IT Bootcamps: 7 Courses to Quickly Land a Rewarding IT Role

IT bootcamps offer fast, affordable training that can launch your tech career in just a few months—often for a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree.

But many bootcamps are extremely intensive and hard to juggle with a full-time job. And with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are actually reputable and provide the right curriculum and support to help you succeed.

To find the best fit, consider these key factors when choosing an IT bootcamp:

1. Course content: Choose a bootcamp that aligns with your desired field, like IT support, web development, or cybersecurity. Make sure it covers all essential skills for an entry-level role and prepares you for certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Professional.
2. Cost: Bootcamps vary in price from free to tens of thousands of dollars. Select one within your budget, but don’t assume a low-cost course is of low-quality. Some organizations, like Climb Hire, secure philanthropic funding to provide free, comprehensive training to underserved communities.
3. Learning format: Bootcamps offer different learning formats—including live classes with an instructor, self-paced courses where you learn independently, full- or part-time options, and hybrid formats. Many are remote, while some require in-person attendance. Choose the option that fits your schedule and preferred learning style.
4. Duration: Ensure the bootcamp’s length and pace are manageable, especially for complex topics. Bootcamps that are too short for technical topics may not give you enough time to fully grasp the material and build necessary skills.
5. Career support: Some bootcamps provide career coaching, job readiness training, and networking opportunities. Research the level of support each program offers.
6. Prerequisites: Check for any required experience. Some bootcamps are beginner-friendly, while others expect prior expertise.
7. Reputation and alumni success: Review alumni outcomes, testimonials, job placement rates, and average salaries to gauge how effective the bootcamp is.

To help guide your decision, we’ve curated a list of seven reputable IT bootcamps, many of which are beginner-friendly.

A standout option is Climb Hire, our nonprofit offering free IT support training. We provide personalized career support to help you land a great job after graduation.

Apply now to Climb Hire’s IT Support program.

1. Climb Hire: Free IT training with career support to help you land a job

Climb Hire is a nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income working adults start careers in tech.

While we don’t technically offer “bootcamps,” our comprehensive, free training programs are designed for those ready to learn new skills and transition into higher-paying, stable jobs.

Our programs provide what you’d expect from a bootcamp—training, certification, and rigorous coursework—but with a twist. We focus on creating a supportive community and offer personalized career support to ensure you land a job, not just pass an exam.

Course content

Climb Hire offers a career-focused training program in IT support, which covers:

• Foundational IT skills: You’ll gain expertise in solving hardware and software issues, setting up various operating systems and networks, troubleshooting problems in professional environments, addressing security vulnerabilities, understanding cloud computing concepts, and more. This comprehensive knowledge will prepare you for a successful career in IT support. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready for roles like IT support specialist, computer systems support technician, and network support technician.
• Certification preparation: The program thoroughly prepares you for the industry-recognized CompTIA A+ certification and the Google IT Support Certification, both of which will help your resume stand out to hiring managers.
• Hands-on experience: Beyond theoretical knowledge, you’ll apply what you learn through practical, real-world projects. This way, you’re not just prepared for exams, but also ready to take on actual IT support tasks when you step into a professional environment.
• Soft skills training: Soft skills training is incorporated into the curriculum. You’ll hone skills like professional communication, effective teamwork, and overcoming workplace challenges, which are incredibly helpful for both nailing interviews and succeeding in your role.

Note: We also offer a digital marketing course—ideal for combining technical skills with marketing knowledge to break into a booming field.

Cost

All Climb Hire courses are 100% free, thanks to the support of our funding partners and donors. Their generosity allows us to offer comprehensive IT training at no cost to learners. We also cover certification exam fees, which sometimes run over $500.

Since our funding is outcome-based, Climb Hire is specifically designed for learners who are committed to launching a career and actively pursuing job opportunities in their chosen field.

Learning format

Here’s what you can expect from the learning experience at Climb Hire:

• Live, instructor-led classes where you can ask questions and get real-time feedback on complex topics.
• Hands-on projects and weekly assignments to give you practical, real-world experience.
• Fully remote, part-time schedule to help you balance study with other commitments.
• Small group learning that fosters collaboration and meaningful interactions with classmates and instructors.This isn’t just about gaining technical skills—it’s about becoming part of a supportive, close-knit community.

