Education · 1 of 5

The path

One or two years of college, or a certification and a good attitude. Then learn on the job.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Computer science, any technology course, and English. Be the person friends and family ask to fix their computers.

2. 2

   Certificate or diploma

   1 to 3 years

   A 1-year college certificate or 2-year diploma in computer systems, IT support or network administration. A 3-year advanced diploma opens more doors later.

3. 3

   Certify

   During college

   CompTIA A+ is the entry credential most job ads name: two exams covering hardware, operating systems, networking and troubleshooting. Some students pass it before graduating.

4. 4

   Tier 1 help desk

   1 to 2 years

   Phone and chat support: password resets, software installs, printer problems. You escalate what you cannot fix.

5. 5

   Tier 2 or desktop support

   Year 2 to 4

   Harder problems, hands-on hardware, user accounts and devices. From here, most people specialize into systems, networking or security.