How To Get Into IT Without A Degree In 2025: Certifications, Starter Roles & More

A random scroll through job boards shows that most high-paying IT roles no longer require a degree. Instead, the listings emphasise certifications, hands-on skills and problem-solving ability. This shift has left many people asking the same question: how to get into IT without a degree. The good news is, in 2025, the doors to tech careers are wider than ever. Whether you are coming from retail, healthcare, education or an entirely different industry, you can leverage certifications, beginner-friendly roles and smart career strategies to launch a successful IT journey.

Why IT Careers Are No Longer Just For Degree Holders

Over the past decade, tech has changed at lightning speed, and so has the way employers hire. Not long ago, your degree was the golden ticket into IT. Fast forward to 2025, and the focus has shifted. Hiring managers now care less about what’s on your diploma and much more about what you can actually do. Can you configure a system, manage a network, troubleshoot a cloud platform or make sense of complex data? That is what gets their attention.

What’s driving this change is simple: demand. There are more IT jobs than qualified people to fill them, so companies are widening the gate. Today, self-taught learners, bootcamp grads and professionals with industry certifications are stepping confidently into roles that once seemed reserved for degree holders. So, now, let’s explore how to get into IT without a degree.

Certifications That Open Doors Into IT

One of the best ways to prove you are job-ready without a degree is through certifications. They provide structured learning, a recognised credential and often practical labs or projects you can showcase.

Entry-Level Certifications

• CompTIA A+:  A foundational certificate that covers hardware, software, troubleshooting and IT fundamentals.
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate: A flexible, beginner-friendly online program offered through Coursera, ideal for absolute beginners.
• Microsoft Fundamentals (AZ-900, SC-900, etc.): Great for those eyeing cloud or security pathways.

Specialized Certifications

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: Excellent for anyone curious about cloud computing, now one of the fastest-growing IT fields.
• CompTIA Security+: A strong first step for those targeting cybersecurity.
• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT): Practical and recognised in networking and infrastructure roles.

These certifications help you bypass the degree barrier by proving your competence in areas employers are actively hiring for.

Starter Roles To Consider When Getting Into IT Without A Degree

When people think of how to get into IT without a degree, the next thought that usually pops up is, “Okay, but what jobs can I actually land?” Thankfully, there are plenty of entry-level roles waiting for you. In many of them, the soft skills you already have, like problem-solving, communication or attention to detail, count just as much as the technical know-how you will pick up along the way.

• IT Support Specialist: Helping users solve technical problems, a great introduction to troubleshooting and systems.
• Service Desk Analyst: Monitoring and resolving issues across an organisation’s IT infrastructure.
• Junior Network Administrator: Assisting with network setup, monitoring and security.
• Cybersecurity Analyst (entry-level): With the right certification, you can land a junior role monitoring threats and ensuring compliance.
• Cloud Operations Associate: Managing resources on platforms like AWS or Azure.

Read more: How to Transition into Project Management from a Non-Tech Background

Building Experience Without A Degree

Experience is often the missing piece for career changers. The good news is, you can start building it even before you land your first job.

• Personal Projects: Build a portfolio website, set up a home lab, or troubleshoot open-source projects.
• Freelancing: Offer IT support or web troubleshooting to small businesses.
• Volunteering: Many charities and local organisations need help managing databases, setting up networks or migrating to the cloud.
• Internships and Apprenticeships: Increasingly open to non-degree holders, especially in startups or mid-sized firms.

The Importance of Soft Skills in IT

While certifications and technical skills get your foot in the door, soft skills keep you in the room. Problem-solving, communication, time management and adaptability are highly valued in IT. Teams want colleagues who can explain complex issues clearly, collaborate across departments and think critically when things go wrong.

Networking and Building a Professional Brand

Networking plays a huge role in how to get into IT without a degree, since the right connections can open doors to opportunities you might not find on job boards. You can build your professional brand through:

• LinkedIn presence: Share what you are learning, post projects and engage with IT communities.
• Meetups and Tech Events: Attend events in your city or join virtual communities to expand your network.
• Mentorship: Seek out professionals who can guide you on certifications, roles and career moves.

A Realistic Timeline For Transitioning Into IT

While learning how to get into IT without a degree takes time, small consistent steps build into real career progress. Let’s look at what you can achieve in one year:

• Month 1–3: Begin with a beginner-friendly certification and practice daily.
• Month 4–6: Work on projects, update your CV and optimise for ATS systems.
• Month 7–9: Apply for entry-level roles, network actively and practice interview scenarios.
• Month 10–12: Consider a second certification in your chosen specialisation for career growth.

The Long-Term Career Path Without A Degree

Once you land your first IT role, your growth potential is unlimited. Many IT managers, cloud architects and security specialists today started without a formal degree. What sets them apart is continuous learning, adaptability and building credibility through work experience and certifications.

How Our Consultancy Helps You Break Into IT Without a Degree

At Maby Consultancy, we understand the challenges of breaking into IT without a degree. Our services are designed to bridge the gap for career changers:

• Career Transition Programs: Tailored plans to help you identify the right IT path.
• Upskilling Roadmaps: Structured guidance on which certifications to take and when.
• IT Specialisation Coaching: Deep-dive sessions into cybersecurity, cloud, data or networking.
• Tools and Templates: Ready-to-use CV templates, cover letters and project frameworks to make your applications stand out.
• 1-to-1 Coaching: Personalised mentorship to accelerate your job search and skill-building.

Ready to hack how to get into IT without a degree?
Book a consultation with our experts today and let us guide you into a rewarding IT role.