Around 77% of Climbers say that this sense of connection is one of the best parts of the program. The encouragement and support make it easier to grow both personally and professionally, which isn’t something you’ll find with a typical IT bootcamp!

Duration

Climb Hire’s IT Support program spans six months of live classes—enough time to master the material and build essential skills, while also getting you job-ready quickly. It’s about more than just passing exams; it’s about preparing for a successful career in tech.

Career support

We know that learning new skills is just part of the journey—actually getting hired is the goal. That’s why we offer extensive personalized career support to help you navigate the job search and stand out to employers.

Our career support includes:

• Six months of one-on-one career coaching with a Career Development Advisor, including mock interviews and job search strategies tailored to your goals.
• Structured career development sessions where you’ll create a polished Job Search Portfolio, including a professionally reviewed resume, LinkedIn profile, bio, and elevator pitch.
• Lifetime membership in the Climb Hire Alumni Community, giving you ongoing access to networking events, workshops, and job referrals.
• Access to the Alumni Network Portal, which includes curated job boards, application tracking tools, AI tools, and connections to a wide range of industry professionals, which can give you insider access to roles you’re targeting.
• One year of LinkedIn Premium to help you connect with recruiters and employers.

This hands-on support has helped more than 80% of our graduates land jobs within a year of finishing the program.

Prerequisites

Climb Hire is built for beginners aiming to start a new career, so you don’t need prior tech experience or a college degree in IT to apply.

Here’s what you do need:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Be between 24 and 40 years old.
• Earn $30k a year or less when you apply.
• Access to a computer and Wi-Fi for online learning.
• A commitment to learning and putting in the effort to land a job.

Reputation & alumni success

Thanks to the comprehensive nature of our IT courses—covering both technical and soft skills, along with extensive career support—over 80% of graduates land jobs within a year, often with starting salaries upwards of $50k. Climb Hire alumni have gone on to work at top companies like Google, IBM, and Salesforce.

But don’t just take our word for it. Our alumni have plenty of great things to say about their experiences at Climb Hire:

• “I worked as a cook in a Silicon Valley company’s cafeteria for nearly six years. I felt stuck. Despite the adversities of having no formal education and English being my second language, I knew there was more in me. My Climb Hire community kept me strong and focused on my goal. I landed my first job in tech and am a Software Engineering Apprentice at Bluewolf, an IBM Company. I am so proud to be a Climber and an IBMer!”
  – Michael Ruiz, Climb Hire graduate

• “When I first came across Climb Hire, it seemed too good to be true, I thought it was a scam. But after learning more about it, I was sold and wanted to get into the program. Fast forward to today – I am now a Salesforce certified Administrator, an intern at Climb Hire, and was recently hired at Better.com. This has been such an amazing and unique experience and I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join such a wonderful community. I have grown tremendously both personally and professionally.”
  – Nicole Seastres, Climb Hire graduate

2. General Assembly: Well-known tech school with rigorous 12-week bootcamps

General Assembly (GA) offers intensive bootcamps to teach skills in fields like data analytics, software engineering, and UX design. Their programs are pretty expensive, but they provide both live instruction and hands-on experience to help prepare students for tech careers.

Course content

General Assembly offers bootcamps across IT fields, including:

• Data analytics: You’ll learn how to analyze and interpret complex data, using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau to extract valuable insights that drive business decisions.
• Data science: You’ll get insight into machine learning, predictive modeling, and data manipulation using programming languages such as Python and R, so you can work with large datasets and solve real-world problems.
• Information technology: You’ll gain entry-level IT skills, focusing on system administration, networking, and security protocols, and more.
• Software engineering: You’ll learn full-stack web development, including front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and back-end technologies like Node.js, Python, and databases.
• User experience (UX) design: You’ll cover the design process, including research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing to create effective and user-friendly digital products.

Cost

Courses at General Assembly range from $7k to $17k, depending on the program. This is quite a hefty investment, though financing options are available, allowing you to pay in installments.

