If you’re looking to start a career in IT support, becoming an IT support specialist can be both a rewarding and exciting career choice. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals, understanding how to become an IT support specialist is key to standing out in this fast-growing field. We share the essential IT technician education requirements, IT support specialist training programs, and the IT support skills you need to succeed. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to start a career in IT support and what it takes to become a certified IT support technician.
Table of Contents
- What Does an IT Support Specialist Do?
- IT Support Specialist Requirements & Qualifications
- How Long Does It Take to Become an IT Support Specialist
- IT Support Specialist Career Path
- Skills & Certifications IT Support Specialists Need
- IT Support Specialist Salary
- IT Support Jobs
- IT Support Interview Questions
- Related Job Titles to IT Support Specialist
- IT Specialist FAQ
What Does an IT Support Specialist Do?
IT support specialists do a little bit of everything in the technology world. They come with a vast background of knowledge that touches on hardware, software, computer systems, and other technical topics. These roles are responsible for making sure the tech side of an organization runs smoothly which means they are often working to support and maintain the company’s system.
You’ll find that an IT support specialist is skilled at installing and configuring computer systems and devices, monitoring networks and systems, testing new technologies, and making repairs and providing technical support where needed.
IT Support Specialist Requirements & Qualifications
To thrive as an IT Support Specialist, you’ll need more than just technical know-how. The ideal candidate combines industry-recognized certifications, hands-on troubleshooting abilities, and strong people skills. Here are the key qualifications and traits that help IT professionals succeed in this fast-paced field:
- Industry Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Client, or Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)
- Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and networking issues efficiently
- Operating Systems Support: Experience with Windows, Mac, and basic Linux environments
- Networking Basics: Understanding of IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, and fundamental networking concepts
- User & Account Management: Familiarity with Active Directory and managing user permissions
- Remote Assistance: Proficiency in remote desktop tools, ticketing systems, and IT documentation
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Knowledge of essential security best practices for user and device protection
- Communication Skills: Ability to explain solutions clearly and patiently to non-technical users
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong critical thinking, calm under pressure, and a drive to keep learning
- Customer Service: Empathy, collaboration, and a positive attitude in supporting end users
How Long Does It Take to Become an IT Support Specialist
The first step in any successful mission is a sense of curiosity—and that’s exactly where your IT journey begins. Many aspiring IT professionals start by researching fast-track IT programs like Centriq’s accelerated 4-month Cybersecurity program, recognized for launching tech careers in record time.
Once you’re ready to move from exploration to action, the next step is simple: fill out a form and schedule a meeting with a Centriq Enrollment Advisor. The faster you connect, the sooner you’ll be on your way to a future as an IT Support Specialist. After discussing your goals, you’ll secure financing, select your cohort, and officially join a community of driven learners and veterans preparing for their next chapter.
Over the next four months, you’ll gain in-demand IT skills, earn valuable industry certifications, and develop critical soft skills—all with support from dedicated instructors and military-friendly Career Services. From interview preparation and résumé writing to attending career fairs and networking with employers, you’ll have the tools and backing to land your first IT support role—sometimes even before graduation. For those who need a little more runway, ongoing career support keeps you mission-ready, helping you build relationships and perfect your professional pitch as you chart your new career path.
IT Support Specialist Career Path
Launching your tech career as an IT Support Specialist is the first step in a journey packed with advancement and new challenges. Many start at the help desk, gaining live-fire experience troubleshooting systems, supporting users, and mastering the basics of hardware, software, and network management. This entry-level mission is where you sharpen your discipline, strengthen your communication skills, and build the technical foundation for everything that comes next.
With a couple of years under your belt and additional certifications, doors quickly open to more specialized or senior roles. Many IT Support Specialists chart their course toward positions like Systems Administrator, Network Technician, or Security Analyst—expanding responsibility and pay with every new assignment. Over 5 to 10 years, experienced professionals may move into roles such as IT Project Manager, Network Engineer, or even IT Manager, directing teams and strategizing IT operations for entire organizations. The skills and adaptability you develop on the support front lines equip you to lead, specialize, and take on mission-critical projects as technology continues to evolve—making the IT support career path a launchpad for long-term success.
Learn about our IT Support Specialist training program here.
Skills & Certifications IT Support Specialists Need
To excel as an IT Support Specialist, you need a dynamic mix of technical, professional, and interpersonal skills. The right training ensures you’re mission-ready from day one, building competencies that employers value most.
- Key Certifications: Industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Client, or Cisco Certified Support Technician prove your technical proficiency and commitment to the IT field. These credentials are respected across the industry and can often serve as your “green light” into entry-level roles.
- Technical Skills: Master troubleshooting for hardware and software issues, supporting a range of operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux), addressing network basics, managing user accounts through Active Directory, and using remote support and ticketing tools. Hands-on cybersecurity best practices are also critical for every IT professional.
