In recent years, the demand for IT professionals has skyrocketed like never before. Companies are looking for tech-savvy individuals, whether for cybersecurity reasons, managing networks, or developing sleek apps. But here’s the downer—as demand increases, so does competition. And when competition’s as high as it is in the IT field, you need something extra under your belt to make a difference.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best IT courses for beginners, from the foundational courses offered by giants like IBM and Google to specialized paths like cybersecurity and data science.
Table of Contents
What Is An IT Course?
An IT course is a structured program that teaches you the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a professional career in the IT field (more on how to learn IT here). These courses lay the foundation of technical proficiency and problem-solving strategies, whether understanding the basics of computer science or learning the complexities of network securities.
Best IT Courses For Beginners
Springboard: Introduction To Data Analytics
Springboard’s Introduction to Data Analytics course is a four-week, fully online program that introduces beginners to the fundamental skills needed for a career in IT. Throughout the course, students will improve their Excel skills, apply problem-solving frameworks and structured thinking used by analysts, and understand the distinct roles of data analysis in data science.
This course mirrors Springboard’s Data Analytics Career Track and includes mentorship features such as personalized guidance, project feedback, and industry insights.
RATING
4.6/5 @ Course Report
PRICE
$349
FEATURES
- Hands-on projects
- One-on-one mentorship with four 30-minute sessions with industry experts
- Career coaching consultation
- Lifetime access and community
JOB GUARANTEE?
No (you’ll need to sign up for Springboard’s Data Analytics Career Track to access the job guarantee)
Springboard: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The Cybersecurity Bootcamp from Springboard is a six-month, beginner-friendly, part-time program that includes one-on-one mentorship, career coaching, and a curriculum that consists of the latest cybersecurity practices and tools, such as Kali, Metasploit, Wireshark, and more.
The program covers various topics, from AI applications in cybersecurity to network security, threat detection, and incident response.
An extra standout feature is the guarantee that you will land a job after you complete the bootcamp, or you will receive a full refund.
RATING
4.6/5 @ Course Report
PRICE
$11,900
FEATURES
- One-on-one mentorship
- Career coaching;
- Graduation with a CompTIA Security+ Certification
- New AI for Cybersecurity Professionals learning units
JOB GUARANTEE?
Yes
IBM (On Coursera): Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone
Designed by the IBM Skills Network Team and available on Coursera, this course covers broad, essential IT topics and a practical approach to learning.
It’s perfect for everyone, regardless of their background, especially those working in non-IT roles, such as project managers, who wish to gain a foundational understanding of IT to enhance collaboration with their tech teams.
RATING
4.6/5 @ Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription.
FEATURES
- Coverage of all IT fundamentals
- Flexible schedule
- Shareable certificate
- Access to financial aid
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Google Career Certificates (On Coursera): Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a course designed by Google to make students job-ready in less than six months, with no prior degree or experience required.
It’s an exceptional starting point for anyone looking to enter IT, offering in-depth training in fundamental IT skills such as computer assembly, wireless networking, software installation, and comprehensive customer service.
The program also offers preparation for the CompTIA A+ exams, adding a valuable dual credential to your portfolio.
RATING
4.8/5 @ Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription
FEATURES
- Over 100 hours of interactive lessons
- Preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam
- Career resources
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Dash (By General Assembly)
Dash by General Assembly is a free online course that introduces beginners to the fundamentals of coding with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through interactive projects that can be completed directly in your browser.
You’ll learn practical skills, such as crafting your first fully-styled landing page or creating dynamic interfaces.
RATING
3.5/5 @ PCMag
PRICE
Free
FEATURES
- Hands-on projects
- Interactive learning
- Self-paced
- Access to General Assembly’s resources and community
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
The Odin Project
The Odin Project has an open-source curriculum for aspiring web developers who want to kickstart their careers in IT. It curates the best online tutorials, blogs, and courses available and organizes them into a coherent and logical learning path that covers everything from the basics of HTML and CSS to advanced topics like Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, and React.
