5 IT Certifications & Skills Worth Getting in 2026
Send us Fan Mail Here are the 5 certifications and skills I’d focus on in 2026 if you’re getting into IT, plus what’s changing with each one. In this episode: CCNA: v2.0 goes live February 3, 2027, and it’s built around troubleshooting. Should you take the current version or wait? Firewall / Network Security: Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco, and which one to pick Linux: RHCSA vs. CompTIA Linux+, and why it should have been on my original list Automation & Infrastructure as Code: Terra...
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YouTube Key Takeaways
- The Cisco CCNA v2.0 update goes live on February 3, 2027, with a heavy emphasis on practical troubleshooting skills.
- When choosing a firewall vendor for network security, professionals should look at industry leaders like Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco.
- For Linux certifications, the RHCSA and CompTIA Linux+ are top contenders to build a strong foundational IT career.
- Automation and Infrastructure as Code skills like Terraform and Ansible are critical additions for modern IT professionals.
- Learning artificial intelligence is treated as an essential technical skill rather than a formal certification, with many free resources available to get started.
Here are the 5 certifications and skills I’d focus on in 2026 if you’re getting into IT, plus what’s changing with each one.
In this episode:
CCNA: v2.0 goes live February 3, 2027, and it’s built around troubleshooting. Should you take the current version or wait?
Firewall / Network Security: Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco, and which one to pick
Linux: RHCSA vs. CompTIA Linux+, and why it should have been on my original list
Automation & Infrastructure as Code: Terraform and Ansible
Learn AI: not a cert, a skill, and where to learn it for free
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This video is not sponsored.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best IT certifications for 2026?
Top IT certifications to focus on include the Cisco CCNA, firewall specializations like Palo Alto or Fortinet, and Linux credentials such as the RHCSA or CompTIA Linux+.
Should I wait for the Cisco CCNA v2.0 update?
CCNA v2.0 launches on February 3, 2027, and focuses heavily on troubleshooting, so you should evaluate whether to take the current version or prepare for the upcoming changes based on your timeline.
What Infrastructure as Code skills do I need for IT?
Terraform and Ansible are the primary Infrastructure as Code and automation tools you should learn to stay competitive in the IT industry.
Do I need an AI certification to get into IT?
No, artificialintelligence is viewed as a practical skill rather than a specific certification, and there are plenty of free resources available to learn how to use it.