Learning format

• Fully remote with live, instructor-led classes.
• You’ll learn alongside other students, making classes more interactive.
• Includes work on real-world projects and assignments.

Duration

• Full-time: Generally lasts 12 weeks, designed for those who can dedicate all of their time to learning.
• Part-time: Can take up to seven months, providing more flexibility for those working while studying.

Keep in mind, some of these programs cover very complex topics, which might make it challenging to master everything within 12 weeks—especially for beginners with no background in the field.

Career support

GA offers several career support services to help you secure a job after graduation:

• Career coaching: Personalized support for personal branding, including resume guidance, help navigating the job market, and interview prep.
• Global staffing partnerships: Some learning tracks offer connections to a global staffing firm to help land a job.
• Alumni LinkedIn group: You have the option to join a global community for networking, career advice, and potential job connections.

Prerequisites

Most General Assembly bootcamps require a high school diploma or equivalent, though specific admissions criteria may vary by location.

Some bootcamps require you to have a technical background or fundamental skills in your area of study. Courses are available from many regions worldwide.

Reputation & alumni success

GA has reported that 90% of their graduates find roles within six months of completing a program. Also, they report that grads often double their income within five years.

Here’s what some of their alumni have to say:

• “The employer engagement events were some of the best experiences I’ve had. They taught me a lot about how to communicate my work and network in general.”
  – Byron Allen, General Assembly graduate
• “For me, it was a positive, uplifting environment where I made incredible friends and connections. The instructors and staff are truly dedicated to helping change peoples’ lives and give them valuable, marketable skills. That being said, it was no cakewalk; I had very little trace of a life outside of GA for the duration of the three-month course. 10-12 hours each day (in order to successfully retain most of the concepts) is no exaggeration.”
  – Dan Smith, General Assembly graduate

3. Actualize: Highly-ranked coding bootcamp with live instructors

Actualize offers a software engineering bootcamp focused on full-stack development. The program, while a bit on the pricey side, includes hands-on projects and teaches additional skills meant to help students adapt and succeed in the tech industry.

Course content

Actualize’s bootcamp is a single learning track in full-stack software development. You’ll use tools like Ruby on Rails, React, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to work on individual and team projects, with hands-on practice aimed at building a professional portfolio.

Cost

​​The cost of the program is high, at $16,900. It includes a new MacBook. Payment plans are available, allowing you to spread the cost over three years.

Learning format

• Live, instructor-led online courses with professional developers.
• Students also work on real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience to reinforce their learning.
• Small cohort sizes to ensure personalized attention.

Duration

The program consists of 5 weeks of pre-training, where you’ll learn from videos that will prepare you for the rigorousness of the course. Then, you’ll move on to an intensive 15 weeks of in-class instruction.

Some reports from previous students suggest that, while the bootcamp is marketed to coding beginners, the fast pace of the program can be challenging for those without prior coding experience.

Career support

To help you transition from learning to landing a job, Actualize offers:

• Career advisors that actively work with you throughout the bootcamp. Career coaching continues after graduation to help you with your job search.
• Actualize’s Job Hacking curriculum is integrated throughout the bootcamp, focusing on personal branding and networking skills.

Prerequisites

• No prior coding experience is required, though some familiarity with coding is recommended.
• Applicants should be serious about coding as a long-term career.
• Ideal candidates are ambitious, driven, and committed to the intensity of the bootcamp.

Reputation & alumni success

Actualize alumni report on how they felt about coding bootcamp:

• “After doing so much research on which coding BootCamp to pick, I’m really glad I picked Actualize. It is the perfect guide to break into the software development industry. The instructors (Peter) support you when you don’t understand concepts and take extra time to work one-on-one with you. You work on projects that prepare you for the real world and collaborate with your classmates as you would your co-workers.”
  – Connor Duggan, Actualize graduate

• “It is HYPER focused on teaching you very specific frameworks, Ruby on Rails and React. You will cover best practices and algorithms along the way but it is in service of building a full stack application at the end of the day. I saw this as a double edged sword: you are learning the most practical skills for entering the job market but will absolutely lack on fundamentals to stand on if you don’t supplement it on your own. The whole “you don’t need to know coding before starting” selling point leaves people unprepared in class.”
  – Anonymous, Actualize graduate

4. Ironhack: Intensive, fast-paced bootcamps in many IT fields

Ironhack offers worldwide bootcamps in a wide range of tech fields, from cybersecurity to AI to cloud computing. Their full-time programs are fast-paced and rigorous, making sure students are job-ready when they graduate.