As you progress through the curriculum, you build various projects that solidify your understanding of crucial IT concepts and ultimately result in a portfolio of work.
RATING
4.7/5 @ SwitchUp
PRICE
Free
FEATURES
- Full-stack web development curriculum
- Project-based learning
- Open-source community
- Self-paced learning
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
freeCodeCamp: Data Analysis With Python
The Data Analysis With Python course on freeCodeCamp is a free resource that teaches students the fundamentals of data analysis using Python, such as extracting and reading data from various sources (including CSVs, SQL databases, and Excel files) and using powerful open-source libraries like Numpy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Seaborn.
One of the key highlights of this course is introducing a Jupyter Notebook course, which introduces students to one of the most popular tools for data analysis and scientific computing.
RATING
4/5 on PCMag
PRICE
Free
FEATURES
- Video courses
- Hands-on projects to build a portfolio
- Python refresher course included
- Self-paced learning
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Google Career Certificates (On Coursera): Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate offered through Coursera helps you get job-ready within six months, with no experience required, by teaching you how to use tools such as spreadsheets, SQL, R programming, and Tableau.
The curriculum provides an understanding of the daily practices and processes of a junior or associate data analyst. It is also flexible, designed to be completed in less than 10 hours a week, making it accessible to learners with various schedules.
RATING
4.8/5 @ Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription
FEATURES
- Flexible learning schedule
- Hands-on projects
- Direct job application opportunities with Google
- Access to exclusive career resources
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Dr. Angela Yu (On Udemy): iOS & Swift – The Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp
Dr. Angela Yu’s iOS & Swift – The Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp on Udemy is an across-the-board course that transforms beginners into proficient iOS app developers. It covers everything from the fundamentals of Swift 5.1 to advanced concepts like machine learning with CoreML, augmented reality with ARKit, and the latest UI framework, SwiftUI.
Throughout the course, you’ll build over 25 real-world apps and understand iOS app development well.
RATING
4.7/5 @ Udemy
PRICE
$131
FEATURES
- 59.5 hours of on-demand video
- 12 coding exercises
- Access to 114 articles and 12 downloadable resources
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
TryHackMe: Introduction To Cybersecurity
TryHackMe’s Introduction to Cybersecurity course offers an engaging and practical entry point into cybersecurity. It breaks into manageable sections covering offensive and defensive security, career pathways, and current industry topics.
It includes 24 hours of content, structured into three tasks and eight hands-on labs across eight rooms. You’ll learn to hack your first application and defend against live cyber attacks.
RATING
4.8/5 on Trust Pilot
PRICE
Free with a Premium or Business subscription
FEATURES
- Introduction to key cybersecurity concepts
- Coverage of the various career paths available
- Hands-on learning
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
IBM (On Coursera): IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate
The IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate is perfect for those aspiring to become IT project managers, as it teaches the most current practical skills and tools used in IT project management roles.
The program promises to make students job-ready in less than three months. It focuses on Agile methodologies, project tracking and management, and effective communication across the project management lifecycle.
RATING
4.8/5 on Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription
FEATURES
- Taught by top instructors from the IBM Skills Network Team
- Covers in-demand skills
- Hands-on projects
- Career support resources
- Awards a Professional Certificate from IBM
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Codecademy: Data Science Foundations
Without requiring any prerequisites, the Data Science Foundations course by Codecademy introduces students to the essentials of data cleaning, analysis, and visualization through a curriculum steeped in practical application and industry-standard tools.
You’ll become proficient in Python, pandas, and SQL and be able to work on hands-on projects and lectures.
RATING
3.2/5 on SwitchUp
PRICE
Free
FEATURES
- Jupyter Notebook integration
- AI-assisted learning
- Hands-on learning
- Access to Codecademy’s mobile IDE
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
IBM (On Coursera): IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
The IBM Data Science Professional Certificate on Coursera is an industry-recognized course that teaches students the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in IT, especially data science.
