Note (October 2026): This guide has been updated. An earlier version recommended an essay-writing website as a skills resource and pointed readers to Office 2010, which Microsoft stopped supporting in October 2020.
To improve your IT skills, first identify the gap (everyday digital skills, office software, IT support, networking, security or programming), then take a structured course that ends in a recognized credential such as ICDL, the Google IT Support Certificate, CompTIA A+ or a Microsoft certification. Practice on real tasks every week and renew credentials as they expire.
Key Takeaways
- Start with a self-assessment: the UK Essential Digital Skills Framework groups everyday skills into five areas, a useful checklist for beginners.
- Match the course to the goal: ICDL suits office users, the Google IT Support Certificate and CompTIA A+ suit entry-level IT support, and Network+ or Security+ suit networking and security roles.
- Use current software: Microsoft ended support for Office 2010 in October 2020 and for Office 2016 in October 2025, so train on a supported version.
- Plan for renewal: CompTIA certifications must be renewed every three years; Microsoft associate and expert certifications are renewed yearly through a free online assessment.
- Do your own work: services that write assignments for you do not build skills and are illegal in several countries.
This guide explains what you need to know about Improving Your IT Skills. Many professions now expect a solid level of IT skill as standard, and office roles commonly assume you can use word processing, email and spreadsheet software such as Word, Outlook and Excel at least at a basic level.
How to Improve Your IT Skills
However, there is a great deal more to be learned and for many professionals, equipping themselves with sufficient knowledge means that they are able to move forwards in their careers. As we all know, advancements in technology are rapid and ever-changing, and as such it is very important that workers keep abreast of computer usage.
If you are thinking of improving your IT skills, a computing course might be just what you need. Whether you would like to improve your understanding of a particular program such as Microsoft Excel (choose a course built on a supported version, because Microsoft ended support for Office 2010 in October 2020 and for Office 2016 in October 2025), or you need specific training on network technologies or computer programming, there is likely to be a course that targets your areas of weakness.
Employees may worry about how they will be able to combine work and study. If this is the case for you, then a distance learning IT course might be of particular interest. Rather than having to travel to and from the place of teaching, you can access an online course at any time that suits you.
You may even be able to arrange with your employer to take time out of work to complete the course. Having the freedom to choose how to study can only be beneficial when it comes to learning new IT skills. Avoid websites that offer to write assignments or dissertations for you, such as Dissertationhelp.com: paying someone else to do the work does not build any IT skill, and essay mills are illegal in several jurisdictions, including England, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
Employers may be interested to know that there is now a range of affordable IT courses that can be tailored to the needs of individual learners. Server and networking courses are available for all levels of ability, as are software development and database courses, desktop and Office training, and IT management training programs.
Such courses facilitate learning by encouraging the sharing of ideas via student forums, and by providing easy access to resources and an online learning platform.
The benefits of improving your IT skills are multiple. You will feel more confident in being able to do your job to a high standard. At the same time, you will become more aware of current developments in the technological world. In addition, securing a new skill is a confidence boost, one which might support you in future to further enhance your IT knowledge.
For employers, paying for employees to go on a particular IT course aimed at enhancing their skills also has its advantages. New computing skills are potentially brought into the office and deployed by staff. Such changes may in turn facilitate new ways of carrying out procedures, thus enhancing productivity and efficiency.
If your employees are currently reluctant to engage with technology, having a positive experience on an IT course may change their attitudes completely.
As we have seen, there are many reasons to take steps to improve either your own or your employees’ IT skills. With such a wide range of IT courses to choose from, why not have a look for a suitable course near you? 🙂
How Do You Know Which IT Skills to Improve?
The fastest way to improve IT skills is to measure where you stand before choosing a course. The UK government’s Essential Digital Skills Framework (updated April 2019) is a practical checklist because it splits everyday digital ability into five areas:
- Communicating: communicating, collaborating and sharing information.
- Handling information and content: finding, managing and storing digital information securely.
- Transacting: applying for services and buying, selling and managing transactions online.
- Problem solving: using digital tools and online services to find solutions.
- Being safe and legal online: staying safe, legal and confident online.
If you are confident in all five areas, the next step is usually job-specific skills: advanced spreadsheets, IT support, networking, cloud, cybersecurity or programming.
Step-by-Step: How to Improve Your IT Skills
- Write down the goal. Name the task or job you want to do, for example building Excel reports, moving into a help-desk role or securing a small office network.
- Assess your current level. Use the five areas above, or the syllabus of the certification you are considering, and mark each topic as known, partly known or new.
