IT Support → Sysadmin (the honest on-ramp)
The realistic first paid technology job. No shortcuts, but the cleanest gateway into every other world.
Phased progression
Foundations → first role → specialisation → advanced. The realistic order, not a script.
- 010–6 monthsFoundations
Literacy, lab habits, the cert that opens first conversations.
CompTIA A+ - 026–18 monthsFirst paid role
Land a Helpdesk / IT Support. Operational time, not more certs, earns the next move.
Helpdesk / IT Support$40–60k support - 031.5–3 yearsSpecialisation
Add a specialist credential aligned to the work you're already doing.
Network+ITIL Foundation$60–90k sysadmin - 043+ yearsAdvanced
Move into adjacent roles. Long-term credentials become worth their cost.
NOC Technician$60–90k sysadmin
- 01Foundations0–6 months
Literacy, lab habits, the cert that opens first conversations.
CompTIA A+ - 02First paid role6–18 months
Land a Helpdesk / IT Support. Operational time, not more certs, earns the next move.
Helpdesk / IT Support$40–60k support - 03Specialisation1.5–3 years
Add a specialist credential aligned to the work you're already doing.
Network+ITIL Foundation$60–90k sysadmin - 04Advanced3+ years
Move into adjacent roles. Long-term credentials become worth their cost.
NOC Technician$60–90k sysadmin
Certification sequence
Ordered by realistic relevance, not vendor marketing.
Practical projects
What to actually build, the portfolio that opens interviews.
- Build a homelab (Proxmox + 2 VMs + a small AD domain)
- Document one ticket resolution per week in a public wiki
- Automate a real task with PowerShell or Bash
- ·Skip to Network+ if you already lab
- ·Skip to cloud if you have a degree + budget
Realistic expectations
What no recruiter will tell you.
That stacking certifications shortcuts the timeline. It doesn't. Operational time and a public portfolio are what compress the path.
3–9 months to first paid role is the realistic time to the first role on this route. Most people overshoot by 6–12 months. Plan for it; don't panic when it happens.