Information technology (IT) is one of the most competitive fields to pursue a career in tech today. Nearly all organizations rely on IT professionals to ensure their technological components run smoothly. If you’re interested in entering the IT field, you might want to consider taking an online IT course. This article provides details of some of the best IT courses available.
In your pursuit of an online IT course, it’s helpful to keep in mind the different options available. There are a ton of online IT courses, classes, and training programs, all of which vary in flexibility, cost, length of time, and concentration.
Running and maintaining a computer network for a multinational conglomerate can be a pretty tall order, meaning it would be best to enroll in the best IT courses you can find.
You have to ensure all the company’s servers are up and running and that cybersecurity is up to date. You have to make sure people can access things like cloud computing, Internet servers, and phone systems.
In-demand professionals like IT specialists will always find work. That’s why it’s a fantastic idea to enroll in some IT courses to gain new skills. IT courses can give you an excellent framework of knowledge to pull from when working for either a small or large company.
What is IT?
Information technology is the set of software, applications, programs, and computer tools that facilitate data processing, information transmission, and communication optimization for various purposes. The IT field expands across a variety of industries, including tech, military, medicine, energy, education, and research.
What Is IT? The Basics and Your Responsibilities
Information technology is a pretty substantial branch of computing. At its core, IT is all about storing, transferring, and manipulating data. Information technology comprises cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data, management systems, and generally solving issues for individuals and companies.
IT professionals have a few core responsibilities, regardless of where they may work, such as governance, operations, and infrastructure.
Governance is the process an IT professional works under. Operations refer to the tasks in an average workday for someone in IT. Infrastructure refers to ITs physical components, like which central processing units and Internet connections clients may have.
There are also a ton of subcategories in information technology. You can specialize in a specific application or program, like Microsoft Azure, gaming, information technology management, software engineering, or security.
So how do you capitalize on this valuable tech knowledge and use it to further your career?
Why Online IT Courses Are Important for Professional Development
Enrolling in an online information technology course is an excellent way to advance your education or career in IT. Unlike college degree programs, online IT courses can be completed in a short time, are often affordable, and solely focus on the knowledge and skills that you’ll need for professional development.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn IT?
Coding bootcamps are a great way to learn information technology. The need for a campus degree program is soon becoming ancient history. Coding has become so widely offered as a desirable skill, you’ll likely be expected to have some coding experience. Some bootcamps also offer career advising and have business partners that will help boost your professional network.
Overview: The Best Online IT Courses, Classes, or Training
The table below outlines some of the best online IT courses, classes, and training programs available. Although most program options will share many similarities, each provider offers something unique and most of the approaches differ slightly.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alison | Introduction to Information Technology for Managers | Free | 3 hours | Yes, for a fee of $20.12 |
| Coursera | Google IT Support Professional Certificate | $39 per month | 6 months | Yes |
| Coursera | Healthcare IT Support Specialization | Free and paid versions | 4 months | Yes, in the paid version |
| Coursera | Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance | Free and paid versions | 9 hours | Yes, in the paid version |
| Coursera | IT Infrastructure and Emerging Trends | Free and paid versions | 8 hours | Yes, in the paid version |
| Coursera | System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services | $39 per month after free trial | 28 hours | Yes |
| ed2go | Certified Information Security Manager | $795 | 6 months | No |
| ed2go | Certified Information Systems Auditor | $795 | 6 months | No |
| edX | Information Technology Foundations | $222.29 or audit for free | 6 weeks | Yes |
| edX | Professional Certificate in IT Project Management | $537.30 | 5 months | Yes |
| Global Knowledge | ITIL 4 Foundation Training | $995 | 90 days | No |
| Learndirect | Information Security Course | $75.10 | 37 minutes | No |
| Skillshare | IT Network Cabling | $32 per month | 3 hours and 36 minutes | No |
| Udemy | The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2021 | $94.99 | 3 hours and 8 minutes | Yes |
| Udemy | Information Technology Essentials | $49.99 | 4 hours and 12 minutes | No |
In Detail: The Best Online IT Classes, Courses, or Training
Below are some of the most notable online IT courses and useful certificate programs that you can acquire after completing a course.
Introduction to Information Technology for Managers | Alison
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Information technology for managers and understanding and interpreting information
Alison offers this introductory course that is specifically designed for IT managers in the workplace. The course focuses on the role managers play in implementing IT, the importance of IT in the workplace, IT trends and their implications, and the various IT stages involved in decision-making and performance.
