How Long Does It Take to Be an IT Specialist? Many IT specialists earn a four-year bachelor's degree. However, education requirements for IT positions vary, and some employers will accept experience in place of education. A relevant two-year associate's degree or experience gained through an internship or other job may be sufficient. Some IT professionals teach themselves skills such as coding or gain experience by working on their personal computers or home networks. In these cases, the time it takes to learn the necessary skills to become a professional will vary by the individual. For those looking to obtain a relevant certification, which can help with career advancement, it may take 6 months or a year to complete. The type of IT you specialize in will also influence the amount of experience or education you need. For example, a Tier 1 Help Desk Specialist may only need a basic understanding of computers and troubleshooting, whereas Network Engineers need in-depth knowledge of routers, switches, and other networking hardware, as well as protocols and topologies. The time it takes to become a professional in each field will vary depending on the complexity and depth of the role, and professionals will also need to keep up with changing technologies. Are you looking to start a career as an IT Specialist? RedShift Recruiting is the region's top IT Staffing Agency! Contact our recruiters today to learn about our current openings.