Systems Support
Help Desk Agent
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The Help Desk Agent course provides a comprehensive introduction to IT Support, covering essential topics in virtualization, networking, and server administration. It offers the opportunity to earn the ServiceNow CSA Certification at no cost, and CISCO IT Essentials and Networking Essentials badges, equipping you with the knowledge to fill a wide range of entry-level technology jobs.
Recommended starting point for learners with no previous tech work experience or coursework.
- Hybrid
No catch. Training and job connections at no cost to you.
Course level
Suitable for all levels ?
Schedule
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Hybrid
9AM - 4PM
Monday through Friday
15 weeks -
*Start and end times may vary based on time zone (under 9-4pm) - LIVE & INSTRUCTOR LED
Upcoming course dates
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June 2nd, 2025
Application Due May 19th, 2025 - October 2025
While these courses may include either intermediate or advanced material, technical knowledge specified in these listings will be required as a prerequisite for applicants to be considered for admission.
While anyone may apply for this course, some technical background may be helpful.
Applicants with all levels of experience in tech are encouraged to apply.
The Salesforce Administrator Certification equips you with the knowledge you need to succeed as a Salesforce Administrator.
Most CISCO Network Essentials certification holders move on to a job in IT support, like a help desk technician. Help desk technicians solve technical issues and work with people.
Most CISCO IT Essentials certification holders move on to a job in IT support, like a help desk technician. Help desk technicians solve technical issues and work with people.
Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively demonstrate an overall understanding of the AWS Cloud and start a career in cloud computing.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is an IT workforce certification that applies behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring.
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate introduces learners to troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and security. No prior experience is required.
CompTIA Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.
Most CompTIA A+ certification holders move on to a job in IT support, like a help desk technician. Help desk technicians solve technical issues and work with people.
In-person learning takes place at one of our facilities across the US.
Remote learners must live within commutable distance of a Per Scholas campus to best facilitate our professional development and post-training employment support. For individuals who live outside of a commutable distance, you may be eligible for our National training courses.
Hybrid courses allow flexibility for learners to participate in the course remotely or in-person based on several factors. Learn more about the course you're interested in by reaching out to your admissions lead or attending an admissions overview after applying.
Have questions?
We can help with course selection, and answer questions about eligibility requirements and special circumstances. Contact an admissions team member
Tuition-Free Help Desk Training in Columbus
Launch your tech career in IT Support, Networking, or System Administration learning the fundamentals through hands-on, live instructor-led instruction covering core concepts and technologies.
Free Technical Training in a Few Weeks
Learn 2 years of IT Support topics such as virtual environments, network infrastructures, and enterprise system management in a fraction of the time. Our training is tuition-free to learners thanks to generous donors and partners.
Industry Recognized Certifications At No Cost
Unlock your career potential and showcase your job readiness to employers by earning the ServiceNOW Certified System Administrator Certification, CISCO IT Essentials, and CISCO Networking Essentials badges for free.
Technical Training in Only 15 Weeks
Become versed in topics such as mobile devices, networking technology, cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. Get certified fast and without student debt.
What jobs can I get as a Help Desk Agent graduate?
As a Help Desk Agent graduate, you will be equipped you with the knowledge to fulfill a wide range of entry-level technology positions, including:
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Technician
- ServiceNow Administrator
*Remote entry-level roles are difficult to obtain. Regardless of your learning environment, if you do not have more than two years of tech professional experience, be prepared to seek on-premise roles.
*Please note for graduates with less than two years of existing tech professional experience, while you’ll be on the path to your mid-level position, your first role after the training will generally be an entry-level tech support role in order to get the experience needed to advance into beyond entry-level positions.
$41K Average salary Per Scholas graduates make at their first job
Strengthen your Tech Professional Profile
Start your Tech Career Wherever you are
Per Scholas will train you whether you are new to tech or a seasoned veteran looking to upskill. Remain competitive as the industry grows.
Within a few months, I changed from a person with the least-desired skills to one of the most sought-after employees. I have become someone my kids can look up to.
JOB ATTAINMENT PREP
Construct a tech professional resume and practice your interviewing skills during mandatory weekly Professional Development sessions.
As a single parent, I wasn’t making enough money to afford to go to a coding boot camp. When I found Per Scholas, it challenged me, and though it wasn’t easy, it was worth it. I graduated debt-free and could be an example to my daughter.
Job Attainment Assistance
We match graduates to employers for tech roles across industries and provide career coaching throughout the process.
If someone had told me that this was where I would be now, I would never have believed them. I have a completely different outlook on life. My future is something that I never thought it could be.
What You'll Learn
IT Essentials
Learn how to leverage Office365 and AI tools for workplace productivity, collaboration, and enhanced IT support efficiency.
Networking & Server Management
Learn to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware and software components in computer systems and networks, including SOHO routers and endpoint devices; and to administer Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, user accounts, permissions, and Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
ITSM and Cybersecurity
Gain the skills to implement and manage network and cybersecurity measures, including access control, antimalware protection, and addressing common threats and vulnerabilities. Also how to apply IT Service Management (ITSM) principles and frameworks, demonstrating proficiency in ServiceNow ITSM and related processes.
Learn How to Think Like An IT Professional
Prepare to handle real workplace demands by challenging your understanding of course material and scenario problem solving.
