Start Your IT Support Specialist Career

Explore articles about IT support, technical troubleshooting, and IT certifications. Learn about help desk technician and technical support specialist roles, CompTIA A+, networking, and how to start your IT career.

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[Featured image] IT learner in a pink blouse sits at a desk with a laptop and book and considers which entry-level IT certification to get.
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9 Essential IT Certifications for 2026

Whether you’re just starting out or are established in your career, IT certifications have their benefits. Here are 9 prominent IT certifications to consider.

August 10, 2026

Article

[Featured image] A CompTIA A+-certified IT worker sits in a server room and works on a black desktop computer.
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What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification? (And How to Get One)

The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to help you land an entry-level position in IT by ensuring you know the basics of working with hardware, networks, and computer systems.

August 3, 2026

Article

[Featured Image]: An IT associate wearing an orange top sits at a desktop computer, exploring information about free IT certifications.
Status: Featured

Free IT Certifications and Courses to Elevate Your Career

Explore free IT certifications and courses available online through a number of course providers. Learn the difference between certifications, certificates and badges, and find free IT courses that suit you.

August 19, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] A technical support specialist assists a colleague.

What Does a Technical Support Specialist Do? 2026 Career Guide

Most industries need technical support specialists to keep their tech running smoothly. Learn more about what a technical support specialist does and if this field is for you.

November 19, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A help desk technician smiles at someone on a video call in their home office.

How to Become a Help Desk Technician in 3 Steps

Learn about the essential skills you'll need to become a help desk technician, as well as what it takes to qualify for these roles.

November 19, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Person looking up IT certifications in cafe

Are IT Certifications Worth It? When to Get Certified in Your IT Career

IT certifications can boost skills, salary, and job prospects, but they also require time and money. This guide explores when certifications are worth it, when they’re not, and highlights popular options along with their career and salary benefits.

September 15, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] A technical support specialist assists a colleague.

What Does a Technical Support Specialist Do? 2026 Career Guide

Most industries need technical support specialists to keep their tech running smoothly. Learn more about what a technical support specialist does and if this field is for you.

November 19, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A help desk technician smiles at someone on a video call in their home office.

How to Become a Help Desk Technician in 3 Steps

Learn about the essential skills you'll need to become a help desk technician, as well as what it takes to qualify for these roles.

November 19, 2025

Article

Gain in-demand skills with IT industry leaders

Google

Skills you'll gain: IT Security Architecture, Computer Networking, Operating System Administration, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Version Control, IT Automation, Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, Network Administration, Information Systems Security, TCP/IP, Git (Version Control System), Chef (Configuration Management Tool), Network Security, General Networking, Ruby (Programming Language), Computer Hardware, Web Presence, Interviewing Skills

4.8 stars, 216K reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months
Category: Build toward a degree

Google

Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, General Networking, Technical Documentation, Customer Support, Computer Networking, Information Technology, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Linux

4.8 stars, 165K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months
Status: Trending right now

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: ServiceNow, Help Desk Support, Triage, IT Service Management, Service Management, Technical Support and Services, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Service Level, Health Informatics, Technical Support, Information Technology, Issue Tracking, Epic EMR, Microsoft Azure, User Provisioning, Authorization (Computing), Public Health

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

[Featured image] An IT technician assists a fellow employee with their laptop.

What Is an IT Technician? How to Become One

IT technicians install, troubleshoot, and fix the hardware and software in a computer system. It's often considered an entry-level position.

July 20, 2026

Article

[Featured image] IT worker checks on systems at workplace

IT Salary Overview: How Much Can You Make?

IT professionals typically earn higher salaries, but the amount can vary by role, location, and experience. Learn more.

July 31, 2026

Article

[Featured Image]: An IT professional works at a computer after learning how to get IT certifications to qualify for a new job.

How to Get IT Certifications in 5 Steps

To get an IT certification, decide which one, prepare for the exam, take the exam, update your resume, and stay on top of renewing it.

