IT

Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.

Coursera logo C cutout
[Feature Image] An aspiring cybersecurity professional prepares for GIAC certification as they progress in their career.

What Is GIAC Certification? A Guide

GIAC certification equips cybersecurity professionals with specialized, up-to-date industry skills and knowledge for entry-level and advanced roles. Explore how to begin or advance your cybersecurity career with GIAC.

March 9, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Two cybersecurity consultants collaborate at a shared workstation.

What Is a Cybersecurity Consultant? (And How to Become One)

A cybersecurity consultant helps keep their clients' data protected from cyberattacks and similar risks. Learn more about what someone in this role does, along with job outlook and recommended education and certifications for cybersecurity consultants.

March 9, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a black sweater points out an item on a computer screen to a coworker in glasses seated in front of their desktop computer.

What Is Security Clearance? Types and Requirements for US Jobs

Security clearance is a requirement for many US federal jobs. Here’s a guide to the different types and how to get clearance.

February 28, 2022

Article

[Feature Image] An aspiring cybersecurity professional prepares for GIAC certification as they progress in their career.

What Is GIAC Certification? A Guide

GIAC certification equips cybersecurity professionals with specialized, up-to-date industry skills and knowledge for entry-level and advanced roles. Explore how to begin or advance your cybersecurity career with GIAC.

March 9, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Two cybersecurity consultants collaborate at a shared workstation.

What Is a Cybersecurity Consultant? (And How to Become One)

A cybersecurity consultant helps keep their clients' data protected from cyberattacks and similar risks. Learn more about what someone in this role does, along with job outlook and recommended education and certifications for cybersecurity consultants.

March 9, 2022

Article

Explore popular IT courses

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Peripheral Devices, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, System Support, Encryption, Data Storage, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: New AI skills

Google

Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, General Networking, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Routing Protocols, Desktop Support, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Encryption, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation

Build toward a degree

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
201K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: AI skills

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

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
918 reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured image] A solutions architect wearing black overalls and a yellow shirt stands alone in an open office.

What Is a Solutions Architect (and How Do I Become One)?

A solutions architect creates the overall technical vision for a specific solution to a business problem.

December 9, 2021

Article

[Featured image] A site reliability engineer (SRE) works on his desktop computer.

What Does a Site Reliability Engineer Do? Your Guide

Site reliability engineers ensure that apps and websites run smoothly and reliably. Learn more about this emerging career and what skills you’ll need to get started.

December 7, 2021

Article

[Featured image] An ethical hacker works from home on his laptop.

4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career

The right certification could be the key to advancing your career in offensive security. Explore four ethical hacker certifications.

October 6, 2021

Article

[Featued image] A team of three cybersecurity specialists sits at a conference table with their laptops planning an exercise.

Red Team vs. Blue Team in Cybersecurity

Red teams and blue teams work as attackers and defenders to improve an organization's security. Learn about the differences between the two as you decide which team you will play for.

September 29, 2021

Article

[Feature Image] Two computing professionals discuss CCSP certification as they prepare to pursue the credential.

What Is the CCSP? Your Guide to Becoming Certified in Cloud Security

What does CCSP stand for? Explore this intermediate cloud credential for cybersecurity professionals working in cloud environments.

September 29, 2021

Article

[Featured Image] A customer service representative sits at a workspace with a laptop and headset, assisting a customer.

What Does a Customer Service Representative Do?

Customer service representatives play a key role in company success by directly helping customers. Find out if a customer service job is right for you.

September 23, 2021

Article

[Feature Image] An aspiring computer forensic investigator completes an online assignment as part of their learning path.

Computer Forensic Investigator: 2025 Career Guide

Digital forensics sits at the intersection of cybersecurity and criminal justice. Learn more about being a computer forensic investigator, including required skills, average salary, and job duties.

September 22, 2021

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity engineer is sitting at her desk with a laptop open.

Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? 9 Tips for Success

Pursuing a career in cybersecurity can present a rewarding challenge with the right mindset. Explore this career path in more detail to determine if it’s suitable for you.

September 21, 2021

Article

[Feature Image] A learner researches how to become a security architect and the average security architect's salary on a laptop while planning their education and career goals.

How to Become a Security Architect: 2025 Career Guide

Learn about the strategic role that security architects play in protecting their organizations from cybercrime.

September 10, 2021

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a black sweater points out an item on a computer screen to a coworker in glasses seated in front of their desktop computer.

What Is Security Clearance? Types and Requirements for US Jobs

Security clearance is a requirement for many US federal jobs. Here’s a guide to the different types and how to get clearance.

February 28, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A solutions architect wearing black overalls and a yellow shirt stands alone in an open office.

What Is a Solutions Architect (and How Do I Become One)?

A solutions architect creates the overall technical vision for a specific solution to a business problem.

December 9, 2021

Article

[Featured image] A site reliability engineer (SRE) works on his desktop computer.

What Does a Site Reliability Engineer Do? Your Guide

Site reliability engineers ensure that apps and websites run smoothly and reliably. Learn more about this emerging career and what skills you’ll need to get started.

December 7, 2021

Article

[Featured image] An ethical hacker works from home on his laptop.

4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career

The right certification could be the key to advancing your career in offensive security. Explore four ethical hacker certifications.

October 6, 2021

Article

[Featued image] A team of three cybersecurity specialists sits at a conference table with their laptops planning an exercise.

Red Team vs. Blue Team in Cybersecurity

Red teams and blue teams work as attackers and defenders to improve an organization's security. Learn about the differences between the two as you decide which team you will play for.

September 29, 2021

Article

[Feature Image] Two computing professionals discuss CCSP certification as they prepare to pursue the credential.

What Is the CCSP? Your Guide to Becoming Certified in Cloud Security

What does CCSP stand for? Explore this intermediate cloud credential for cybersecurity professionals working in cloud environments.

September 29, 2021

Article

[Featured Image] A customer service representative sits at a workspace with a laptop and headset, assisting a customer.

What Does a Customer Service Representative Do?

Customer service representatives play a key role in company success by directly helping customers. Find out if a customer service job is right for you.

September 23, 2021

Article

[Feature Image] An aspiring computer forensic investigator completes an online assignment as part of their learning path.

Computer Forensic Investigator: 2025 Career Guide

Digital forensics sits at the intersection of cybersecurity and criminal justice. Learn more about being a computer forensic investigator, including required skills, average salary, and job duties.

September 22, 2021

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity engineer is sitting at her desk with a laptop open.

Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? 9 Tips for Success

Pursuing a career in cybersecurity can present a rewarding challenge with the right mindset. Explore this career path in more detail to determine if it’s suitable for you.

September 21, 2021

Article

[Feature Image] A learner researches how to become a security architect and the average security architect's salary on a laptop while planning their education and career goals.

How to Become a Security Architect: 2025 Career Guide

Learn about the strategic role that security architects play in protecting their organizations from cybercrime.

September 10, 2021

Article

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:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)