Once students have completed both course modules, they move on to the course assessment. This assessment is meant to assess students’ understanding of course materials and awards students who score 80 percent or higher with a certificate.
Key Takeaway: Students who score 80 percent or higher can choose from a digital certificate, physical certificate, or framed certificate.
Google IT Support | Coursera
- Learning Format: Five-course Program
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Technical Support Fundamentals, The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking, Operating Systems and You, System Administration and Infrastructure Services, and IT Security
This beginner program is facilitated by Coursera and offered by Google. The courses are designed and developed by Google employees and provide students with lots of interactive learning opportunities. The program contains videos, assessments, and hands-on projects.
Throughout this 100-hour, five-course program, students learn network protocols, network model, domain name system (DNS), and encryption algorithms and techniques. They will also become proficient in cloud computing, binary code, Linux, troubleshooting, and customer service. One of Google’s biggest business goals is to provide excellent customer service.
Key Takeaway: This five-course program allows students to receive the IT Support Career Certificate from Google upon completion.
Healthcare IT Support Specialization | Coursera
- Learning Format: Four-course program
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Technical support, customer support, health information technology, telemedicine, and electronic health records
This specialized four-course program is facilitated by Coursera and offered by Johns Hopkins University. It is specifically designed for IT specialists who aspire to or currently work in healthcare. It allows students to study at their own pace and takes approximately four months to complete if completed at the recommended pace.
The courses of the program include The Critical Role of IT Support Staff in Healthcare, Health Information Technology Fundamentals, Operations and Patient Safety for Healthcare IT Staff, and Healthcare Data Security, Privacy, and Compliance.
Key Takeaway: This four-course program specialization is offered by Johns Hopkins University
and is designed for IT specialists working in healthcare.
Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance | Coursera
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Information security, information technology, auditing, risk management, and change management
This flexible beginner course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This course covers an introduction to information systems auditing (IS), performing IS auditing, business application development and the roles of IS auditors, and IS maintenance and control.
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Coursera allows students to access the course materials for free but restricts access to graded assignments and quizzes, as well as the shareable certificate. In the paid version, students are allowed access to all of those features. This course was awarded The Best Free Online Courses of All Time, and The Best Online Course of the Year for 2021.
Key Takeaway: Students can learn this material on their own by getting the free version. If you want to get your work graded and earn the certificate, however, you’ll need to pay the fee.
IT Infrastructure and Emerging Trends | Coursera
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Management and IT skills and knowledge
This beginner course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by the University of Minnesota. It aims to equip students with the IT/IS knowledge and skills to exercise educated judgment in the workplace. In this course, students will learn about cloud computing, mobile communications, information security, and emerging trends.
Students enrolled in this course can utilize practice quizzes, course videos and reading materials, graded assignments and exams, peer feedback, and earn a shareable certificate. This course is also part of a four-course specialization program, which allows students who complete the program to earn a specialized certificate.
Key Takeaway: This is the final course in a four-course program that can be taken independently to earn a shareable certificate, or can be taken with the other three courses to earn a specialized certificate.
System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services | Coursera
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Introduction to system administration, network and infrastructure services, software and platform services, directory services, and data recovery and backups
Students enrolled in this course can learn at their own pace, earn a shareable certificate, and choose between a free and paid version. In the free version, students can access course materials, but can’t participate in graded assignments and exams, nor do they receive the shareable certificate. The paid version includes all of those features.
Throughout this course, students learn about the best hardware, vendors, and services for their workplace. They also learn about common infrastructure services, utilizing the cloud, directory services, Active Directory, OpenLDAP, and backup and recovery.
Key Takeaway: Google awards students who complete this course with a shareable certificate that can be added to their LinkedIn profiles.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ed2go
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Information System Auditing Process, Governance and Management of IT, Information Systems Acquisition, Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience, and Protection of Information Assets
This self-paced certification preparatory course is facilitated by ed2go and offered by Greenways Academy of Alaska. This course is designed to equip students with information security knowledge and skills that are acknowledged in the workplace and prepares students for the associated certification exam that is taken separately.
The associated certification exam requires students to have at least five years of experience in the information security field and must have earned that experience within ten years of taking the certification exam. Students can choose between paying for the course or paying for a bundle, which includes the course and a voucher for the certification exam.
Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for anyone preparing for the ISACA Certified Information Manager (CISM) exam.
Certified Information Systems Auditor | ed2go
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Governance and Management of IT, Information Systems Auditing Process, IT Life Cycle Management and Systems Acquisition, IT Service Management and Business Resilience, and Protection of Information Assets
This self-paced course is facilitated by ed2go and offered by Greenways Academy of Alaska. It’s designed to prepare students for the associated certification exam and allows students to purchase the course independently, or as a bundle with a voucher for the certification exam.
ISACA, the certification provider, is a separate entity and requires students to have at least five years of experience in information auditing, control, or security in order to take the certification exam. It’s open enrollment, so students can start and complete the required number of course hours at their convenience.
Key Takeaway: This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam.
Information Technology Foundations | edX
- Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Systems and Services, Network and Security, Scripting and Programming, and Data Management
This information technology course offered by edX is designed for beginners. It introduces students to the systems of IT and how they support business advancement. Some of the topics covered are operating systems, programming, databases, and hardware components, all within the context of professional methodologies and industry uses.
edX provides an audit track that allows students to access course materials for free. However, students who choose the audit version aren’t allowed to participate in graded assignments and exams, nor do they receive a shareable certificate at the end. Students who pay the $222.29 fee are given access to all of those features.
Key Takeaway: This IT foundations course focuses on all of the systems that make up information technology, and delivers instruction within the context of professional uses and methodologies.
Professional Certificate in IT Project Management | edX
- Learning Format: Three-course program
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Strategic Application of IT Project and Program Management, Portfolio Management, Governance, and Leadership and Management for PM Practitioners in IT
This Three-course certificate program is facilitated by edX and offered by the University of Washington. It’s designed for IT professionals who want to learn or expand their project management skills and focuses on IT strategies and techniques that assist in optimizing business operations.
Students are provided with a flexible learning format that allows them to learn at their own pace. If you abide by the suggested schedule, each class will take six weeks to complete, and will require two to five hours of study time per week. Upon completion, students earn the UW IT Project Management Certificate.
Key Takeaway: Coursera provides a platform for the University of Washington’s UW IT Project Management Certificate program. Students who are interested in the program but aren’t ready to commit are allowed to try a class before paying for the program.
ITIL 4 Foundation Training | Global Knowledge
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: IT Service Management Definitions, ITIL Service Value System, Service Value Chain Elements, and The Four Dimensions of Service Management
Global Knowledge has designed this on-demand course for professionals working in IT. Students are expected to know IT terminology and have IT-related work experience before enrolling in this course. Students who complete this course are prepared to take the ITIL Foundation Certification exam and are provided with a voucher to do so.
Once you purchase the course, you have access to the material for 90 days. The course covers a variety of subjects, including IT service management definitions, key concepts of value creation and service relationships, seven ITIL guiding principles, the ITIL service value system, service value chain elements, ITIL practices, and IT management.
Key Takeaway: This course thoroughly covers a variety of subjects related to IT management using ITIL. Students who pay for this course are given a voucher for the associated certification exam.
Information Security Course | Learndirect
- Learning Format: Class
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Information Security
Learndirect offers a 37-minute class to students who want to advance their education or career in information security. The class includes a personal tutor, flexible payment options, and allows students to learn at their own pace. The class is specifically designed for employees who work with computers or mobile devices.
Some of the key learning points include understanding what information security means and entails, setting secure passwords, and becoming familiarized with the laws that implement boundaries for sharing information. The class is intended to educate students on the legal aspects of information security, as well as equip them with the tools to implement security measures.
Key Takeaway: This short class is most ideal for anyone currently working in the tech industry, who wishes to expand their understanding of information security.
IT Network Cabling | Skillshare
- Learning Format: Class
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Structured Network Cabling, Building and Testing Cables, Copper and Fiber Technology, Common Cabling Errors, Cabling Methods, Cabling Tools, and Health and Safety
Skillshare offers a beginner-friendly class that’s solely focused on IT network cabling. Students enrolled in this class will have unlimited access to 43 class videos, flexible learning, and four hands-on projects. When you pay your monthly membership fee to Skillshare, you get access to every class it offers.
The class teacher has over 25 years of experience working in the industry and is an accredited operations manager. Some of the topics covered in this class include structured cabling, Ethernet, types of cables, an overview of shielded twisted pair (STP) and unshielded twisted pairs (UTP), stranded and solid cables, and network cabinets.
