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How to become an IT support technician

IT support technicians set up computers and software, fix technical problems and help people who are stuck, in person, by phone or remotely.

You could work on a help desk for a company, school, hospital or council, or for an IT services firm supporting several clients.

There is no licence to practise. Many people start through an apprenticeship, a college course or a trainee job.

  • Multiple routes
  • No licence needed
  • Earn while learning possible

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AApprenticeship

    IT apprenticeship: Information communications technician (Level 3)

    For those who want to earn a wage straight after school or college and learn IT support on the job.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own requirements
    • The National Careers Service says Level 3 apprenticeships usually ask for 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for an Information communications technician (Level 3) apprenticeship
    2. Work on a help desk or in an IT team; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. Work as an IT support technician
    5. You could specialise later, for example in networks or cyber security
    Estimated duration
    About 18 months
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Information communications technician (Level 3) at a typical 18 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £15,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BWork + study

    College course, then a trainee technician job

    For those who want to study IT at college first, then start as a trainee and keep learning at work.

    Starting requirements

    • Entry requirements vary by college; the National Careers Service says T Levels usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
    • Useful courses include computing, IT support, ICT systems and the T Level in Digital Support and Security
    • Customer service skills are important in IT support

    Pathway outline

    1. Take a college course in computing or IT, or the T Level in Digital Support and Security
    2. Apply for a trainee technician or help desk role
    3. Study IT support qualifications while you work
    4. Build experience and move up to technician
    Estimated duration
    A college course, then on-the-job training
    How we estimate this

    Course length is set by each college; the calculator assumes 2 years. The National Careers Service describes study continuing alongside a trainee job.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Not enough dataPlus: CompTIA's certification page does not show a UK exam pricePaid up front by you: Not enough dataPublished fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From your first trainee job, usually after college.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CCareer change

    Career change: from customer service into IT support

    For adults with customer service or admin experience who want to move into IT.

    Starting requirements

    • Some IT skills and knowledge are usually needed; customer service skills are important
    • Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+ are optional; some employers ask for them
    • Adults can also apply for IT apprenticeships

    Pathway outline

    1. Build basic IT skills through free resources, a course or a Skills Bootcamp
    2. You could take CompTIA A+ (two exams)
    3. Apply for help desk or service desk roles, or an IT apprenticeship
    4. Keep learning on the job and move up to technician
    Estimated duration
    Varies — a Skills Bootcamp lasts up to 16 weeks
    How we estimate this

    Skills Bootcamps last up to 16 weeks. How long the move takes depends on your skills and the roles near you.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Not enough dataPlus: CompTIA's certification page does not show a UK exam pricePaid up front by you: Not enough dataPublished fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    You keep earning, although an entry IT role may pay less than your current job.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do I need qualifications to get into IT support?

Not by law. Some employers ask for GCSEs, a college course or an apprenticeship, and some ask for certifications such as CompTIA A+. Customer service skills matter too.

Where can IT support lead?

You could move into second or third-line support, networks, cloud, cyber security or software development with experience and training.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

Compare routes side by side