Participate in Hands-on Labs
To provide an innovative, hands-on learning experience, Per Scholas provides learners with a tech kit based on their training track and delivery model. These kits are designed to enhance the learning experience and will be utilized in labs throughout the course.
Professional Training with Employer Partners
Construct a tech professional resume and practice your interviewing skills with employees from some of our employer partners.
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from certified teachers with years of real-world training experience. Our instructors don't just teach you what you need to know, but how to learn it.
Meet Our Graduates
I never really knew how to communicate professionally or sell myself in an interview, but with the management and development team at Per Scholas, I was able to build on my mindset, my character, and my technical skills. I am grateful for Per Scholas in many ways.
How to Be Considered
- Meet the Learner Profile Requirements
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You may qualify to become a Per Scholas Help Desk Agent Learner if you:
- Are aged 18 or older
- Have a High School diploma, equivalent, or higher
- Live within eligible distance of the Per Scholas Site
- Must be able to provide proof of valid U.S. work authorization
- Can read, write, and speak in English
- Can attend classes full-time for the entire duration of the course
- Are able to start a full-time job after course completion
- Are ready to make an important commitment to building your future
- Meet the pre-training income policy guidelines
- Do not plan to travel outside the U.S. during the duration of the course (learners cannot participate in program activities or access materials during such travel)
Per Scholas is committed to equal opportunity in admission and employment. It is the policy of Per Scholas to provide equal opportunity for all qualified applicants, learners, and employees and to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual preference, disability, or marital status. Admissions decisions will not be made based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual preference, disability, or marital status.
- Complete the Multi-Step Admissions Process
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1. Submit an Eligibility Form
2. Admissions Overview: Once you submit an Eligibility Form, you’ll be directed to our Admissions Overview registration page. During this virtual webinar, you’ll learn more about our admissions process and next steps.
3. Assessments: Each training requires either an academic assessment, tech assessment, or both. Information will be provided in detail in the Admissions Overview.
4. Interview: Individuals who meet the assessment score requirements will be invited to attend a behavioral interview.
5. Offer Letter and Onboarding: The Admissions team will review assessment scores, completed Pre-Work, and interview results and offer seats to eligible candidates. Learners are required to submit Enrollment Documentation as part of Onboarding.
Please note, this application process is very competitive and not all applicants will be accepted for our limited slots.
- Submit Enrollment Documentation, Including Pre-Work Information
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Get a head start on your course at Per Scholas!
- Complete required Pre-Work. Learn more at perscholas.org/pre-work
- Submit required Enrollment Documentation through our secure portal. Learn more at perscholas.org/enrollment-dvp-checklist
Required Help Desk Agent Pre-Work
Required Courses:
- Computer Hardware Basics (6 hours)
- Operating Systems Basics (12 hours)
Submission Portal:
Help Resources:
- Instructions for Completing and Submitting Pre-Work
- NetAcad FAQs for Learners
- Email [email protected] if you need any help troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of jobs can I get after completing this training?
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A wide variety: everything from working in an office supporting other computer users to helping manage a global corporate network or becoming a field technician installing and servicing remote locations.
They all fall into the general categories of desktop support.
Desktop support means helping other people—whether customers or employees—use computer systems and software effectively.
Starting salaries vary greatly, but the average is about $37,000 per year.
*Remote entry-level roles are difficult to obtain. Regardless of your learning environment, if you do not have more than two years of tech professional experience, be prepared to seek on-premise roles.
*Please note for graduates with less than two years of existing tech professional experience, while you’ll be on the path to your mid-level position, your first role after the training will generally be an entry-level tech support role in order to get the experience needed to advance into beyond entry-level positions.
- How can the course be free? Are there hidden fees?
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Most people who learn about us think: “Too good to be true.” We know it seems that way, but it’s true. Our services are provided at no cost to you, using funds we raise from foundations, corporations, government and generous individuals.
The costs you can prepare for include transportation or childcare—expenses that take care of you so you can focus on your studies.
- What professional certifications can I earn?
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You will prepare to earn the IT Essentials and Networking Essentials certifications. As a Per Scholas graduate, you may have access to advanced certifications as well like the Security+ certification and others.
- Is there a learner pre-training income policy?
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Yes, Per Scholas learners must meet the pre-training income policy requirements. View our Learner Pre-Training Income Policy here.
- What if I don’t have a Laptop? What are the computer requirements?
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Computer requirements are determined by each specific curriculum track. During the onboarding process, we will review each learner’s needs on a case-by-case basis. If you have any concerns about your situation, please elevate to the admissions team during the admissions process.
- I receive unemployment insurance benefits or other benefits that require me to spend time working or looking for work. Can I still enroll?
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Depending on the campus and course, Per Scholas training is approved for people receiving unemployment, as well as other benefits that would ordinarily require them to spend time working or looking for work. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, please contact admissions.
- I meet other requirements, but I am not a U.S. citizen and haven’t received my work authorization yet. Can I still apply?
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Unfortunately, we cannot process your application until you have received clearance to work in the U.S. However, if you are experiencing problems, we may be able to refer you to other organizations that may be able to help.
- I have a disability. Can you accommodate me?
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We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other relevant laws and regulations. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your specific situation and needs.
- Does Per Scholas have a Non-Discrimination policy?
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We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. See our full EEO statement here.