If you’re looking to start a career in computer systems support, IT training is a great first step. The good news? You don’t need a degree to break into this field.
We analyzed 100 job listings for roles like IT support specialist, desktop support technician, and help desk technician. Of those, 87 welcomed candidates with the right IT skills, regardless of a college degree.
An IT support training program offers a faster and more affordable path to the essential skills you need, without the time or expense of a traditional degree.
In this article, we share two paths to start a career in computer systems support:
- Instructor-led IT support courses: Live training with real-time instructor interaction.
- Self-paced independent learning programs: Pre-recorded modules for learning at your own pace.
We’ll break down what each option provides, including the skills you’ll gain, and how they prepare you for real-world IT roles.
For example, at Climb Hire, we offer a comprehensive IT support program that goes above and beyond. It equips you with not only the necessary technical knowledge but also hands-on experience and personalized job placement support to help secure a rewarding computer systems role as soon as you graduate. Best of all, it’s completely free this year.
Climb Hire is a nonprofit organization committed to helping low-income working adults begin lucrative tech careers. For more information, check out a complete overview of our IT Support training program.
Learn the Skills for a Career in Computer Systems Support
Most IT training programs teach the technical skills needed for computer systems support—such as troubleshooting hardware and software issues, managing operating systems, and maintaining network systems and security functions.
Getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field is one option. Focusing on earning CompTIA A+ certification is another. This route is faster and significantly more affordable.
CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-standard credential often required for entry-level IT roles. Having it on your resume can help you stand out to potential employers by validating your skills.
The certification involves passing two exams:
- Core 1 (220-1101): Covers hardware, mobile devices, cloud computing, and networking concepts.
- Core 2 (220-1102): Focuses on operating systems and security.
So, how do you master these concepts and earn this essential certification? As mentioned above, there are two main paths to consider:
- Hands-on IT support training programs
- Premade online courses in IT support
Each path offers unique benefits, depending on your learning style and whether you’d like support finding a job once you’re certified.
Path 1: Hands-on IT Support Training Programs
Hands-on computer support training provides live instruction from experienced instructors who guide you through the technical concepts and skills needed to pass the CompTIA A+ exams. These programs are available in various formats:
- Hybrid or in-person programs: These programs, often offered by local colleges or libraries, provide face-to-face instruction. You’ll attend live classes, either on a physical campus or through a mix of in-person and online learning. Keep in mind that these programs can be quite expensive, and availability may vary depending on your location.
- Fully remote programs: If you prefer the convenience of learning from home but still want expert guidance and the chance to interact with peers, this is a great option that combines the best of both worlds.
Here are some key benefits of hands-on IT support training programs:
- Expert guidance: You’ll have a live instructor with real-world experience to walk you through the material, answer questions in real time, and help you grasp complex concepts.
- Structured, comprehensive learning: Unlike self-paced courses, these programs provide in-depth instruction and a clear roadmap, along with support from an instructor and peers to keep you motivated and on track.
- Hands-on experience: Many of these programs include practical work, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in actual technical support scenarios. This helps solidify your skills and prepares you for the day-to-day tasks in a computer systems support role.
- Job search assistance: As an added bonus, some of these programs offer job search support, with dedicated staff who help you find a job in tech and connect you with employers and professionals in the field.
That said, cost can be an important factor to consider in these hands-on courses. For example, CompTIA offers fully remote A+ certification training with a live instructor. Yes, the material is official and thorough, but it’ll set you back around $1,500.
Not all hands-on courses are expensive, though. Climb Hire offers a free instructor-led IT Support training program, made possible by our team’s efforts in securing funding from the government and philanthropic donors.
We dive into more detail about this program below.
Path 2: Premade Online Courses in IT Support
When it comes to learning IT support, you’ll find plenty of premade online courses. Many are affordable or even free. These courses typically include video modules and other materials that you can study at your own pace, making them a great option if you need a flexible learning schedule.
However, while flexibility is a major benefit, this path comes with challenges that may outweigh the advantages:
- Self-guided learning can be tough: Without an instructor to guide you, it can be hard to grasp all the technical concepts. If you get stuck, it’s up to you to figure out the solution, which could leave gaps in your understanding.
- Staying on track depends on you: You’re responsible for your own discipline and motivation, which can result in falling behind your learning schedule. When it’s time to take the CompTIA A+ exams, you might not be fully prepared.
- Hidden costs: Some courses that seem affordable or free at first can end up being more expensive than expected. You might encounter monthly access fees or discover that additional materials are required to fully complete the course.
- Quality can vary: Not all premade courses are thorough enough. Some might leave out crucial concepts or fail to adequately prepare you for the CompTIA A+ certification.
- No job search support: Generally, premade courses don’t offer assistance with finding a job after you finish your training. Without this support, it may take longer to land your first computer systems support role.
