Short answer, yes.
Longer answer, getting into a local club and fishing in their tourney's is a great option. I started fishing in one a couple years ago, I had never been in a bass boat before. I was looking to improve my skills, meet some other fishing people, and I always enjoy a good competition. The experience has been great, and I have learned a lot. Can now pick up a couple wins, in the coangler ranks, each year.
Personally, well obviously from the above, I would choose the local club over starting immediately with the larger tourney circuit. Give yourself a chance to how it works, gain some experience, and there is no better teacher than the experience of fishing with different people.
As far as steps to take, post something in the part of the forums here for your area of the country and do a google search for clubs in your area. Check them out for scheduling, rules, and stop into a meeting to talk with them. One thing I would look for, if possible, is a club where co's fish against other co's, boaters fish against boaters. Makes it a little easier to learn and a little more fair. Cost will vary, currently my club is $60 a year with 1 day tourneys $30 and 2 day tourneys are $40.
I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts too, feel free to PM me if you have anything you want to ask about my experiences.