IT Support Specialist

Career Diploma 3 months

In Demand

IT Support Specialist Training

If you love working with computers and want to start a career in IT, our online IT Support Specialist Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the next steps toward the job you want today. Through flexible online classes that cover information technology skills ranging from customer support to networking and security, you can build the knowledge to qualify for an entry-level IT job on your schedule, from home.

IT Support Specialist Training can prepare students for entry-level jobs as computer support specialists, IT support specialists, or IT Helpdesk Technicians.
Online computer courses cover foundational hardware and software skills used to build, install, configure and troubleshoot computer systems.
Your course content is aligned to CompTIA A+ Certification exam objectives.
Prepares students to sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exams after graduation. CompTIA is the gold standard for establishing a career as an IT professional and supports today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$999

$1,199 Save $200

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-471-3232 (Closed)

What You Will Learn

How to solve basic computer problems and define the differences between a virus, worm, and a Trojan horse, and identify the types of threats against a computer system.
How to identify various operating systems along with their characteristics, features, discuss the processes required to install hardware and software using Windows® and Mac® operating systems.
How to identify the tools and test equipment associated with IT support activities, know how hardware and software work together in the operation of a PC, and outline the process for assembling a personal computer.
How to recognize a failed power supply and how to replace it, as well as describe a multimeter and its functions.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

IT Support Specialist Career Outcomes

Computer Support Specialist

AVG SALARY*

$59,660/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

914,100

JOB GROWTH*

Our online IT Support Specialist Career Diploma can help students prepare for IT and computer supports jobs in a variety of industries. After graduating, students will also be prepared to sit for CompTIA certification exams, which can help them stand out from other job applicants.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in IT are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Woman in glasses coding on computer in office.

4 Reasons to Become an IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialist Training Curriculum

5 courses
48 continuing education units (CEUs)

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 3 months
Average time = 9 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our IT Support Specialist Diploma, you'll build the fundamental skills and knowledge that can help you prepare to qualify for a career as a computer support or IT support specialist. Your online IT courses include:

Workplace Skills for IT Support Specialists
Computing Hardware, Networking and Mobile Devices
Operating Systems and Computer Security
Network Protocols and Internetworking

Show Full Curriculum

IT Support Specialist Success Stories

Penn Foster’s IT Support Specialist Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the first steps toward a career in IT. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Rebecca S.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I loved the ability to study independently but also have the option for support when needed.”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

IT Support Specialist Training Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online IT Support Specialist Training. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program¹

$999

$1,199 Save $200

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$1,199

Pay $59 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program¹

$1,199

Pay $59 per month
Start for $49 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven IT Support Specialist Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Learning Resource Center
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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IT Support Specialist Program FAQs

What is the average salary for a worker within IT?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a computer support or IT support specialist was $59,660 per year in 2022.* Salary can vary based on education, work experience, the company you work for, and the state in which you live.

Is Information Technology an in-demand career?

The demand for skilled computer support specialists and IT support specialists is expected to grow 5% in the next decade, adding 49,200 new jobs by 2032.* As more companies rely on technology to perform day-to-day tasks, they'll rely on skilled specialists to upgrade their computer equipment and software. Additionally, there may be future job opportunities in healthcare for computer support specialists as the industry continues to expand its use of and reliance on technology.

What are the average duties of an IT support specialist?

Computer support specialists or IT support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. These specialists either support computer networks or they provide technical assistance directly to computer users through a help desk. On a day-to-day basis, support specialists could be expected to provide computer and software support to other employees, track and respond to requests using ticket-tracking software or applications, maintain and upgrade network systems, and oversee company data.

What education do you need to be an IT specialist?

With a wide variety of jobs available in IT, the education you need to work in the field can vary based on which jobs and companies you're interested in. To become an IT support specialist, you'll need to have computer knowledge and excellent problem-solving skills, but not necessarily a degree. You can often qualify for the position through documented training, like in our IT Support Specialist Career Diploma, industry-recognized certification, and work experience. More in-depth or technical IT positions could require an associate or bachelor's degree to qualify for the job.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Computer Support Specialists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed October 4, 2023.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.