendor recommendationCompTIA recommends A+ plus 9–12 months of hands-on experience in a junior network role (a recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cloud Support Associate · Cybersecurity AnalystBefore: CompTIA A+Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Corestage
- CompTIA Security+Core · Vendor recommendationCompTIA recommends Network+ plus about 2 years of security/systems-administration experience (a recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · Incident Response AnalystBefore: CompTIA Network+Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Corestage
- Professional Cloud ArchitectCore · Vendor recommendation3+ years of industry experience including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google CloudEvidence checked: 2026-06-30Corestage
- VMware Certified Advanced Professional - Network Virtualization DesignCore · Vendor recommendationThe VMware Certified Advanced Professional - Network Virtualization Design (VCAP-NV Design) certification verifies an individual's advanced skills in designing VMware NSX solutions, including network security, segmentation, and integration with other technologies. Job-roles associated with this certification include Network Virtualization architects and consultants.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Corestage
- VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation AdministratorCore · Vendor recommendationAt least 1 year of IT experience is recommended; at least 6 months with the relevant VMware product/components is recommended; the minimally qualified candidate has the knowledge to install, configure, manage, and perform basic troubleshooting of a VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) solution.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Corestage
- CCNP EnterpriseCisco Certified Network Professional (Enterprise)Advanced · Vendor recommendationCisco states there are no formal prerequisites; learners often have three to five years of experience implementing solutions in the certification technology area.Before: Cisco Certified Network AssociateEvidence checked: 2026-07-01Advancedstage
- CCNP Service ProviderCisco Certified Network Professional (Service Provider)Advanced · Vendor recommendationCisco states there are no formal prerequisites; learners often have three to five years of experience implementing solutions in the certification technology area.Evidence checked: 2026-06-26Advancedstage
- CompTIA CySA+Advanced · Vendor recommendationAbout 4 years in a SOC analyst or vulnerability analyst role.Mapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · Incident Response AnalystEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Advancedstage
- CompTIA PenTest+Advanced · Vendor recommendation3–4 years in a penetration tester job role, with Network+ and Security+ or equivalent knowledge (a vendor recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · Penetration TesterBefore: CompTIA Network+Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Advancedstage
- CCIE Enterprise InfrastructureCisco Certified Internetwork Expert (Enterprise Infrastructure)Expert · Vendor recommendationCisco states there are no formal prerequisites; learners are recommended to have five to seven years of experience with designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing the certification technology area.Before: CCNP EnterpriseEvidence checked: 2026-06-26Expertstage
- CCIE SecurityCisco Certified Internetwork Expert (Security)Expert · Vendor recommendationLearners are recommended to have five to seven years of experience with designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing security technologies and solutions.Before: CCNP SecurityEvidence checked: 2026-06-12Expertstage
- CCIE WirelessCisco Certified Internetwork Expert (Wireless)Expert · Vendor recommendationLearners are recommended to have five to seven years of experience with designing, deploying, operating and optimizing enterprise wireless technologies and solutions prior to taking the exam.Before: CCNP WirelessEvidence checked: 2026-06-12Expertstage
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)Expert · Formal experience gateWithout official training, candidates must show 5 years of experience in all five CCISO domains through the application process.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Expertstage
- Certified Cloud Security Engineer (CCSE)Expert · Formal experience gateExam without official training requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the InfoSec domain.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Expertstage
- CISA - Certified Information Systems AuditorExpert · Formal experience gate5 yearsEvidence checked: 2026-08-08Expertstage
- CISM - Certified Information Security ManagerExpert · Formal experience gate5 years across at least 3 of the 4 CISM domainsEvidence checked: 2026-08-08Expertstage
- CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalExpert · Formal experience gate5 yearsMapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · IT Security Operations SpecialistNext: ISC2 Associate Of ISC2Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Expertstage
- CompTIA SecurityXExpert · Vendor recommendationminimum of 10 years of general hands-on IT experience, including 5 years of hands-on security, with Network+, Security+, CySA+, Cloud+, and PenTest+ or equivalent knowledge (a vendor recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cybersecurity Analyst · Security EngineerBefore: CompTIA Network+Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Expertstage
- CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems ControlExpert · Formal experience gate3 yearsEvidence checked: 2026-06-25Expertstage
- SSCP - Systems Security Certified PractitionerExpert · Formal experience gate1 yearNext: ISC2 Associate Of ISC2Evidence checked: 2026-08-08Expertstage
