How long does it take to complete the Professional Certificate?

It typically takes 3 months to complete the 6 courses. But some learners may go through the content faster.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Certificate, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Certificate. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Microsoft IT Support: Your Launchpad into Tech Professional Certificate

Launch your career as an IT support specialist. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required.

Instructor: Microsoft

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

6 course series

Earn a career credential that demonstrates your expertise

4.8

(1,085 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

6 course series

Earn a career credential that demonstrates your expertise

4.8

(1,085 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

Gain skills to succeed in Information technology systems analysis and maintenance.
Apply concepts such as Data Backup, Cloud Computing, and Mobile Device Management to practical IT scenarios.
Demonstrate a holistic understanding of IT support, combining hardware, software, networking, and security concepts in problem-solving.
Learn to adapt diagnostic skills to diverse IT issues within a practical business scenario.

Overview

Learners who complete this program will receive a 50% discount voucher to take the MS-900 Certification Exam.

Organizations rely on IT support professionals to drive the development and maintenance of various technological systems. Prepare for a new career in this high-demand field with professional training from Microsoft, one of the largest technology companies in the world. The role of an IT support professional includes handling computer systems, networks, and software applications. With 60% of Fortune 500 companies using Microsoft 365 to empower their workforce, developing IT support skills is essential in this field. ¹

Through a mix of videos, assessments, and hands-on activities, you’ll develop a strong foundation in IT support fundamentals, networking, software, hardware and data backup, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and Troubleshooting Diagnostics. You'll also have the option to learn how generative AI tools and techniques are used in IT Support.

When you graduate, you’ll have tangible examples to talk about in job interviews, and you’ll also be prepared to take the Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals.

¹Microsoft solutions boost productivity of Fortune 500 frontline workers with next-generation AI. (2023, August 10).

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

137 practice exercises

Earn 50% off your Certification Exam (MS-900)

Professional Certificate - 6 course series

This program has been uniquely mapped to key job skills required in IT support specialist roles.

In each course, you’ll be able to consolidate what you have learned by completing a project that simulates real-world IT support specialist scenarios. You’ll also complete a final capstone project where you’ll work through the process of solving a fictional IT-related business problem as an IT support specialist.

The project will include practicing on:

A real-world scenario focused on system maintenance and upgrading, network connectivity, software selection, and set-up, as well as security considerations.
A real-world capstone project that enables you to demonstrate your IT support specialist skills.

Based on this information you will:

Examine the output of several diagnostic tools.
Document an upgrade recommendation that also takes the business use of the system into account.
Use multiple diagnostic outputs to assess and diagnose typical IT issues and recommend a solution.

Introduction to Computers

Course 117 hours4.8 (942 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Learn about computer components like CPU, memory, and storage.
Learn how computer system components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, interact with the operating system.
Gain insight into security, hardware, and software relationships.

Skills you'll gain

Operating Systems, Data Storage, Computer Hardware, System Configuration, Servers, Computer Systems, Data Maintenance, Cybersecurity, System Software, Business Software, Information Technology, Computer Architecture, Microsoft Windows, Data Storage Technologies, Technical Support and Services, Generative AI, and Enterprise Security

Introduction to Secure Networking

Course 225 hours4.8 (295 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Learn computer networking basics, like TCP/IP and OSI models, and how devices collaborate.
Gain insights into network infrastructure and monitoring techniques for effective management.
Learn about network security components, approaches, and mitigation strategies.

Skills you'll gain

Cloud Computing, Software As A Service, TCP/IP, Firewall, Microsoft Azure, Network Protocols, Network Security, Local Area Networks, General Networking, OSI Models, Virtualization, Network Architecture, Computer Networking, Network Infrastructure, Virtual Machines, Network Monitoring, and Networking Hardware

Essential Aspects of Software, Hardware, and Data Backup

Course 316 hours4.7 (150 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Gain insight into key aspects of IT security and data management.
Develop an understanding of secure software setup and implementation.
Learn effective strategies for hardware configurations and data backup and recovery.