It’s offered by IBM (a leading technology company) and has a well-rounded curriculum that covers various aspects of data science, including data manipulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. Students will work on real-world projects and gain experience using industry-standard tools and technologies like Python, SQL, Jupyter Notebooks, and IBM Cloud.
RATING
4.6/5 on Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription
FEATURES
- Hands-on projects using real-world datasets
- Access to IBM Cloud
- Certificates from IBM
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Dr. Angela Yu (On Udemy): 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp
Dr. Angela Yu’s course on Udemy has a unique approach. Students commit to coding for 100 consecutive days, building one project per day, totaling 100 projects by the end of the course.
Rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts, Dr. Yu emphasizes practical application by guiding students through the development of various real-world projects. These projects cover multiple topics, including web development, data science, automation, game development, and more.
RATING
4.7/5 on Udemy
PRICE
$18
FEATURES
- 100 hands-on coding projects, one per day
- Covers a wide range of Python applications
- Money-back guarantee
JOB GUARANTEE?
Meta (On Coursera): Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate
Developed by experts from Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, this course provides a practical and industry-relevant curriculum that prepares students for in-demand roles in the IT field.
As part of this program, you’ll learn how to code and build interactive websites and develop in-demand skills in creating landing page designs using various tools like Figma and Bootstrap. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare for technical interviews.
RATING
4.7/5 @ Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription
FEATURES
- Front-end development essentials;
- Technical interviews prep;
- A professional certificate from Meta;
- Access to career resources.
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Colt Steele (On Udemy): The Web Developer Bootcamp 2024
Designed to be a one-stop shop for aspiring web developers, Colt Steele’s course covers a wide range of technologies and frameworks, ensuring students are prepared for the job market.
It emphasizes building real-world applications in real-world scenarios, and students will work on creating multiple projects, including a complete application called “YelpCamp.”
RATING
4.7/5 @ Udemy
PRICE
$22
FEATURES
- Lectures, code-alongs, and exercises
- Continuous updates with new content
- Engaging approach
- Covers best practices, security considerations, and deployment strategies
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
Stanford University And DeepLearning.AI (On Coursera): Machine Learning Specialization
The Machine Learning Specialization offered by Stanford University and DeepLearning.AI on Coursera is a foundational course teaching the fundamentals of machine learning. Developed in collaboration between DeepLearning.AI and Stanford Online, this specialization is taught by Andrew Ng, a renowned AI visionary and pioneer in machine learning.
It covers topics from supervised and unsupervised learning techniques to neural networks, decision trees, and deep reinforcement learning.
RATING
4.9/5 on Coursera
PRICE
Free with a Coursera Plus subscription
FEATURES
- Hands-on projects
- Opportunities to build and train machine learning models
- Access to a supportive learning community and resources
JOB GUARANTEE?
No
What Makes A Good IT Course For Beginners?
There are hundreds of IT courses out there, and you’ll need to evaluate them based on specific criteria to ensure they align with your goals and provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Our panel of data science and IT experts at Springboard has come up with a few key factors to consider when determining which courses are worth investing your time and money in.
- Syllabus. A well-designed syllabus should clearly outline the topics covered, the order in which they are taught, and the expected learning outcomes. Pay close attention to the depth and breadth of the material covered. A good syllabus should cover the fundamentals while also introducing you to the latest trends and technologies in the field. Even more important, the syllabus should be structured logically and progressively, allowing you to build upon your knowledge gradually.
- Instructors’ quality and credentials. The quality of the instructors can make or break your learning experience. When evaluating an IT course, take the time to research the instructors’ backgrounds, credentials, and teaching styles. Look for instructors with relevant industry experience, academic qualifications, and a proven track record of teaching success. A good instructor should be a great mentor and be able to explain complex concepts clearly and engagingly. They should be able to adapt their teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and provide guidance and support throughout the course.
