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How to Learn Information Technology
Find out how to learn information technology by exploring IT skills and discovering where to get them.
February 5, 2025
Article
Jobs in computer and information technology earn more than twice the average salary for all occupations*. Here, you’ll find the resources you need to start your IT career.
Gain in-demand skills with IT industry leaders
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Microsoft Office, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Collaborative Software, System Support, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: IT Security Architecture, Computer Networking, Operating System Administration, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, Cloud Management, TCP/IP, Network Security, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Computer Security, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development, Google Gemini
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Customer Support, Computer Networking, System Software, Technical Communication, Computer Literacy, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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:
Find your next course: Which IT Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute
Hear from an expert: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career
Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: IT Support Specialist
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.
IT courses on Coursera are structured to accommodate learners at various levels:
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities and skills in the field.
According to CompTIA*, 21% of IT professionals who obtained a bump in their salary attribute it to new skill development.
*Comptia. "IT Salaries: Where the Money’s At, https://www.comptia.org/blog/it-salaries#:~:text=13%25%20of%20IT%20professionals%20credit,their%20salary%20increase%20nearly%20%2413%2C000." Accessed February 23, 2024.
*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed September 18, 2025.