Learn tech on your own: Essential tips and resources for success

Of course, to pursue a tech career path, you'll need some technical training to begin developing your tech skills. Having basic computing skills will help you establish your foundational knowledge in the field, allowing you to narrow down and develop more specialized tech skills. This technical training aside, don't dismiss your transferrable soft skills that are critical in nearly every tech role, especially entry-level roles.

If you're like many people who are new to the field, you might be feeling overwhelmed about information technology training, and might not be sure about the best way to navigate a learning path. In today's digital age, knowledge has never been more accessible, and there are many free and affordable ways to get the tech training needed for a new career.

What tech fundamental skills should I know?

Tech is vast, with many different facets, skills, and specialties. Still, you should be familiar with fundamental tech skills. For example, you should familiarize yourself with the standard operating systems, including Mac OS, iOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Android, and Linux OS. Everything in tech happens on these platforms and you must understand how these computer systems work before anything else.

When you're ready, CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for getting into tech and touches on the operating systems listed above while covering the learning objectives listed below. Becoming CompTIA A+ certified validates your skills and knowledge to employers, allowing you to get your foot in the door.

You'll cover the following topics in your introduction to information technology self-study program:

• Hardware: How to identify, use and connect components

• Software troubleshooting: How to troubleshoot common OS, malware and security issues

• Networking: How to explain types of networks and connections

• Troubleshooting: How to troubleshoot hardware and network issues

• Security: How to identify and protect against security vulnerabilities

• Mobile devices: How to install and configure laptops and other mobile devices

• Virtualization and cloud computing: How to compare concepts

• Operational procedures: How to follow best practices

When you've mastered the tech basics, you will be qualified to work at a help desk in a technical support role - a common entry-level tech job. You could also qualify to work in a tech project management role if you already have the fundamental skills related to project management.

Entry-level tech jobs are competitive, and employers are increasingly recognizing the value and importance of certifications. Tech certifications allow you to stand out from other candidates and help you gain the skills you need for the job.

Ready to see where your skills can take you? Take our free career quiz to match your skills and personality to the right tech job.

What are the benefits of learning information technology on your own?

While there are plenty of tech courses for beginners, you can also learn tech on your own. The biggest benefit to undergoing information technology training on your own is that you'll have control over how you learn, what you learn, and at what pace. Typically, learning on your own is a lot faster (and more cost-effective) than enrolling in a standard degree program or online tech courses at your nearby college or university.

Additionally, while earning a four-year degree in computer science or information systems is valuable, it's not always necessary, especially since computer technology can quickly outpace curriculums. If you choose the right training solutions, you can quickly gain the tech skills employers are looking for. These new skills paired with some hands-on experiences may help get you an interview and eventually land you your first job.

Resources for learning tech on your own

There are a few ways you can learn tech on your own - and many of them include expert instruction and support. You could participate in a specialized information technology course online, you could self-study with tutorials and study guides, or you could earn a tech certification. The best solution is likely a combination of all three methods.

At CompTIA, our CertMaster training solutions help you learn the skills you need to succeed. As a global leader in tech skills development and education, you'll have access to tech resources that cater to your unique learning styles and specific job roles and skill sets. Through hands-on skills development, simulation labs, practice questions, and more, you can learn what you want, how you want, at a pace that works for you.

Information technology courses

There are plenty of tech courses you can take either in person or online to learn specific skills like programming languages, software development, cloud computing, and computer networking.

CompTIA Live Online Training is an instructor-led program that brings the classroom experience to you. Live Online Training students receive hands-on test preparation from industry-leading instructors while also being able to engage and discuss materials with peers in real-time. Beginner classes include studying toward CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and, CompTIA Security+ certification.

CompTIA's broad range of training and certification offerings allow you to dive into specific job roles and skill sets. Our comprehensive self-paced training options include:

• CompTIA CertMaster Learn is a comprehensive, self-paced eLearning environment that uses videos, assessments, and performance-based questions to prepare candidates for their certification exams.

• CompTIA CertMaster Labs helps learners gain hands-on experience configuring a wide range of technologies in a self-paced, pre-configured browser-based environment in order to prepare for practical aspects of the exams.

• CompTIA CertMaster Practice is an adaptive knowledge assessment tool that determines what a learner has already mastered and what they still need to learn to improve confidence and increase retention before the exam.

Since there are so many options to build in-demand skills, finding the right course may be the hardest part. Take your time to do your homework and make sure the course you enroll in will meet your objectives.

Tutorials and study guides

There are unlimited tech raining course options, and the resources you can find online are equally overwhelming. Learning via tutorials and study guides is probably the most universal approach, as we've all encountered this learning style in high school.

There are also some helpful options to be found on YouTube or Reddit. These are great places to see what tech pros recommend based on their own learning experiences. The key here is to make sure the content you are using is up-to-date and relevant. You don't want to waste your time studying outdated material. Because of this, CompTIA exams and study guides are updated every three years to keep the content of exams fresh and aligned with the ever-changing nature of the technology industry.

Training through tech certifications

Studying toward a tech certification is a great choice for two reasons:

• It provides direction -- Self-studying for a tech certification provides you with a roadmap that guides you to learn the different concepts and scenarios that will be on the exam. You don't have to worry about studying outdated material or ending up in a class that doesn't suit your needs. CompTIA certifications also align with specific job roles like data management and system administrator so you can choose the training and certification that will prepare you for the job you want.

• You walk away with a certification in hand -- After you complete your training and successfully pass your certification exam, you'll have tangible proof of your skills. CompTIA certifications validate your skills to potential employers, preparing you with the technical skills you need to meet today's job demands. According to CompTIA's Workforce and Learning Trends 2024 report, about half of HR professionals say a skills-based approach to hiring is a "new and compelling strategy."