![[Featured image] An IT technician assists a fellow employee with her laptop](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/154CSxiCRUlMnH598J97lV/1696cae13df61d335dda41ae2d1c38a5/IT_technician.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
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.
June 24, 2021
Article
IT
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
![[Featured image] IT worker checks on systems at workplace](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/19out9QeXiAcsGVoihB0IB/35a261582b9cb28a1ddedd0e1bc774dc/iStock-950514452.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: An IT professional works at a computer after learning how to get IT certifications to qualify for a new job.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1325ETF1UHYm1hcGvdx4zk/18e63bdd03a8c200b88609af4f09119c/GettyImages-2156162213.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular IT courses
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, IT Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, OSI Models, Systems Administration, Network Security, Routing Protocols, Cybersecurity, Microsoft Windows, Cyber Attacks, Security Strategy, File Systems, Disaster Recovery, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Remote Access Systems, Linux, Technical Support, Help Desk Support, Information Technology, Software Installation
Skills you'll gain: IT Security Architecture, IT Infrastructure, Network Security, OSI Models, Systems Administration, Microsoft Windows, Information Systems Security, Package and Software Management, Technical Support, Network Troubleshooting, Computer Networking, Cloud Infrastructure, Operating Systems, TCP/IP, Disaster Recovery, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Desktop Support, Software Installation, Help Desk Support
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Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Productivity Software, Information Systems Security, Multi-Factor Authentication
![[Featured image] An IT support specialist candidate is interviewed in a panel setting.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/wyS0KLrCE1iSBqHwy9Puu/21fc4e8f81da38affb2fd2cbc1bd7c3d/iStock-1020489164.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Woman starts a job in an IT role at a new company](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4JWDGXWls9qUiTivqc0Ksl/e8b958be00f9e7cdbad4c821dfe54387/iStock-1176251115.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A learner in a striped sweater researches computer science vs. information technology majors on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/14maDlt0Gf9QGrtfwdjUSM/a671b5ceb9c950f5ee6e3710509feba1/iStock-1134444079.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Woman works network administration job.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/2I8RESoVUPVSSJzQIJZSIa/e6670322a68748c1f842596d2fb8d09b/GettyImages-1307905638.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featued image] A person in a green plaid button-down shirt sits in a chair and searches for IT jobs on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/DZInDrz47gFkHHI1DSXTL/128fa09c22c96546d5065f3d872207a1/GettyImages-1222547509.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] An information security analyst wearing black headphones and a patterned tank top works at a monitor with a printer to their right and colleagues in the background.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5V4WhhSdKIQDWna1LCpWk1/da0edd62e5fbc89b178dcc0875e14f4c/GettyImages-1145619679.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore information technology topics, including:
