What Is Data Communication? Basics to Know
November 22, 2024
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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
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No prior experience or degree required to get started.
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.
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Learners who pass the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate will receive a voucher for 50% off the MS-900 certificate exam.
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.
1 Microsoft solutions boost productivity of Fortune 500 frontline workers with next-generation AI. (2023, August 10).
Applied Learning Project
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Our goal at Microsoft is to empower every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more. In this next revolution of digital transformation, growth is being driven by technology. Our integrated cloud approach creates an unmatched platform for digital transformation. We address the real-world needs of customers by seamlessly integrating Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, LinkedIn, GitHub, Microsoft Power Platform, and Azure to unlock business value for every organization—from large enterprises to family-run businesses. The backbone and foundation of this is Azure.
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
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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.
Qualify for in-demand job titles:
· Entry-level IT Support Specialist or IT Support Professional
· Help Desk Technician
· Technical support specialist
· Network Support Specialist
· Systems Administrator
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.
It typically takes 3 months to complete the 6 courses. But some learners may go through the content faster.
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.
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.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
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, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. 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.
¹ Median salary and job opening data are sourced from Lightcast™ Job Postings Report. Data for job roles relevant to featured programs (2/1/2024 - 2/1/2025)
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