September 15, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] A person sitting in a cafe, looking up IT certifications on their laptop.

IT Certification Roadmap: A Guide

There are many IT certifications. Here's a quick guide to navigating them.

August 19, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] Person looking up what IT skills are necessary to get a job in IT

8 In-Demand IT Skills to Boost Your Resume in 2026

Learn about in-demand and high-paying skills to enhance your IT career.

November 3, 2025

Article

[Featued image] A person in a green plaid button-down shirt sits in a chair and searches for IT jobs on a laptop.

How Can You Get a Job in IT? 7 Steps to Success

A career in IT lets you solve problems, help others, and keep learning. This guide outlines seven steps to enter the field, including gaining skills, earning certifications, building experience, networking, landing entry-level roles, and acing interviews.

February 12, 2026

Article

[Featured image] A tattooed computer technician works at a dual-screen workstation in an office with windows behind them.

How to Get a Job as a Computer Technician: 10 Tips

Learn how to get started as a computer technician, which may include earning certifications, developing technical and workplace skills, building your own computer, or completing an internship.

November 4, 2026

Article

[Featured image] IT support technician studies for popular IT certifications

5 Entry-Level IT Jobs to Explore

Learn more about how to get started in an IT career with different titles and where you can advance from each one.

June 4, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] Person looking up IT certifications in cafe

Are IT Certifications Worth It? When to Get Certified in Your IT Career

IT certifications can boost skills, salary, and job prospects, but they also require time and money. This guide explores when certifications are worth it, when they’re not, and highlights popular options along with their career and salary benefits.

September 15, 2026

Article

[Featured image] An IT technician assists a fellow employee with their laptop.

What Is an IT Technician? How to Become One

IT technicians install, troubleshoot, and fix the hardware and software in a computer system. It's often considered an entry-level position.

July 20, 2026

Article

[Featured image] IT worker checks on systems at workplace

IT Salary Overview: How Much Can You Make?

IT professionals typically earn higher salaries, but the amount can vary by role, location, and experience. Learn more.

July 31, 2026

Article

[Featured Image]: An IT professional works at a computer after learning how to get IT certifications to qualify for a new job.

How to Get IT Certifications in 5 Steps

To get an IT certification, decide which one, prepare for the exam, take the exam, update your resume, and stay on top of renewing it.

September 15, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] A person sitting in a cafe, looking up IT certifications on their laptop.

IT Certification Roadmap: A Guide

There are many IT certifications. Here's a quick guide to navigating them.

August 19, 2026

Article

[Featured Image] Person looking up what IT skills are necessary to get a job in IT

8 In-Demand IT Skills to Boost Your Resume in 2026

Learn about in-demand and high-paying skills to enhance your IT career.

November 3, 2025

Article

[Featued image] A person in a green plaid button-down shirt sits in a chair and searches for IT jobs on a laptop.

How Can You Get a Job in IT? 7 Steps to Success

A career in IT lets you solve problems, help others, and keep learning. This guide outlines seven steps to enter the field, including gaining skills, earning certifications, building experience, networking, landing entry-level roles, and acing interviews.

February 12, 2026

Article

[Featured image] A tattooed computer technician works at a dual-screen workstation in an office with windows behind them.

How to Get a Job as a Computer Technician: 10 Tips

Learn how to get started as a computer technician, which may include earning certifications, developing technical and workplace skills, building your own computer, or completing an internship.

November 4, 2026

Article

[Featured image] IT support technician studies for popular IT certifications

5 Entry-Level IT Jobs to Explore

Learn more about how to get started in an IT career with different titles and where you can advance from each one.

June 4, 2026

Article

IT support specialists with the skills to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues efficiently are crucial in every organization. Embarking on a career in IT support offers the opportunity to apply your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise, making a tangible difference in user experiences and operational success. Explore our free resources as you start your IT career:

Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of IT support courses for beginners or accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

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