Reading order
Which CredenTrek book should you read first?
Read the book for your goal, not the book with the lowest number. The numbers 01 to 10 are the order of the series, not a difficulty ladder. Start with the book in the table below that matches your goal, and take the first guide of that book, “Is it worth it?”, before you pay for anything.
The reading order for each goal
Each row gives one sensible path. Your own situation can justify a different one; the decision test in every book tells you.
| Your goal | Start with | Then | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| New to IT, want a first support job | CompTIA A+ (08) | Then Security+ (04) for security or CCNA (07) for networks | A+ builds general foundations. The next book follows the direction you want to take. |
| Move into security | Security+ (04) | Then CISSP (09) once your experience is close to five years | Security+ assumes you understand networks and operating systems. CISSP is a poor first security credential, though the Associate route lets you pass before you have the experience. |
| Work in networking | CompTIA A+ (08) if new, then CCNA (07) | Security+ (04) if the work turns towards security | CCNA has no prerequisites, but it rewards regular hands-on practice with routers and switches. |
| Cloud, and your employer runs AWS | AWS Cloud Practitioner (05) | An AWS Associate credential for building or designing | Cloud Practitioner shows broad understanding, not building skill. People who already build on AWS can skip it. |
| Cloud, and your employer runs Azure | AZ-900 (06) | Azure Administrator (AZ-104) for administration | AZ-900 never expires, but the skills measured changed on 20 July 2026, so check your material. |
| Lead projects | PMP (01) | Experience first if you lack it; read the eligibility guide before you pay | The PMP needs documented project-leadership experience and 35 hours of education, or an active CAPM. |
| Work in investments | CFA Program (10) | Plan all three levels before you register for Level I | The CFA Program is a multi-year commitment with a work-experience requirement for the charter. |
| Need an English test | The test your institutions accept: IELTS (02) or TOEFL iBT (03) | Read TOEFL or IELTS? first | If every institution accepts both, compare the formats and your strengths. |
Three rules for the order
- Decide before you study. Every book begins with a fit test of four questions. Four yes answers mean go now, three mean fix the weak point first, and two or fewer mean choose a different step.
- Match the platform or the institution. A cloud credential for the wrong platform, or an English test your university does not accept, wastes the most money.
- Stop when the next credential would not change a decision. For business roles, one foundation credential plus real experience often does more than a second exam.
If a book is not the right one
| Book | Consider instead |
|---|---|
| PMP | Wait, or start with the CAPM, if you lack the experience, weekly hours or budget this year. |
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT, if the institutions you apply to accept it. |
| TOEFL iBT | IELTS, if the institutions you apply to accept it. |
| Security+ | CompTIA A+ or Network+, if your networking and operating-system foundations are weak. |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | AI Practitioner for AI-focused work, an Associate credential if you already build on AWS, or AZ-900 if your employer runs Azure. |
| AZ-900 | AI-901 or SC-900 for narrower roles, AZ-104 if you already administer Azure, or AWS Cloud Practitioner if your employer runs AWS. |
| CCNA | CompTIA A+ or a Cisco CCST credential if you are new to IT, or Security+ if your goal is security. |
| CompTIA A+ | Security+ if you already have support experience and want security, or CCNA if networks interest you most. |
| CISSP | Security+, ISC2 SSCP or ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity first if you have little security experience; CISM if your work is governance. |
| CFA Program | FRM if your interest is risk, a financial planning credential such as CFP if it is personal advice, or an introductory investment certificate to test your interest. |
Each answer comes from the decision guide of that book. Check the issuing body’s page for current exam codes before you plan.
Where to go from here
See the ten books on the series page, compare exam length, pass marks and fees on the comparison page, or read the common questions.