So, while premade online courses offer flexibility, their lack of structure and support can make it harder to master the material and secure a job quickly.
Climb Hire’s Free IT Support Training to Launch Your Career
Climb Hire’s six-month IT Support program helps you pass the CompTIA A+ exams and prepares you for entry-level IT support roles. By combining technical training with professional development, our program ensures you’re ready for both exams and the job market.
Here’s what sets Climb Hire’s program apart:
- Comprehensive training: Our curriculum covers all the key areas required for passing the CompTIA A+ exams and succeeding in a computer systems support role.
- Expert-led instruction: You’ll be taught by industry professionals with real-world experience, guiding you through each technical concept with personalized attention.
- Online classes: Our IT support program is fully online, offering flexibility to fit more easily into your schedule.
- Real-world skill building: The curriculum includes practical, hands-on experience through labs that refine your technical abilities and enhance your problem-solving skills. You’ll also complete a capstone project that mirrors scenarios you’d have to handle on the job, giving you valuable experience to add to your resume.
- Soft skills development: In addition to technical expertise, we teach you important soft skills such as professional communication, interview techniques, and how to craft a winning resume.
- Job search support: After you graduate, a Career Development Advisor will work with you throughout your job search, from refining your resume to preparing for interviews.
- Professional connections: As part of the program, you’ll gain access to Climb Hire’s extensive alumni network. This direct connection to tech industry professionals and potential employers opens doors to lots of job opportunities.
- 100% tuition-free training: Thanks to our team’s efforts securing government and philanthropic funding, Climb Hire’s IT Support program is completely free for all students. We also cover the $500 CompTIA A+ exam fees.
Our goal is simple: to help start a new career without financial burden.
With all of these resources and support in place, it’s no wonder that over 80% of Climb Hire alumni secure a job within six months of completing the program, typically earning starting salaries of $50k or more. This means that within a year of enrolling, you could be settling into your new career in computer systems support.
Our alumni success stories provide real-life examples of how our program has helped launch their careers in the tech industry:
Celeste is one such success story. After working various jobs without a clear career path, she wanted to make a change and find a truly fulfilling and lucrative career.
“I was on my way into Amazon, and I realized I wasn’t happy with where I was in my life.” With Climb Hire’s support, Celeste successfully transitioned into the tech industry, making it possible for her to apply directly to Google. “I love the pay that I’m receiving. It is twice as much, honestly. Climb Hire is a fresh new start.”
4 Additional Factors to Support Your Career in IT
To maximize your opportunities and stand out in the competitive tech job market, certification is a great start. But there are other strategies you can follow to really boost your chances of landing an entry-level IT role as quickly as possible:
1. Volunteer Your IT Skills
Real-world experience is invaluable and often a key requirement in IT support job listings. The good news is, you don’t need a formal job to start building it.
Gain experience by volunteering your IT services to local small businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations. You can even help family, friends, and neighbors troubleshoot their technical issues. Just be sure to document these IT support services to showcase your field experience on your resume.
2. Pursue an Internship in Your Area
Internships offer structured, on-the-job training that can fast-track your career. They allow you to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting and gain practical experience that employers value. Some even lead to full-time job offers.
3. Build a Network
Networking can open doors to hidden job opportunities. While this may seem daunting, it’s possible. Attend local tech meetups and join online communities, like LinkedIn groups for IT professionals, to connect with industry peers.
If this feels overwhelming, Climb Hire makes it easier. Enrolling in our IT Support program gives you access to our extensive, pre-established network of tech professionals and employers.
4. Develop Your Soft Skills
Since you’ll regularly interact with users and colleagues, developing soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork is essential. You can improve these abilities by seeking feedback from friends and family on how clearly you explain tech solutions. During interviews, these interpersonal skills will set you apart from other candidates.
At Climb Hire, we’ve integrated soft skills training into our curriculum because we know how crucial they are for success in both job searches and your IT career.
By combining these strategies with your certification, you’ll lay a solid foundation and stand out to hiring managers in the IT field.
Take a Direct Path to an IT Career with Climb Hire
Climb Hire offers a proven, supportive path to launching your career in computer systems support. With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training using real-world tools, and personalized job search support, we help you build the skills and confidence to land an entry-level IT support position.
Here are a few reasons to choose Climb Hire:
- Zero tuition costs and coverage of CompTIA A+ exam fees for all students this year.
- Real-world experience through hands-on labs and a capstone project.
- Soft skills training, including resume building, interview prep, and communication—all designed to help you land the job you want.
- Personalized job search support to guide you through applications and interviews.
Ready to gain the skills to launch your IT career? Apply to Climb Hire’s IT Support program today and take the first step toward your new job in tech.