Table of Contents
- Introduction – The growing demand for IT support professionals.
- Why IT Support Education Matters – Skills needed for success.
- Formal Education Paths – Degrees and diplomas in IT support.
- Top Online Programs & Certifications – Best courses for IT support training.
- Informal Learning & Self-Taught Routes – Free resources, hands-on labs, and apprenticeships.
- Career Opportunities in IT Support – Job titles and salary expectations.
- How to Break Into the Field – Tips for landing your first IT support role.
- Conclusion – Choosing the right path for your goals.
IT Support Education: Building a Future in Tech
Introduction
The demand for IT support professionals is skyrocketing as businesses increasingly rely on technology. From troubleshooting hardware issues to managing networks, IT support specialists keep systems running smoothly. Whether you’re looking for a career change or starting fresh, education in IT support—both formal and informal—can open doors to stable, well-paying jobs.
This guide explores the best ways to gain IT support skills, top-rated certifications, and the career paths available in this field.
Why IT Support Education Matters
IT support roles require a mix of technical and problem-solving skills. Key competencies include:
- Hardware & Software Troubleshooting – Diagnosing and fixing computer issues.
- Networking Basics – Understanding IP addresses, routers, and connectivity.
- Operating Systems – Windows, macOS, and Linux fundamentals.
- Cybersecurity Awareness – Protecting systems from threats.
- Customer Service Skills – Helping non-technical users with patience and clarity.
A structured education (or self-guided learning) ensures you master these skills efficiently.
Formal Education Paths
If you prefer a traditional route, these academic options can help:
- Associate Degree in IT Support (2 years) – Covers fundamentals in networking, security, and system administration.
- Bachelor’s in Information Technology (4 years) – Broader scope, including cloud computing and database management.
- Technical School Diplomas (6-12 months) – Hands-on training for quick entry into the workforce.
Top Schools for IT Support Degrees:
- Western Governors University (WGU) – Fully online, competency-based IT degrees.
- DeVry University – Offers IT support-focused programs with industry partnerships.
- Community Colleges – Affordable associate degrees with local job placement support.
Top Online Programs & Certifications
For those who prefer flexibility, these online programs and certs are highly respected:
1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Why It’s Great: Beginner-friendly, covers IT fundamentals, and prepares you for the CompTIA A+ exam.
- Duration: ~6 months (self-paced).
2. CompTIA A+ Certification
- Why It’s Great: The gold standard for entry-level IT jobs. Covers hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
- Exam Cost: ~$265 (for one exam voucher), as of April 2025.
3. Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
- Why It’s Great: Focuses on Windows OS management, ideal for corporate IT roles.
- Prerequisite: Basic IT knowledge.
4. IBM IT Support Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Why It’s Great: The gold standard for entry-level IT jobs. Covers hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
- Available in 26 languages and includes shareable certificate for LinkedIn
5. Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
- Why It’s Great: Specializes in networking and Cisco hardware support.
- Best For: Aspiring network support technicians.
Informal Learning & Self-Taught Routes
If formal education isn’t for you, try these alternatives:
Free Resources
- Professor Messer (YouTube) – Free CompTIA A+ and Network+ training.
- Cybrary – Free cybersecurity and IT courses.
Hands-On Practice
- TryHackMe / Hack The Box – Cybersecurity labs.
- Virtual Labs (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer) – Networking simulations.
Apprenticeships & Internships
- Google IT Apprenticeship – Paid on-the-job training.
- Local IT Help Desks – Volunteer or intern for experience.
Career Opportunities in IT Support
With IT support training, you can land roles like:
Job Title
Average Salary (U.S.)
Key Responsibilities
Help Desk Technician
$45,000 − $60,000
Resolving user IT issues, password resets, basic troubleshooting.
Desktop Support Specialist
$50,000 − $70,000
Installing hardware/software, maintaining workstations.
IT Support Analyst
$55,000 − $75,000
Advanced troubleshooting, system upgrades.
Network Support Technician
$60,000 − $85,000
Managing routers, switches, and connectivity.
Systems Administrator
$70,000 − $100,000+
Overseeing servers, backups, and security.
IT Manager
$80,000 − $120,000+
Leading IT teams, budgeting, strategy.
Salaries vary by location, experience, and certifications.
How to Break Into the Field
- Get Certified – Start with CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Certificate.
- Build Experience – Volunteer, freelance, or take internships.
- Network – Join LinkedIn groups, attend IT meetups, and connect with professionals.
- Tailor Your Resume – Highlight certifications, labs, and hands-on projects.
- Apply Strategically – Target entry-level roles (help desk, tech support) to gain experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether through a degree, online certification, or self-study, IT support education offers a clear path to a rewarding tech career. The key is to start learning, gain hands-on experience, and continuously upskill. With the right training, you could be troubleshooting systems, managing networks, or even leading an IT team in just a few years.
Not quite the tech job you were looking for? Check out our guide on Software Engineer Education; it may be a better fit!