What IT certs should I add to my VA education plan?

Start with the kind of job you want, not the longest possible cert list. A networking role, Linux administration role and security role will reward different skills. A bunch of unrelated certs might not help much if you never use them.

Look at job postings for roles that interest you and use those requirements to narrow down what goes in the plan.

For networking and systems work, CCNA and RHCSA are worth a look. CCNA goes deeper into networking, while RHCSA is a Linux administration certification. Linux+ is another option if you want a more introductory Linux credential.

If cloud administration interests you, look at Azure or AWS certifications. AZ-104 is one option for an Azure administrator path. Pick a platform that fits the jobs you're targeting rather than trying to collect every cloud cert at once.

For security, CISSP may be a longer-term goal rather than the next cert. Full certification has an experience requirement, so check the current eligibility rules before listing it. ISC2 also offers the Certified in Cybersecurity credential as a starting point.

If you're interested in Department of Defense civilian work, check the current certification requirements for the specific roles you want. Some positions have particular credential requirements.

Check whether your degree program already includes any third-party certification exams. If it does, you can ask how those fit into the education plan and avoid overlooking other useful certs you might want funded separately.