Key Takeaway: This course focuses on IT network cabling and is ideal for anyone interested in pursuing a cabling career.
The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2021 | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Hardware, networking, websites, programming, databases, the Internet, and security
Udemy offers this beginner’s guide to information technology, which includes three hours of on-demand video, one downloadable resource, two articles, lifetime access course content, and a certificate of completion. This course can be completed at your preferred pace.
Upon completion, students will know how to build a basic web page, tactics used by hackers, how the Internet works, computer networking technologies, cloud computing, the different hardware parts of a computer system, the different programming languages and frameworks, and how switchers and routers work.
Key Takeaway: This is an excellent course option for absolute beginners with minimal experience with computers and computer systems.
Information Technology Essentials | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: History of computing, emerging technologies, basic computer operation, software development, major information systems concepts, and basic HTML
Udemy offers a beginner course that focuses on information technology basics and essentials. Students enrolled in this course will have access to four hours of on-demand videos, three articles, 23 downloadable resources, assignments, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.
Some of the topics covered in this course include computer hardware, computer networking, an introduction to HTML, an introduction to programming, database management systems, cloud computing, computer security, and IT career information.
Key Takeaway: This four-hour course allows beginners to gain a broad understanding of IT concepts and skills, and offers flexible learning and offline lessons.
Online IT Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
Although they’re often spoken of interchangeably, online classes, training programs, and courses all differ in subtle ways. While classes are typically focused on one topic and last a few hours, the lessons in courses and training programs usually include a variety of related topics and can last anywhere between several hours to several months.
How to Choose the Right Online IT Course, Class, or Training Program
Provider
When determining which online IT program is right for you, it’s important to consider the reputation of the provider. One of the easiest ways to determine whether or not the provider is reputable is by researching reviews.
If you’re pursuing an online IT course for personal reasons, you might not be too concerned about the provider’s reputation. However, if you’re looking for better career opportunities, it will be helpful to ensure your program provider will be recognized by employers.
Purpose
Your purpose for enrolling in an online IT course probably plays the biggest role in determining which program is right for you. Things like length of time, cost, flexibility, concentration, and type of certificate all depend on why you’re pursuing IT certificate courses.
If you’re pursuing an IT course for personal education or development reasons, you should choose a program option that fits your budget, time commitment, and interest. If you’re enrolling in an online IT course for professional reasons, you’ll want to consider the reputation of the provider, length of time, concentration, and whether or not you’re awarded a certificate.
Affordability
While some online IT programs are free, others can cost as much as thousands of dollars. Many program providers offer financial aid, scholarships, flexible payment options, as well as company, student, educator, and veteran discounts.
If you’re pursuing an IT course as per your employer’s request, your organization is likely to cover the cost. Most program providers implement huge discounts for teams or businesses who pursue professional development through its program.
IT Course Certificates vs Certifications
IT course certificates are typically awarded to students who complete the related course, and provide proof of completion. Alternatively, IT course certifications are earned through passing the related exam, and they provide proof of qualification.
Importance of IT Certifications
An IT certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your qualification in the field. Certifications are highly reputable and valuable to employers. This allows you to qualify for IT positions related to your certification with minimal experience.
Why You Should Take Online IT Courses or Classes
Information technology is involved in nearly every single organization and industry. Investing your time, money, and effort into learning IT pays off quickly. As technology continues to advance and expand, so will the demand for IT professionals. Online education courses are quickly becoming a part of everyday business training solutions.
Technology has made it possible to pursue online learning from the comfort of your own home, and at the convenience of your schedule. There are now thousands of video courses complete with video lectures that you can access from any mobile device. There are also multiple interactive courses that provide the hands-on practice you’ll need to do well in the IT field.
IT Courses Make Online Learning a Breeze
Luckily for anyone interested in IT, there is a surplus of online courses in information technology management.
Taking courses to earn a professional certificate can seem much more practical than dropping thousands of dollars on a related degree. IT courses are especially handy if you aren’t sure whether you want to major in technology.
Online learning is a fantastic way for anyone, regardless of age or education level, to access useful information. It will allow you to harness that knowledge for a future career.
IT courses include subjects that could also be used to learn supplementary information to your already illustrious data science career path. These classes can give you a foot in the door to an industry you have long been interested in.
Now all you need to do is find a course that meshes with what area you want to specialize in and go from there.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