Course content

• Web development: You’ll learn to build dynamic websites and applications using technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.
• Data analytics: This track covers data manipulation, visualization, and analysis using tools like Python, SQL, and Tableau.
• UX/UI design: You’ll explore user-centered design principles, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing to create engaging digital experiences.
• Cybersecurity: You’ll learn to protect systems and networks through risk assessment, threat management, and security protocols.
• Data science & machine learning: You’ll cover data analysis, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling using Python and other tools.
• Artificial intelligence: You’ll get stuck into AI concepts, including neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision.
• DevOps & cloud computing: You’ll gain skills in cloud infrastructure, continuous integration, and deployment using platforms like AWS and Docker.
• Data-driven marketing: You’ll learn to leverage data analytics to optimize marketing strategies and drive business growth.

Cost

Ironhack bootcamps cost between $8k and $9k, so it’s certainly an investment. To make the programs more accessible, they offer various financing options, including installment plans, loans, and scholarships.

Learning format

• Ironhack offers the option to choose between remote and in-person bootcamps, although remote options are more widely available.

• The philosophy of the curriculum is “learn-by-doing,” which includes various mini-projects that culminate in a larger final project. You’ll graduate with a full professional portfolio of your work.

• Part-time bootcamps are self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed. The downside is that without the benefit of an instructor, there’s no one there to guide you through tough concepts.
• Full-time bootcamps are a mix of live instruction, group collaboration, and independent work.

• Most bootcamps are conducted in English, with some available in Spanish.

Duration

Ironhack bootcamps begin with extensive online pre-work to help you prepare for the course independently. The duration of the bootcamps varies based on the format you choose:

• Part-time: 24 weeks
• Full-time: 9 weeks

Career support

Ironhack offers a range of career support services to help you secure a job after graduation. These services include:

• In-house career coaches to give you one-on-one support for finding a job, guidance on tailoring your application and LinkedIn profile, and interview prep.
• Networking events to connect with industry contacts.
• Auto-sharing your profile with companies looking for junior talent.

Prerequisites

All learning tracks are designed for beginners, with no previous experience required. However, applicants must take a technical test that assesses overall technical aptitude.

Reputation & alumni success

Here is some direct feedback from Ironhack alumni:

• “The teachers were really nice. The courses were well-structured. I learned a lot. It was very fast-paced, but I really would recommend it.”
  – Coralie, Ironhack graduate
• “Ironhack helped me a lot during my career transition. The material, methodology and teachers were amazing. I was a person who knew absolutely nothing about data analysis and finished the Bootcamp knowing Python, SQL and Tableau. Two months after my graduation I got a job as a Data Analyst and couldn’t be happier.”
  – Carolina Tavares Sancho Monteiro, Ironhack graduate

5. University of Houston: Online bootcamps available to the public

In partnership with ed2go, the University of Houston offers IT bootcamps to prepare you for a range of careers in tech. These programs are fully online and available to anyone—you don’t need to be a UH student to enroll.

Similar bootcamps are also available through many colleges and universities, so it’s worth checking what’s offered in your area.

Course content

A wide range of IT bootcamps are offered, including:

• Cybersecurity: Learning to secure systems, perform risk assessments, and manage threats.
• Software engineering: Covers programming fundamentals, databases, and web development.
• Data analytics and visualization: Mastering tools and techniques for analyzing and visualizing data.
• Certification-specific training: Preparing you for various top IT certifications, from CompTIA, Cisco, ISACA, Microsoft, and ISC.

Cost

Bootcamps range from $2k to $5k. While they are not free, they are a bit more affordable than many other programs.