Skills you'll gain

Firewall, Data Storage, Data Security, Encryption, Disaster Recovery, Application Security, System Configuration, Computer Hardware, Information Systems Security, Cybersecurity, Identity and Access Management, Software Installation, Microsoft Windows, and Data Management

Cybersecurity and Privacy

Course 417 hours4.8 (132 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Gain insight into the fundamentals of cybersecurity concepts for ensuring user data privacy.
Learn how to secure digital communications, optimize network performance, and understand how VPNs work.
Gain knowledge about the diverse landscapes of on-premises computing, cloud services, and server communication.

Skills you'll gain

Encryption, Network Security, Multi-Factor Authentication, Cloud Computing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Desktop Support, Information Privacy, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Security, Mac OS, Authentications, Identity and Access Management, Servers, and Technical Support and Services

The Microsoft 365 Ecosystem

Course 517 hours4.6 (126 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Gain insight into the components and services within Microsoft 365, such as Office applications, collaboration tools, and cloud-based services.
Understand the integration between Microsoft 365 applications and their pivotal role in enhancing business productivity and security.
Learn about the automation tools available within Microsoft 365 and how to leverage them to streamline workflows and improve overall efficiency.

Skills you'll gain

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Data Loss Prevention, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, Endpoint Security, Data Security, Microsoft PowerPoint, Collaborative Software, Automation, Productivity Software, and Microsoft Windows

Technical Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Techniques

Course 620 hours4.9 (132 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Gain insight into troubleshooting approaches for both hardware and software issues across various operating systems
Learn to apply a systematic approach to diagnose technical issues across different hardware and software environments
Master diagnostic tools for efficient problem-solving in system maintenance, upgrades, network connectivity, software setup, and security

Skills you'll gain

Network Troubleshooting, Hardware Troubleshooting, Mac OS, Operating Systems, Generative AI, Microsoft Windows, Network Monitoring, Technical Communication, Problem Management, Unix, Technical Support, System Support, Computer Hardware, Performance Tuning, System Configuration, Software Installation, Debugging, Help Desk Support, and Desktop Support

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Microsoft

239 Courses1,965,510 learners

Offered by

Microsoft

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Frequently asked questions

This professional certificate is for you:

If you are interested in the field of Information Technology or just beginning to work in IT support related roles.

If you want to switch or start a career in the field of Information Technology (IT).

If you already work in IT support, earning a Microsoft IT Support Specialist certificate can help advance your career or help you address gaps in your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate. Whether you’re just starting out or a professional in a relevant field, this program can be the right fit for you.

Whether you’re looking to start a new career or change your current one, Professional Certificates help you become job ready. Apply your new skills on hands-on projects that showcase your expertise to potential employers and earn a career credential to kickstart your new career.

The role of an IT support specialist includes technical skills such as conducting regular network assessments and assessing, testing, and upgrading an organization's network systems.

This role also includes problem-solving skills needed to identify and resolve hardware and software issues. guiding users through troubleshooting steps and providing training on the usage of new software and hardware, such as upgraded email systems and external hard drives.

An IT support specialist collaborates with clients and colleagues; therefore, effective communication is crucial for IT support specialists.

Yes. We highly recommend taking the courses of each certificate program in the order they are presented. The content in the courses builds on information from earlier courses. The final course contains a capstone project that assesses your knowledge of the content covered in the previous courses. As such, it makes the most sense to take the courses in the order they are presented.

When you complete the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate, you stand out with a unique set of skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of information technology (IT).

This certificate demonstrates your job readiness and can be shared with your professional network.

Throughout this program, you've engaged with instructional videos, assessments, and practical exercises, gaining a deep understanding of key aspects including:

Proficiency in system analysis and maintenance.
Skills in software configuration and recommendation using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Practice in establishing robust security protocols.
Expertise in diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Microsoft IT Support: Your Launchpad into Tech Professional Certificate

What you'll learn

Overview

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

What’s included

Earn 50% off your Certification Exam (MS-900)