IT Support Specialist

Deploy workstations, manage a secure IT environment, and support users across the organization.

Information technology is everywhere — from the first workstation a new hire turns on to the servers keeping a hospital running at 3am. IT Support Specialists are the professionals who make sure it all works.

This program trains you to become a versatile, job-ready IT Support Specialist in 6 months — even if you have no prior tech background. You'll graduate with a WASC-accredited Associate of Occupational Studies in Computer Support with content fully mapped to the CompTIA A+ exam objectives — the industry-standard entry-level IT credential in the U.S.

What Does an IT Support Specialist Do?

IT Support Specialists are the backbone of any organization's technology operations. They keep systems running, users productive, and infrastructure secure.

In this role, you'll work across the full scope of IT operations:

• Deploy and configure workstations, servers, and network infrastructure — so every user has reliable, secure access to the tools they need.
• Maintain and troubleshoot hardware and software, providing Level 1 and Level 2 support to resolve incidents quickly and professionally.
• Administer Active Directory environments, managing users, groups, and access policies across the organization.
• Secure the network by designing and implementing VLANs, access control lists, and hardening protocols aligned with NIST and CISA standards.
• Monitor and inventory the IT asset park, implementing backup strategies and alerting systems to catch problems before they become outages.
• Automate repetitive administrative tasks with PowerShell scripts, reducing manual effort and human error.
• Support users with patience, clarity, and professionalism — following ITIL best practices to deliver a consistent, high-quality service experience.

This is a hands-on, versatile role. It's also one of the clearest entry points into the IT field, with direct paths toward Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, or Cybersecurity Analyst roles.

What Skills Will You Learn During This Training?

Our program gives you end-to-end proficiency across the full IT support scope. Over 13 hands-on projects, you'll develop skills including how to:

• Set up and automate the deployment of Windows 11 workstations using MDT, WDS, and Fog Project
• Design and deploy wired and wireless local area networks with Cisco Packet Tracer
• Build and manage a Windows Active Directory domain (AD DS, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy/GPO)
• Harden a network against threats using VLANs, ACLs, DHCP Snooping, and port security
• Automate IT administration tasks using PowerShell and generative AI
• Inventory, monitor, and maintain an IT asset park with Nagios, OCS Inventory, and Veeam Backup
• Manage user support tickets following ITIL best practices using GLPI
• Write clear technical documentation and user-facing knowledge base articles

In addition to these technical skills, you'll develop the transversal skills that define great IT professionals:

• Customer-first communication and service orientation
• Methodical problem diagnosis and analytical thinking
• Documentation discipline and knowledge management
• Adaptability across physical, virtualized, and cloud-hybrid environments

Our curriculum is mapped to the CompTIA A+ certification — the industry-standard entry-level IT credential recognized by employers across the US. Completing this program prepares you to sit the CompTIA A+ exam with confidence.

How Does OpenClassrooms Training Work?

At OpenClassrooms, learning is project-driven — because hands-on experience is the fastest path to real-world proficiency.

13 projects cover the full spectrum of IT support tasks, from your first workstation deployment to managing enterprise network security and end-to-end user support. Each project gives you a realistic brief with company context, technical requirements, and deliverables — just like a real job assignment.

Projects follow three formats designed to build and validate your skills progressively:

• Formative projects (8): High-guidance projects where you learn core skills step by step, with detailed course support.
• Synthesis projects (5): Apply your skills autonomously in realistic, lightly guided scenarios — proving you can do it independently.
• Workplace projects (3 — P7, P10, P13): Apply your skills directly in a professional context, bridging training and real-world practice.

This program is available in two paces:

• 🕒 Full-time: 6 months (402 supervised hours)
• 🕒 Part-time: 12 months

Availability: This program is offered exclusively through the Guild Education platform, for employees at Guild-partner companies. It is not available as a standalone enrollment and is not a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). If you are unsure whether your employer is a Guild partner, contact your HR department or visit guild.com.

Online But Never Alone!

Before, during, and after your training, you'll be supported by real humans every step of the way.

• Weekly one-to-one mentor sessions with an experienced IT professional who guides you through each project, shares real-world insights, and evaluates your progress.
• OpenClassrooms staff available to support your learning and administrative needs.
• A global community of peers on our online platform — to share challenges, tips, and victories.

Two session types keep you on track:

• Progress check: A weekly conversational check-in with your mentor to review your work, answer questions, and remove blockers.
• Formal assessment: A structured presentation to a dedicated assessor-mentor at 5 key milestones (Projects 4, 6, 9, 11, and 13), validating that you've mastered the corresponding competencies.

How Much Can I Earn?

IT support is one of the most accessible entry points into the technology industry — with competitive starting salaries and clear paths for advancement.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024):

• Median annual salary: $60,340/year ($28.48/hr) for Computer User Support Specialists
• Entry-level range: from ~$37,690/year
• Experienced range: up to $97,020/year
• Computer Network Support Specialists: median $73,340/year
• Job growth: +6% projected from 2023 to 2033
• ~690,000 Computer User Support Specialists currently employed nationally

Salaries vary by region, company size, and specialization. Graduates who earn their CompTIA A+ certification or specialize further in networking or cybersecurity typically see faster salary growth and broader career opportunities.

Where Can My Career Go From Here?

This training opens the door to a broad range of IT roles. Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions including:

• IT Support Specialist
• Help Desk Technician (Level 1/Level 2)
• Desktop Support Technician
• IT Field Technician
• IT Generalist (SMB / Managed Service Provider)
• Junior Systems Administrator

As you build experience and additional credentials, you can advance toward:

• Systems Administrator — managing servers, AD environments, and enterprise infrastructure
• Network Administrator — designing and maintaining complex network architectures
• IT Team Lead or IT Manager — leading an IT support team
• Cybersecurity Analyst — specializing in network security, incident response, or compliance (GRC)

Who Is Eligible to Enroll?

Academic prerequisites:

A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is recommended but not required. This program is designed to be accessible to career changers and motivated learners from any background.

Language requirement:

A good level of English is required (B2 CEFR level). For non-native speakers, the minimum level is B2 (CECR).

Technical requirements:

To work through the hands-on projects, you'll need:

• A PC or Mac with a multi-core x86-64 processor, at least 16 GB of RAM (8 GB minimum), and 150 GB of free storage space (100 GB minimum)
• Administrator rights on your computer to install programs and run Virtual Machines
• A webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection (minimum 3.2 Mbps upload / 1.8 Mbps download for mentor sessions)

Information About Degrees

OpenClassrooms is a higher education institution, accredited by the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).

Upon completion of this program, eligible students will be awarded an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Computer Support. OpenClassrooms is eligible to issue degrees in the following states.