Learning format

Bootcamps are offered in two learning formats to fit different needs and schedules. The self-paced bootcamps are fully online, mostly independent learning. You’ll learn from video lessons, hands-on labs, and peer discussion boards. You’ll also receive personalized one-on-one coaching from an industry expert. Each program concludes with a capstone project which can be added to your professional portfolio.

For a more immersive experience, live bootcamps are also available. These are short, high-intensity programs led by expert instructors over the course of a few days. Live bootcamps are taught remotely and focus on rapidly building job-ready skills. After the live instruction ends, you’ll maintain access to course materials and labs for three months.

Duration

• Self-paced bootcamps: These can take up to 7 months to complete, with an average of 15–25 hours of study per week.
• Live bootcamps: These are short and intense programs that last between 3 to 7 days. Given the quick, intense nature, it can be difficult to keep up with the course if you don’t already have the necessary foundational skills or experience.

Career support

While the bootcamps include some practical and professional skills-building, career support is limited, so you’ll be managing the job search on your own.

Prerequisites

Most programs either recommend or require foundational knowledge of IT topics. Many are aimed at current IT professionals looking to upskill, so some prior experience in the field is required.

Reputation & alumni success

Reviews from past students highlight their experiences with the instructors and course content:

• “The instructor was able to take material that prior to the class had made no sense and explained it in real-world scenarios that were able to be understood.”
  – Anonymous, University of Houston bootcamp graduate
• “An excellent instructor that obviously knows the material by heart. He was always clear and concise in his explanations and would break it down if anyone in the class didn’t quite get how something worked. He is by far one of my favorite instructors ever, even though I only spent seven days with him.”
  – Anonymous, University of Houston bootcamp graduate

6. Flatiron School: Tech bootcamps with online and in-person options

Flatiron School offers bootcamps in quite a few tech fields like AI, software engineering, and data science. Programs are fully online with no live instruction, though live office hours are available. Flatiron is fairly popular in the world of coding bootcamps and is known for helping career changers break into tech.

Course content

Flatiron’s has several IT bootcamp options to choose from:

• Artificial intelligence: You’ll learn the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, and deep learning with practical, project-based training.
• Software engineering: You’ll cover the coding skills needed for full-stack development, including languages like Ruby, JavaScript, and SQL.
• Data science: You’ll gain expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling using Python and SQL.
• Cybersecurity: You’ll develop the skills to protect systems and networks with training in ethical hacking, network security, and incident response.
• Game design: You’ll learn the core concepts of game design, including mechanics, storytelling, and user experience.
• Game programming: You’ll cover programming techniques for game development, including C++ and Unity.
• UX/UI product design: You’ll focus on creating user-centered designs with hands-on projects in wireframing, prototyping, and user research.

Cost

Tuition ranges from $9.5k to $16.5k, depending on the learning track and financing option.

Flatiron School also offers scholarships to help make programs a bit more accessible to a wider range of students.

Learning format

Flatiron’s bootcamps are fully online, with both full-time and part-time options. Students follow a structured schedule with no live lectures, instead learning more independently through interactive materials, project work, and optional weekly check-ins with facilitators.

Access to live office hours, facilitator-led discussions, and a Discord community for peer support are also available.

Duration

Flatiron offers two program options:

• Full-time: Immersive, 12-week bootcamps that require a full-time commitment, with students working through the course material at an accelerated pace alongside a cohort.
• Part-time: Lasting 36 weeks, this is a more flexible option for students who need to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

Career support

Flatiron School provides extensive career services through its Job Search Accelerator program. Every graduate is paired one-on-one with a Career Coach who helps guide the job search process. Support includes:

• Resume and LinkedIn profile development
• Interview preparation and soft skills training
• Job offer negotiation assistance
• Access to job tracking tools
• Networking and career-building events

Prerequisites

Flatiron’s bootcamps are beginner-friendly and do not require prior experience or a college degree. To apply, students must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Complete an admissions interview and skills assessment
• Show commitment to completing a rigorous and demanding program

Reputation & alumni success

As of Flatiron School’s 2022 Job Report, 78% of alumni received job offers in six months or less after graduating. Several graduates report that the bootcamps helped them break into tech from non-traditional backgrounds:

