Advancing Within IT Support
If you're already in a help desk role, the next real step up is Network+ — it signals you're ready for infrastructure-adjacent responsibility rather than pure ticket resolution.
PrerequisitesCurrent or recent hands-on IT support experience (paid or otherwise). A+ helps but isn't strictly required if you already have the job.
Estimated costA single Network+ exam voucher is commonly in a similar range to a single A+ exam.
Estimated timeline4–6 weeks part-time, since day-to-day job exposure already covers a meaningful share of the material.
Skills you'll actually need
- Networking fundamentals beyond what A+ covers
- Some exposure to servers or infrastructure, even informally
- Willingness to take on on-call or escalation responsibility, which Tier 2/3 roles often require
Recommended steps
- 1. CompTIA Network+
Covers networking concepts, troubleshooting, and infrastructure basics — the natural next credential once A+-level material is second nature from the job itself.
Skip the bootcamp for this path. Not applicable at this stage — a direct certification path is faster and cheaper than a bootcamp for a lateral or upward move within IT support.
Roles this typically opens
- Senior IT support technician
- Junior systems administrator
- NOC technician
What salary progression actually looks like
This is typically where the largest salary jump in the IT support lane actually happens — moving from Tier 1 into a sysadmin-track or NOC role, not from additional tenure in Tier 1 itself.
The biggest obstacles people underestimate
- Some employers want to see actual hands-on infrastructure exposure alongside Network+, not just the certification — if your current role doesn't offer that exposure, you may need to seek it out proactively or find a lateral move first
Who should not choose this pathway
- If you're satisfied with ticket-based work and don't want on-call or escalation responsibility — more tenure in a Tier 1 role, rather than pushing toward Network+, might suit you better
Explore this pathway further
Career context
- Easiest tech jobs to break into first
- IT Support vs. Cybersecurity vs. Data
- Entry-level tech salaries by role
Certifications
Bootcamps & how to decide
- Do certifications actually get you hired? — why this path skips it
Tools
- Take the 2-minute bootcamp-vs-certification quiz
- Explore a different background or goal in the Pathway Finder
Before you decide Cost and timeline figures above are commonly cited ranges, not live-verified pricing. Confirm current exam fees and program costs directly with the certifying body or provider before paying for anything.
TechPathU Editorial Team
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.