Degree vs. Certification: Which Is the Faster Route into IT?

One of the most common questions from people eyeing an IT career: do I need a degree, or will certifications do? The honest answer is that IT is one of the most credential-flexible fields around — and for many people, certifications are the faster, cheaper route in. But it's not one-size-fits-all. Here's how to decide.

The case for certifications

Certifications win on three fronts:

• Speed. A degree takes years. You can earn CompTIA A+ in weeks and Security+ shortly after — and start applying for jobs almost immediately.
• Cost. Certifications cost a fraction of a four-year degree, with far less (or no) debt.
• Relevance. Certifications map directly to job requirements. Employers frequently list specific certs (Security+, CCNA, AWS) in postings, and holding them gets you past filters.

For getting into IT and landing that first role, certifications are usually the more efficient path — especially in support, networking, and cybersecurity, where hiring is skills- and cert-driven.

The case for a degree

Degrees still carry advantages in certain situations:

• Some employers and roles require one, particularly larger enterprises, certain government positions, and management tracks.
• Long-term ceiling. For some leadership and specialized roles, a degree can matter more later in your career.
• Structured breadth. A degree provides foundational theory and a well-rounded education that self-directed certification study may skip.

A degree is a bigger, slower, more expensive investment — but for specific career goals, it opens doors that certifications alone may not.

The reality: it's often both, in sequence

Many successful IT professionals don't choose one forever — they sequence. A practical, low-risk approach:

1. Start with certifications to get hired fast and start earning.
2. Gain experience on the job, which quickly becomes more valuable than either credential.
3. Add a degree later if needed — often employer-subsidized — once you know your direction and a degree would unlock a specific goal.

This "earn while you learn" path avoids years of upfront cost and debt while keeping the long-term door open.

What actually gets you hired

Regardless of the credential debate, employers ultimately hire demonstrated ability. Certifications and degrees get you interviews; hands-on skill gets you offers. That's why practical, lab-based training matters so much — it produces people who can do the work, not just pass a test or write an essay about it.

The bottom line

If your goal is to break into IT quickly and affordably, certifications are usually the faster route — start there, get hired, and build experience. Consider a degree later if your target roles specifically require one. For most people entering support, networking, or cybersecurity in 2026, a well-chosen certification path is the smart first move.

Get into IT the fast way — explore Force7's certification training or request a quote.