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo required experience; positioned as Intermediate and delivered as a performance-based, hands-on command-line exam — plan for real Kubernetes lab practice (a prep bar, not an eligibility gate).Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Not statedno vendor statement
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal experience requirement found on the official GIAC certification page; GIAC certification attempts are activated after application approval and purchase.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- GIAC Cloud Forensics Responder (GCFR)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal experience requirement found on the official GIAC certification page; GIAC certification attempts are activated after application approval and purchase.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal experience requirement found on the official GIAC certification page; GIAC certification attempts are activated after application approval and purchase.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- GIAC Penetration Tester Certification (GPEN)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal experience requirement found on the official GIAC certification page; GIAC certification attempts are activated after application approval and purchase.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware Certification (GREM)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal experience requirement found on the official GIAC certification page; GIAC certification attempts are activated after application approval and purchase.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- Google Associate Cloud EngineerNot stated · Vendor recommendation6+ months hands-on experience with Google CloudEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Not statedno vendor statement
- Linux Foundation Certified System AdministratorNot stated · Vendor recommendationNo required experience; positioned as Intermediate and delivered as a performance-based, hands-on Linux command-line exam — plan for real lab practice (a prep bar, not an eligibility gate). Basic Linux/CLI familiarity (e.g. the free Intro to Linux course) helps.Mapped capability context: DevOps Engineer · Junior Systems AdministratorEvidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- Microsoft Azure Administrator AssociateNot stated · Vendor recommendationMicrosoft describes the target candidate as having subject-matter expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an Azure environment, plus familiarity with PowerShell, Azure CLI, the portal, ARM/Bicep, and Microsoft Entra ID (Intermediate level; a recommendation, not a requirement).Mapped capability context: Cloud Architect · Cloud EngineerEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Not statedno vendor statement
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect ExpertNot stated · Vendor recommendationAs a candidate for this certification, you should have advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platforms, and governance. You should manage how decisions in each area affect an overall solution. In addition, you should have experience with:; Azure administration; Azure development; DevOps processesBefore: Microsoft Azure Administrator AssociateEvidence checked: 2026-08-05Not statedno vendor statement
- Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant ExpertNot stated · Vendor recommendationAs a candidate for this certification, you design solutions and configure Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management to meet complex business requirements for a customer. You have a deep understanding of the end-to-end processes of supply chain management and can identify advanced system capabilities and features that can be used to implement system functionality using industry recommended practices.; You possess advanced knowledge of supply chain management operations and implementing Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management features for complex scenarios, including:; Product information management; Production control (costing, subcontracting, manufacturing execution, production scheduling); Production methods (discrete, process, lean); Engineering change management; Master planning and planning optimization for advanced scenarios; Vendor rebates; Service management; Mixed reality technologies; CEvidence checked: 2026-06-08Not statedno vendor statement
- OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP) and OSCP+Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal prerequisites. OffSec strongly recommends TCP/IP networking knowledge, reasonable Windows and Linux administration experience, and basic Bash and/or Python scripting familiarity.Evidence checked: 2026-08-05Not statedno vendor statement
- OffSec Defense Analyst (OSDA)Not stated · Vendor recommendationNo formal prerequisites. OffSec strongly encourages TCP/IP networking foundation, Linux and Windows familiarity, and basic cybersecurity concepts.Evidence checked: 2026-06-30Not statedno vendor statement
- Red Hat Certified Engineer in AnsibleNot stated · Vendor recommendationExperienced Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administrators seeking validation of their skills or require a certification either by their organization or based on a mandate (DoD 8570 directive) IT professionals who have taken Red Hat Enterprise Linux Automation with Ansible (AU294) and are on the path to becoming a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) IT professionals who are on the path to becoming a Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) Systems administrators who want to demonstrate competency in managing multiple systems IT professionals who work in a DevOps environment and want to demonstrate competency in automating part of their workloadEvidence checked: 2026-06-09Not statedno vendor statement