<a href="https://www.codecademy.com/resources/blog/what-is-information-technology/">Information technology (IT)</a> is a broad field that encompasses all of the technologies used to communicate and store and process information. It's all around us — from laptops and smartphones to servers and self-driving cars.

What does an IT Specialist do?

IT Specialists help businesses build and maintain their systems and networks. Their work can involve setting up and configuring servers and databases, as well as ensuring compliance with cybersecurity measures and resolving their teams' IT issues.

What industries employ IT Specialists?

IT Specialists are in demand in every industry since most companies rely on IT systems and devices to conduct their business. If a company uses computers as a major aspect of their work, they will need IT support of some kind.

What are the advantages of an IT career?

Competitive salaries and job security are usually touted as the biggest advantages of working in IT, but there are other benefits as well. Remote work opportunities are great for those who like flexibility, and since tech is constantly evolving, IT professionals need to keep up with the latest in their fields.

Can I get into IT without a degree?

Absolutely! <a href="https://www.codecademy.com/resources/blog/why-more-tech-companies-are-dropping-degree-requirements-when-hiring/">Companies have been dropping degree requirements</a> over the past few years to help draw more people into the field and make tech more equitable and inclusive (though earning certifications can help you stand out as a strong candidate).

Free

Course

Introduction to IT

Take your first steps into the world of IT, or Information Technology! Introduction to IT will teach you about core IT subjects.

This course includes

42,279 learners enrolled

This course includes

Skill level
Beginner
Time to complete
Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary

3 hours
Projects
1
Prerequisites
None

About this course

This course provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Information Technology (IT), covering essential concepts in computer systems, networking, software, and cybersecurity. Learn the fundamentals of IT and how it powers modern businesses and technology-driven industries.

Skills you'll gain

Understand computer basics and IT essentials
Learn networking, operating systems, and applications
Explore software development, databases, and cybersecurity

Syllabus

6 lessons • 1 project • 7 quizzes

Certificate of completion available with Plus or Pro
Earn a certificate of completion and showcase your accomplishment on your resume or LinkedIn.

The platform

Hands-on learning

Animated GIF of an AI provided error explanation within Codecademy's learning environment

An AI-generated hint within the instructions of a Codecademy project

Animated GIF of Codecademy's Job Readiness Checker tool generating a compatibility report for a senior software engineer role

Animated GIF of building a phone screen interview using Codecademy's Interview Simulator

A fill-in-the-blank JavaScript question in a Codecademy assessment

Explore features

Projects in this course

practice Project
Decrypt Secret Messages
Practice decrypting intercepted data using the command line to thwart Evil Corp.

Meet the creator of the course

Meet the full team

Alex DiStasi

Curriculum Developer

Alex is a curriculum developer within the computer science domain, helping create courses like Introduction to IT, Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Java for Programmers, Learn Swift, and more.

Meet the full team

Earn a certificate of completion

Show your network you've done the work by earning a certificate of completion for each course or path you finish.

Show proofReceive a certificate that demonstrates you've completed a course or path.
Build a collectionThe more courses and paths you complete, the more certificates you collect.
Share with your networkEasily add certificates of completion to your LinkedIn profile to share your accomplishments.