Desktop Support Technician → IT Support Technician

A realistic transition from Desktop Support Technician to IT Support Technician: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 48%. Difficulty: Easy.

Difficulty: Easy7 stepsDuration: 4 to 8 monthsOverlap: 48%

Transition from Desktop Support Technician to IT Support Technician.

Transferable skills

  • Windows / macOS administration
  • Networking (TCP/IP, VLAN)
  • Scripting (PowerShell)

Skills to learn

  • Device management (MDM)
  • Backup & restore
  • ITIL processes
  • Security hygiene

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Desktop Support Technician experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Windows / macOS administration
    • Networking (TCP/IP, VLAN)
    • Scripting (PowerShell)

    Map transferable skills — Windows / macOS administration, Networking (TCP/IP, VLAN), Scripting (PowerShell) — against what an IT Support Technician needs.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward IT Support Technician

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Active Directory

    Raise Active Directory to the level an IT Support Technician relies on.

  3. 3. Learn the core of the IT Support Technician role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Device management (MDM)
    • ITIL processes

    Technologies

    Windows ServerJamfGLPI

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Device management (MDM), ITIL processes.

  4. 4. Master advanced IT Support Technician skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Backup & restore
    • Security hygiene

    Technologies

    Wi-FiLinuxGit

    Handle the advanced topics: Backup & restore, Security hygiene.

  5. 5. Get productive with the IT Support Technician toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Windows ServerJamfGLPIWi-FiLinuxGit

    Be hands-on with Windows Server, Jamf, GLPI and the rest of the target stack.

  6. 6. Practise IT Support Technician work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on IT Support Technician tasks at work.

  7. 7. Get certified and position yourself as a IT Support Technician

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    CompTIA Network+Microsoft MD-102ITIL 4 Foundation

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around IT Support Technician, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes