About this Specialization

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In today’s connected world, core knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies is vital for almost every function, or role within an organization. Adding storage, updating an operating system, connecting to a network, recognizing phishing, and setting up Cloud instances are some of the skills employees need or need help with. This five-course specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist, data analyst, data scientist, AI specialist, web developer, software engineer, systems administrator, DevOps and site reliability engineer, data center technician, networking specialist, IT Manager, and cyber-security analyst. You’ll acquire hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing knowledge and skills that can prepare you for an entry-level IT role or better help you understand and manage IT responsibilities within your organization. In addition to receiving an IBM credential upon successful completion of this specialization, it provides a dual benefit of preparing you for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (IFT+) Certification Exam, which can attest to your skills, helping you gain a competitive advantage. This program is for beginners. To start this program, no prior IT background, programming experience, or cloud skills are required. All that's necessary is basic computer literacy.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Beginner Level
Approximately 7 months to complete
Suggested pace of 2 hours/week
English
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Beginner Level
Approximately 7 months to complete
Suggested pace of 2 hours/week
English

How the Specialization Works

Take Courses

A Coursera Specialization is a series of courses that helps you master a skill. To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. It’s okay to complete just one course — you can pause your learning or end your subscription at any time. Visit your learner dashboard to track your course enrollments and your progress.

Hands-on Project

Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project(s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.

Earn a Certificate

When you finish every course and complete the hands-on project, you'll earn a Certificate that you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.

There are 5 Courses in this Specialization

Course1

Course 1

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

4.8
stars
481 ratings
Course2

Course 2

Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

4.8
stars
119 ratings
Course3

Course 3

Introduction to Cloud Computing

4.7
stars
3,399 ratings
Course4

Course 4

Introduction to Networking and Storage

4.7
stars
189 ratings

Offered by

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IBM Skills Network

Frequently Asked Questions

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