If you are trying to switch careers into technology but don’t have a computer science degree—and you definitely don’t have $15,000 to drop on a risky coding bootcamp—you need to look at Merit America.
They are a non-profit organization (not a school) designed specifically for working adults who want to move from low-wage work into skilled tech careers.
Their IT Support track is one of the fastest, safest ways to get your foot in the door of the tech industry.
The “Secret” Sauce: It’s Not Just a Course
You might see that they use the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and think, “Hey, can’t I just take that on Coursera for $39 a month?”
Yes, you can. But taking a course alone rarely gets you a job.
The difference with Merit America is the structure and coaching. You aren’t just watching videos alone in your room. You are placed in a “squad” with other learners, you have a dedicated Career Coach, and you get direct access to job placement support.
They treat it like a job training program, not just a class.
The Quick Details
Here is the snapshot of the program:
| What to Know | The Details |
| Program | IT Support (Google Certificate) |
| Duration | ~14 Weeks (Part-Time) |
| Commitment | ~20 hours/week (Remote) |
| Cost | $0 Upfront (Success Sharing Model) |
| Certification | Google IT Support Professional Certificate |
What You Will Learn
The curriculum is designed to get you ready for an entry-level Help Desk or IT Specialist role.
- Tech Fundamentals: Troubleshooting, customer service, and how computers actually work.
- Networking: How the internet works (DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP).
- Systems Admin: Managing users in Windows and Linux.
- Security: Basic IT security concepts.
- Career Skills: This is the big one. They teach you how to write a tech resume, how to interview, and how to negotiate your salary.
The Cost: $0 Upfront (Really)
Merit America uses a “Success Sharing” model. This is critical to understand.
- Start for Free: You pay nothing to start the program.
- Learn: You complete the 14-week course.
- Get Hired: You work with their coaches to find a job.
- Pay Later: You only pay for the program IF you get a job making over a certain salary threshold (usually $40,000/year).
- If you don’t find a job or don’t make that much money, the “Merit America Guarantee” means you often pay $0.
- If you do get a job, you pay a fixed monthly amount for a set period. (The total cap is usually around $5,700, which is vastly cheaper than a bootcamp or college degree).
Who Is This For?
This program isn’t for everyone. It is specifically designed for people who:
- Do NOT have a Bachelor’s degree (though some degree holders are accepted if underemployed).
- Are legally authorized to work in the US.
- Are looking for full-time employment.
- Can commit ~20 hours a week to studying (evenings and weekends work).
Why Choose IT Support?
IT Support is the classic “entry point” for tech.
- Median Salary: Entry-level roles often start around $50,000 – $60,000.
- Growth: Once you are in, you can move up to Cybersecurity, System Administration, or Cloud Engineering.
- Remote Work: Many Help Desk jobs are fully remote or hybrid.
How to Apply
The process involves an application and a quick assessment to make sure you are ready for the workload.
- Go to the Site: Visit the Merit America IT Support Page.
- Check the Date: Look for the next “Cohort Start Date” (e.g., February 24, 2026).
- Apply: Fill out the form. Be honest about your background and your motivation.
Pro-Tip: If you apply, check your email constantly. They often send assessments that need to be completed quickly to save your spot in the next class.
Good luck!
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