Intro and Distro question

Hello all and thanks in advance for the information you'll provide. I've read a few posts and you all seem very helpful and professional. I have recently bought a new computer and plan to convert the OS of my old computer to Linux. I am in the capstone for my Bachelor's in IT so I have a pretty good understanding of computers. I may look into earning certificates with RedHat so I am thinking about using CentOS as my distro. My questions are:

1. Is it a good distro for beginners? (Again, I have programming and IT education)

2. Does anyone recommend any step-by-step (video or document) tutorials to completing the switch?

Thanks in advance for the responses and if this post is in the wrong thread, just tell me and I'll move it!

Patrick