Advance your career with

IT Support

Gain skills and a Google Certificate in 16 weeks without quitting your day job. Pay $0 upfront.

  • 16 weeks
  • 18 hours/week
Toya, Client Support     Tech Consultant at Intact Technology
Why IT Support

Why IT Support?

Considering a career change? IT Support is a rapidly growing field that offers engaging, people-focused work — and one of the most accessible on-ramps into a stable, well-paying career. Every industry runs on technology today, making IT skills some of the most transferable and in-demand in the job market.

Competitive CompensationIT support specialists are in high demand across all industries, with median entry-level salaries at $55,200 — with strong growth as experience builds.
In-Demand CareersWith a Google IT Support Certificate and our coaching, you'll open doors to entry-level IT Support job openings across the U.S.
Fulfilling Work & Flexibility Engage in people-centric roles that often offer flexible schedules. Our alumni secure roles such as:
Help Desk Technician
IT Specialist
Tech Support Specialist
Network Engineer
Database Administrator
Field Service Rep
A Merit America learner connecting with a peer during program
Salary Trajectory · U.S. Median
Entry
$55K
Mid
$73K
Senior
$108K
Source: Lightcast, 2025
The Career Track

Coursework plus a coach who gets you hired

A Career Track is a guided pathway that pairs industry-recognized coursework with real human coaching — together, they turn a certificate into an actual career change.

The coursework

Industry-recognized coursework — for IT Support, the Google IT Support Certificate through Coursera. Built for beginners, no experience required.

The coach

Merit America career coaching — workshops, peer support, and 1:1 guidance that keep you on track and help you get hired.

The Path — Start to Hired
1

Get connected

We meet learners where they are and connect their prior experience to where they want to go — no degree required.

2

Learn with tech & "touch"

Complete Google IT Support coursework through Coursera while receiving Merit America coaching, peer support, and 1:1 guidance.

3

Get hired

We help learners identify tailored opportunities across a network of 500+ employers hiring for entry-level IT roles.

4

Keep growing

Lifetime Coursera access, ongoing alumni support, and continuing education — long after you complete the program.

Your 16-Week Roadmap to an IT Support Career

Our program structure is designed to fit your life while giving you the rigorous skills employers expect. We combine flexible online learning with high-touch coaching.

Getting Oriented

Starting a new career is a big step, and we're here to make it as smooth as possible. In your first 4 weeks, you'll dive into the Google IT Support Certificate, meet your coach, and begin building momentum.

This period helps you experience the pace and expectations of the program. You'll have through the end of Week 5 to explore and receive a full refund if you decide not to continue.

18 Hours / WeekExpected Commitment

Technical Skills

Hardware & OSLearn core IT concepts, operating systems, and computer assembly fundamentals.
Networking BasicsPractice hands-on labs covering subnetting, IP addresses, and DNS/DHCP/VPN configurations.
Troubleshooting LabsExecute practical scenarios like creating files and installing software across systems.

Professional Skills

Orientation & CommunityAttend Orientation, connect with peers on the same journey, and master key tech platforms.
Career RoadmappingMap your career goals, identify where you need assistance, and define where you want to land in 16 weeks.
Professional PresenceDevelop early career growth strategies, including LinkedIn optimization and tech networking.
How It Works

How Merit America fits around your real life

$0 upfront

Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account. You won't pay anything until at least three months after you complete or exit your program.

Learn about the costs
And if it doesn't work out — you don't pay. If you don't earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don't have to pay. Learn how it works.
A Merit America learner receiving one-on-one career coaching
  1. 1 Learn in-demand skills
  2. 2 Land a great job
  3. 3 Pay only after the program
  4. 4 Support the next cohort

Learn on your time, from anywhere, while keeping your day job

Our programs are built for people with busy lives. Your coursework and meetings are online, and live meetings are only 3–5 hours per week. You can complete the certificate coursework through industry-recognized partners like Google in-between shifts, on weekends — whatever works for your life.

Explore career options
A woman sits on the floor, working her remote job in tech

Work with a coach who gets you hired

Your coach is in your corner from day one — helping you build the job search skills, confidence, and strategy to land a role you actually want. Sessions are 1:1, scheduled around your life, and the support continues after you complete the program.

Meet our coaches
Amy Merit America Alumni IT Support Story
Alumni Spotlight

"Merit looked past me and saw me as a human who needed a chance."

BEFOREWarehouse Worker
NOWIT Support Analyst

Hear what our IT Support alumni have to say

"Merit America changed my life. I now have a clear plan for the next 5–10 years, all thanks to this program."

Justine|Datacenter Technician
Justine, Datacenter Technician

"Merit America changed my career for the better. My life has transformed in the best way possible."

