Free CPD-Accredited Course Builds the Troubleshooting Skills Behind Every "Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again"
Alison has launched a new CPD-accredited course: IT Support Technician Foundations. This free online course teaches the practical skills behind entry-level IT support: diagnosing hardware and software problems, working through network issues methodically, managing basic security risks, and guiding frustrated users to a fix without adding to their frustration. Reviewed by IT support specialist Aaditya Swarnkar, the course requires no prior experience and is designed for anyone who has ever been the unofficial "computer person" in their office or family and wants to turn that instinct into a structured, job-ready skill set.
The course walks learners through IT support from the ground up: how systems work, how to troubleshoot everyday computer and network issues step by step, how to follow proper support procedures, and how to handle basic security risks and user problems calmly and clearly. By the end, learners will be able to resolve common technical issues methodically, communicate fixes in plain language, and work confidently in real IT support environments.
The Hidden Cost of Getting IT Support Wrong
When a system goes down or a user gets stuck, the cost of a slow or unclear response adds up fast. Gartner research puts the average cost of IT downtime at $5,600 per minute, with later industry estimates from the Ponemon Institute placing it closer to $9,000 per minute once lost productivity, recovery time, and reputational damage are factored in. Most of that cost isn't caused by rare, catastrophic failures — it's the accumulation of everyday issues that take too long to diagnose because the person on the other end of the ticket doesn't yet have a structured way to work through the problem.
Why Foundational IT Support Training Changes Outcomes
Good IT support isn't just technical knowledge — it's a repeatable process: identify the problem, work through it systematically, communicate clearly, and close the loop securely. Without that structure, even technically capable people can waste time chasing the wrong fix or leave users more anxious than when they called. Formal, foundational training closes that gap, turning ad hoc troubleshooting into a dependable process that scales across an organisation.
Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison, stated: "Every organisation depends on someone who can calmly and competently fix what's broken. This course gives people a real, structured path into that role — no gatekeeping, no cost, just the practical skills to get started."
This launch expands Alison's portfolio of IT and technical skills courses, continuing its mission to make high-quality, job-ready training available to learners everywhere, regardless of their background or budget.
To learn more or enrol in the course, visit: alison.com/course/it-support-technician-foundations
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
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