• “I went from being a nanny with past experience in food service, retail, and hospitality, with no corporate experience, to working a technical role in a fintech corporation. I was complimented on my etiquette and professionalism in my interviews which I can only attribute to my Coach and resources provided by Flatiron as I genuinely had not a clue!”
  – Anslie Brant, Flatiron graduate
• “My Career Coach helped to focus me and frame my applications in a way that allowed me to stand out not despite my unconventional background, but because of it.”
  – Eric Saber, Flatiron graduate

7. Fullstack Academy: Online coding bootcamps with full and part-time options

Fullstack Academy is a longstanding and reputable bootcamp that has been around since 2012. Like many other conventional bootcamps, it’s expensive, though it’s known for helping graduates successfully launch careers in fields like software engineering and AI.

Course content

Fullstack Academy’s learning tracks focus primarily on coding fields, including:

• Software engineering: Comprehensive training in full-stack development, with a focus on JavaScript, React, and Redux. A coding bootcamp specifically for women is also available.
• AI and machine learning: Covers AI fundamentals, machine learning techniques, and practical applications.
• Cybersecurity: Prepares students for roles in cybersecurity engineering, focusing on real-world skills and industry tools.
• Data analytics: Focuses on data analysis, visualization, and statistical techniques to turn raw data into actionable insights.

Cost

The tuition ranges from $10k to $14k, with financing options available to help manage the substantial expense.

Learning format

Fullstack Academy offers both full-time and part-time bootcamp options that include:

• Live, virtual classroom with instructors who are experienced in their field.
• Pair-programming throughout the program and a project-based curriculum.
• Real-world coding tools to prepare you for the kind of work you’ll be doing on the job.

Duration

• Full-time: 12 weeks; a highly immersive and accelerated program for those who can commit to a rigorous schedule.
• Part-time: 28 weeks; offering more flexibility for those with other commitments.

Career support

Fullstack Academy places a strong emphasis on career support. This includes:

• One-on-one career coaching, with dedicated help with LinkedIn and GitHub profile building, resume assistance, and interview preparation.
• Career Success Services for up to one year after graduation, providing resources, tools, and advice for job search strategies.
• A strong network of over 1,500 companies and hiring partners plus over 10k alumni, helping students land tech jobs post-graduation.

Prerequisites

Overall, Fullstack Academy is looking for motivated adults who are ready to learn in an intensive, fast-paced environment. To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent. No college degree is necessary.
• Possess prior knowledge or experience in your field— you’ll take a timed skills assessment as part of the application process.

Reputation & alumni success

Fullstack Academy has a proven track record of success. For example, around 84% of their Software Engineering graduates secure jobs within six months of graduation.

Here’s what some alumni have to say about their experience:

• “I chose Fullstack for two main reasons: because admissions were competitive, and because of the curriculum. Valuing competitive admissions was a great call: all of the students, fellows, and instructors in my cohort were unfailingly curious, driven, and intelligent. I evaluated the curriculum with the help of some tech friends who recognized that FSA’s curriculum taught skills like React and Redux that were highly in-demand.”
  – Madison Jennings, Fullstack Academy graduate
• “The instructors were knowledgeable and always available for guidance. I especially appreciated the career support, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking opportunities. By the end of the program, I had built a strong portfolio and even landed a junior developer role within 5 months!”
  – Syabina Aisyah Putri, Fullstack Academy graduate

Jumpstart your tech career with Climb Hire’s free IT training

Climb Hire offers free IT courses to help you get job-ready in just a few months, plus personalized career support to help you land a job soon after you finish your program.

Here’s what sets our IT courses apart:

• Totally free: Our programs are completely free, so you can focus on learning without the financial stress.
• Live virtual classes: Learn from industry professionals who will be there to facilitate your learning and answer questions in real time.
• Hands-on training: Build real-word skills by working on projects that prepare you for in-demand tech roles.
• Dedicated job support: From resumes to interview prep and networking, we’ll help you break into a tech career.

Ready to launch your tech career? Apply for our IT Support course today!