- Choose one structured course. A course with a published syllabus and a final exam keeps you focused; see the comparison table below.
- Practice on real tasks. Apply each lesson at work or on your own computer the same week, because skills that are not used fade quickly.
- Learn safe habits early. Use unique passwords for every account; a tool such as the secure password generator makes long random passwords easy.
- Earn a credential and keep it current. Note the renewal rules so the certificate still counts when an employer checks it.
Which IT Courses and Certifications Are Worth Considering?
The right IT certification depends on the role you want. The table summarizes widely recognized options, using details published by each provider or summarized on Wikipedia as of October 2026.
| Credential | Best for | What it covers | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICDL (formerly ECDL) | Office and everyday computer users | The Base certificate covers computer basics, internet fundamentals, word processing and spreadsheets; higher levels add modules such as presentations, databases and IT security | Check with the local ICDL provider |
| Google IT Support Professional Certificate | Beginners aiming for IT support jobs | A six-course series on hardware, software, troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and IT security; no prior experience required | Check the provider’s current terms |
| CompTIA A+ | Entry-level IT support and help-desk roles | Troubleshooting computers, phones and printers, networking, operating systems and deployment; requires two exams | Every 3 years |
| CompTIA Network+ | Network technicians | Network technician skills | Every 3 years |
| CompTIA Security+ | Entry-level security roles | Security knowledge that builds on Network+ topics | Every 3 years |
| Microsoft certifications | Microsoft 365, Azure and related roles | Fundamentals, associate, expert and specialty levels | Fundamentals do not expire; associate, expert and specialty certifications are renewed yearly by a free online assessment |
How long does an IT certificate take?
The time an IT certificate takes depends on the course and your starting point. Coursera, which hosts the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, suggests about three months at 10 hours a week for that program. Exam-based certifications such as CompTIA A+ have no fixed study period, so plan your schedule around the official exam objectives.
Online, Distance or Classroom Learning: Which Is Better?
Online and distance learning suits people who need to fit study around work, because lessons can be taken at any time. Classroom courses suit learners who want fixed schedules, live questions and hands-on lab time. For a broader comparison, see the pros and cons of online and traditional colleges, and if you are returning to study later in life, read about the pros and cons of going back to college as an adult learner.
How to Keep IT Skills Up to Date
- Follow the software lifecycle. Microsoft publishes end-of-support dates for its products; Office 2010 support ended in October 2020 and Office 2016 support ended in October 2025, so skills learned on those versions need refreshing.
- Track renewal dates. CompTIA certifications must be renewed every three years. Microsoft opens a six-month renewal window before an associate or expert certification expires; passing the free, open-book assessment extends it by one year.
- Add one specialism at a time. Cloud skills are a common next step after IT support; see the reasons to opt for cloud architect training.
- Practice the basics. Number systems underpin networking and programming; the binary calculator is a quick way to check your working.
Common Mistakes When Learning IT Skills
- Training on software versions that are no longer supported by the vendor.
- Collecting certificates without practicing the skills on real tasks.
- Choosing an advanced certification before covering the fundamentals it builds on, such as taking Security+ without networking knowledge.
- Paying a third party to complete assignments or exams, which teaches nothing and can lead to disciplinary or legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are basic IT skills?
Basic IT skills are the everyday abilities to communicate online, find and store information securely, complete transactions online, solve problems with digital tools and stay safe online, the five areas of the UK Essential Digital Skills Framework. Office users also need working knowledge of word processing, email and spreadsheets.
What is the best IT certification for beginners?
The best beginner IT certification depends on the goal. ICDL suits general office users, while the Google IT Support Professional Certificate (no prior experience required) and CompTIA A+ suit people aiming for IT support jobs.
Do IT certifications expire?
Many IT certifications expire. CompTIA certifications such as A+, Network+ and Security+ must be renewed every three years, and Microsoft associate, expert and specialty certifications are renewed yearly through a free online assessment; Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire.
Can I improve my IT skills online for free?
Yes, some IT learning is free. Microsoft, for example, provides free self-paced learning modules on Microsoft Learn, including the modules used to prepare for certification renewal. Exams and full certificate programs usually cost money, so check current prices with each provider.
Is it worth learning an old version of Microsoft Office?
Usually not. Microsoft ended extended support for Office 2010 in October 2020, so it no longer receives security updates. Learn on a supported version of the Office apps instead.
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1 Comment
Hey Harshil,
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Thanks for informative share, Harshil.
– Ravi.