Mac|IT Technical Support
Mac, IT Technical Support

"Merit America offered me a fresh start with 0% interest funding. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Jessica|Data Center Operations Technician
Jessica, Data Center Operations Technician

"Going through the technical courses and having access to the Google courses helped a lot, especially with support."

Chris|Security Operations Analyst
Chris, Security Operations Analyst

"With Merit America, I didn't just learn tech skills — I gained confidence and tools to stand out in the job market."

Walter|Data Center Technician
Walter, Data Center Technician
Partners & employers in the Merit America network
Google
Amazon
JPMorgan Chase
Accenture
Infosys
Lyft
DoorDash
Intact Technology
CareerCircle
Instacart
OneTen
Opportunity@Work

How does Merit America compare?

If you're considering a career change into IT Support, here's an honest, side-by-side look at how we stack up against tech bootcamps and community college programs.

Compare Merit America Tech Bootcamp Community College
Course Length16 weeks20–24 weeks50–100 weeks
In-Person or RemoteRemoteRemoteIn-person / Remote
Part-Time? 18 hours Varies Varies
Maximum Tuition$5,700$16,000–$19,000$5,000–$10,000
Certificate Earned Google IT Support Certificate Varies Varies
Organization TypeNon-profitFor-profitPublic / Non-profit
Coaching & Job Search Support Yes Yes Varies
Downside Protection Merit America Guarantee Varies No

The Merit America Guarantee

We're so confident in our program that we promise that if you don't earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don't have to pay.

Learn how it works
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the IT Support program and how Merit America works.

Merit America uses dynamic enrollment, which means new cohorts begin every two weeks — you don't have to wait months for a single fixed start date. Once admitted, you'll choose the cohort that fits your life, and if the timing isn't right, you can defer to a later one.

Here's how it works:

  • Apply when you're ready. No application deadlines.
  • Once admitted, claim a spot in an upcoming cohort. Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis — completing your onboarding steps early gives you the most flexibility.
  • Or defer to a later cohort if the timing isn't right.
  • Complete onboarding steps like coach selection and device setup.
  • Begin your program when your cohort opens.

This structure ensures every learner starts when they're ready — supported from day one.

Merit America provides a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.

We leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.

To be eligible for any of Merit America's programs, the following must be true:

  • You have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Associate, bachelor's, and master's degree holders are welcome.
  • You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
  • DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
  • Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
  • You are 18 years of age or older.
  • You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.

Merit America programs are flexible to fit into your busy schedule. Depending on the program, you'll spend about 15–25 hours per week completing online coursework and 3–5 hours per week in live, topic-based workshops focused on career coaching and skills practice. Technical advisors are available to help talk through technical coursework questions as needed.

Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.

When you join Merit America, there's a team dedicated to your success.

Your coach helps you build the professional and job search skills you need to succeed in today's market — from refining your resume and preparing for interviews to networking effectively and navigating job offers. They'll also work with you to chart a clear career path aligned with your goals, and the support continues after you complete the program.

You'll also join live, topic-based workshops alongside other learners on the same journey. You can pick the sessions that fit your schedule and the skills you want to focus on, like interviewing, resumes, or LinkedIn.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you're struggling with your Google IT Support certificate coursework.

And our Career Services team provides on-demand support, with optional structured programs like the Alumni Career Accelerator if you want a focused job-search sprint.

We can't guarantee job placement or salaries, but we do provide you with a structured training curriculum, professional career development, and dedicated job-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

But under the Merit America Guarantee, if you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don't earn at least $40k a year within two years of the Immersion end date of your program, you may be eligible for a full refund.

Our IT Support program technical training is offered by Google and focuses on performing day-to-day IT support tasks, including computer assembly, wireless networking, installing programs, and customer service.

You will learn to use systems including Linux, Domain Name Systems, Command-Line Interface, and Binary Code. You will also learn to provide end-to-end customer support, ranging from identifying problems to troubleshooting and debugging.

In addition to technical training, you will hone your professional skills and chart your career roadmap with the help of a professional career coach.

Upon completing the program, you will be prepared to enter IT-related roles such as Help Desk Specialist, Technical Support Agent, and Technical Account Specialist.

You can view the program syllabus here.

A Merit America learner ready to start their IT Support career
Take the next step

Your success is our mission. Get started.

Apply today and you'll pair with a coach of your choosing. New cohorts open every two weeks — claim a spot in the next one or defer to a later cohort that fits your life.

20,000+ Learners since 2018
75% Alumni success rate
$21K Avg wage increase
Application takes ~10 minutes · Dynamic enrollment
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