Diploma in Information Technology Support

The Diploma in Information Technology Support is a free online course offered by Alison, a major open learning platform. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what it involves:

Overview

This diploma-level course is designed to prepare you for a career as an IT support professional. It covers the essential technical knowledge and practical skills needed to provide IT support in modern workplace environments. The course is self-paced and delivered entirely online, making it accessible to anyone with internet access.

What You'll Learn

The curriculum covers several key areas of IT support:

• IT Infrastructure — Understanding the hardware and software components that make up organizational IT systems
• Operating Systems — Working with common OS platforms used in business environments
• Network Basics — Fundamentals of computer networking and connectivity
• IT Support Skills — Practical troubleshooting and customer service techniques for help desk roles
• Cloud Computing — Introduction to cloud services and modern IT delivery models
• Cybersecurity — Basic security principles and practices for protecting IT systems
• Professionalism & Ethics — The ethical values and professional standards required in IT support roles
• Future of IT Support — Emerging trends and technologies shaping the field

Course Structure & Duration

• Level: Diploma (more comprehensive than a certificate course)
• Duration: Typically 6–15 hours of study time, though you can learn at your own pace
• Format: Self-paced, online modules with assessments
• Prerequisites: None specified — suitable for beginners

Certification

• Learning: Completely free to enroll, study, and complete
• Assessment: You must achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment to successfully complete the diploma and become an Alison Graduate
• Certificate Options: While the learning is free, official credentials are optional paid add-ons:
• Digital Diploma (PDF download)
• Physical Diploma (mailed with free shipping)
• Framed Diploma (physical diploma in a frame)
• Free Learner Record: Available at no cost as official confirmation of completion without purchasing a certificate

Who Is This For?

This course is ideal if you:

• Want to start a career in IT support or help desk roles
• Need to understand IT fundamentals for a non-technical role
• Are looking for a free, accredited introduction to computer science and IT operations
• Want to add a recognized credential to your CV/resume

About Alison

Alison is one of the world's largest free online learning platforms, with over 45 million learners across 193 countries. The platform operates as a for-profit social enterprise with a mission to make education accessible to everyone. Their courses are CPD UK accredited, meaning they meet continuing professional development standards.

Important Considerations

• Free vs. Paid: The course content and learning are entirely free; you only pay if you want an official physical or digital certificate
• Accreditation: The course is CPD-accredited, which adds credibility to your professional profile
• Career Impact: While valuable for building foundational knowledge and demonstrating commitment to learning, this diploma is not equivalent to a full university degree. It works best as a stepping stone into entry-level IT roles or as supplementary training.

If you're interested in enrolling, you can find the course directly on Alison's website. The platform also offers related IT courses (programming, networking, cybersecurity) if you want to build a broader skill set after completing this diploma.