- Professional (Soft) Skills: IT Support Specialists must be clear and patient communicators, strong problem-solvers, dependable teammates, and calm under pressure. A customer-first mindset and the ability to adapt quickly will set you apart as a trusted resource on any IT team.
Whether you’re transitioning from the military or another field, or building on skills you already have, these are the capabilities that pave your path to a successful IT support career.
IT Support Specialist Salary
A starting salary for an IT support specialist averages around $50k annually. This all varies depending on the location, the company, and the scope of the actual role. Experience also plays a factor into this with those in the early years of their career making less and those with more experience earning more.
Like all roles, you can continue to build skills and knowledge to bolster your salary. For example, getting CompTIA certifications, gaining cyber security skills and credentials, or being well versed in mobile device management can all work towards boosting salary. Just a few of the many CompTIA certifications you can look into as an IT support specialist include the CompTIA ITF+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and the CompTIA Linux+.
IT Support Jobs
As an IT Support Specialist in the Midwest, you can expect a strong start right out of the gate. Entry-level roles typically offer annual salaries between $40,000 and $55,000, with states like Kansas and Missouri showing competitive figures. Your exact pay will vary by location, certifications, and whether you tackle more specialized duties or work in metro areas—where demand and salaries are often higher.
Looking ahead, the job outlook for IT support professionals remains steady and positive. Nationally, computer support roles are projected to grow about 6% through 2033, outpacing many other fields. The mission-driven nature of this work means there’s always a need for skilled troubleshooters—especially as businesses invest in tech and remote infrastructure. By building your certifications and experience, you’ll be well-positioned for advancement into higher-paying roles or specialties such as networking, cybersecurity, or system administration.
IT Support Interview Questions
Interviews are meant to assess the technical skills of a candidate as well as their ability to field questions, solve problems, adapt to situations, and explain complex issues to non-technical people. You may be asked about your troubleshooting process and how you tackle problems or be put through a series of basic tests to gauge your technical skills.
Examples of common questions include:
- What steps do you take when solving a computer problem?
- How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple tickets to resolve?
- Tell me about a time when you couldn’t solve an issue right away. How did you handle the situation?
- How do you stay organized while handling multiple support requests or incidents?
- Can you explain a situation where you had to work with a team to solve a problem?
- What does good customer service look like to you?
We also recommend doing specific company-based research to learn more about who the company is and who their customers are.
Related Job Titles to IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk
- Service Desk
- Desktop Support
- Technical Support
- Security Support Specialist
- NOC Technician
- PC Technician
Ready to Start Your IT Specialist Career?
At Centriq, we set you up for long-term success with IT training programs designed with real-world application in mind that provide you with hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and the technical skills you need to excel.
Don’t just start a job, launch your IT career. Ready to transform your passion for technology into a rewarding, well-paying career? Learn more about Centriq’s IT program and gain the skills and confidence needed to become a successful IT specialist in no time.
IT Specialist FAQ
Q: Can I become an IT Support Specialist without a degree?
A: Absolutely. The IT field values skills, discipline, and hands-on experience over traditional college degrees. Many specialists—including veterans and career changers—enter the tech ranks by earning certifications and building practical knowledge with programs like Centriq’s intensive bootcamps, online courses, and lab work. If you’re mission-ready to learn and adapt, you can launch your IT career without a four-year degree.
Q: What are the most important IT support skills?
A: Think of your toolkit: troubleshooting hardware and software, supporting operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux), grasping basic networking, mastering ticketing systems, and upholding cybersecurity. Alongside these technical skills, soft skills like clear communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to stay cool under fire are crucial for real-world success.
Q: What’s the cost of certification for an IT Support Specialist?
A: Certifications are your credentials in this field and cost can range as follows:
- CompTIA A+: ~$246 per exam (two required)
- CompTIA Network+: ~$358
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Client: ~$165 per exam
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate: ~$39/month (average 3–6 months on Coursera)
Some programs—like Centriq—may bundle exam vouchers with your tuition, helping you save while staying mission-focused.
Q: Is there high demand for IT Support Specialists?
A: Yes—demand remains strong. National projections show 3–6% job growth through 2034, translating to thousands of openings every year as organizations upgrade their IT infrastructure. The need is especially great in metro and suburban areas, offering plenty of opportunity for new recruits.
Q: Can I transition from a different career to IT Support?
A: Without question. Many IT Support Specialists bring experience from other fields—military included. The essential steps: build foundational IT knowledge, earn industry certifications, and get hands-on practice through labs or volunteer work. Skills like problem-solving, clear communication, and customer service will serve as force multipliers as you make your transition into tech.