- Skills taught. When choosing an IT course, look at the skills and technologies covered. A well-rounded course should also focus on developing transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. Here are some key skills to look for:
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++);
- Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks);
- Database management (SQL, NoSQL);
- Networking and cybersecurity;
- Cloud computing and virtualization;
- Data analysis and visualization.
- Specialization. The IT world is vast. While a broad understanding of it is essential, many courses offer specializations in specific areas, such as cybersecurity, data science, or web development. Knowing your interests and career goals can help you choose a course that aligns with your desired specialization.
- Student reviews. Take the time to read through reviews from past and current students to get more insights into their experiences. Pay attention to the feedback on the course content, instructors, pace, and overall quality. Positive reviews indicate a well-structured course, knowledgeable instructors, and effective teaching methods. Negative reviews are sometimes even more important—they can highlight potential areas for improvement or specific challenges you may encounter.
- Career guidance. It can include resume writing workshops, interview preparation, networking opportunities, or job placement assistance. Often, the degree to which a student was offered career guidance makes the difference between being employable and still looking for a job months later.
- Certification. Many IT courses offer the opportunity to earn a certification at the end of the program. This increases one’s credibility and chances of success. Remember that a certification shouldn’t be your sole determining factor when picking a course. The quality of the course content and your overall learning experience should be the primary considerations.
Making The Most Out Of Your IT Course
Taking an IT course for beginners is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset and expectations to make the most out of it.
What Should You Expect To Learn In An IT Course For Beginners?
First things first, you’ll likely start with the basics—getting familiar with computer hardware, software, and operating systems. These are the building blocks that’ll help you understand how everything works.
From there, you’ll explore various IT domains and technologies:
- Programming languages like Python, Java, or C++
- Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Databases (SQL, NoSQL)
- Networking and cybersecurity fundamentals
- Introduction to cloud computing and virtualization
The critical thing to remember is that as a beginner, you’ll be exposed to a broad range of topics to help you figure out what interests you the most.
How Can You Implement The Learnings?
So, you’ve gone through the course and learned a ton of stuff. Now, it’s time to put those skills into action.
Here are some ideas to help you implement your new IT knowledge:
- Volunteer. Look for non-profits or community organizations that could use your help with web development, database management, or other IT-related tasks. It’s a win-win – you get real-world experience, and they get free support.
- Freelance gigs: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find entry-level freelance jobs in web design, programming, or data entry.
- Open-source projects: Contributing to open-source projects is an excellent way to gain practical experience, collaborate with other developers, and build your GitHub profile (which looks fantastic to potential employers).
- Entry-level jobs: With the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired, you can start applying for entry-level IT positions like help desk support, junior web developer, or IT technician. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while – keep learning and building your portfolio.
The more you practice and apply what you’ve learned, the more confident and skilled you’ll become.
FAQs About Beginner IT Courses
We answer your most frequently asked questions.
What Are The Best IT Skills To Learn?
Some of the best IT skills to focus on are programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, web development (HTML, CSS, frameworks), database management, networking and cybersecurity fundamentals, and cloud computing.
Can You Get An IT Job Without A Degree?
Definitely! While a degree can be helpful, many IT jobs prioritize practical skills and experience over formal education. With the proper training, certifications, and a strong portfolio of projects, you can land entry-level IT roles without a traditional four-year degree.
What’s The Fastest Way To Get Into An IT Career?
The fastest way is to focus on in-demand skills like coding, web development, or cybersecurity through intensive bootcamps or online courses. To learn to code fast, build a portfolio, get certified, and apply for entry-level positions or internships. Networking and freelancing can also help you gain experience quickly.
What’s The Easiest IT Job To Start With?
Many consider help desk or technical support roles to be among the most accessible entry points into the IT field. These jobs involve troubleshooting hardware and software issues, providing customer service, and learning foundational IT skills on the job.
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