Complete Learning Journey: Help Desk → SysAdmin → DevOps Engineer
- "Learn by Doing" - Theory without practice is forgotten in 48 hours
- "Document Everything" - If it's not documented, it didn't happen
- "Automate or Die" - Manual work doesn't scale; scripts do
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ THE LEARNING LOOP │
│ │
│ Study (20%) → Practice (50%) → Build (20%) → Teach (10%) │
│ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ │
│ Videos, Labs, Projects Write KBs, │
│ Reading Exercises Portfolio Help Others │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Time Allocation:
- 20% Study - Videos, documentation, books
- 50% Practice - Hands-on labs, exercises
- 20% Build - Real projects for portfolio
- 10% Teach - Write articles, help others (reinforces learning)
| Track | Duration | Entry Level | Target Role | Avg Salary (LATAM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track A: Help Desk | 3 months | Zero experience | Help Desk Technician | $400-800 USD/mo |
| Track B: SysAdmin | 9-12 months | Help Desk experience | System Administrator | $800-1,500 USD/mo |
| Track C: DevOps | 18-24 months | SysAdmin experience | DevOps Engineer | $1,500-3,500+ USD/mo |
┌─────────────────┐
│ START HERE │
│ (Zero Experience) │
└────────┬────────┘
│
┌────────▼────────┐
│ Track A: │
│ Help Desk │
│ (Weeks 1-12) │
└────────┬────────┘
│
┌──────────────┼──────────────┐
│ │ │
┌────────▼────┐ ┌──────▼──────┐ ┌───▼────────┐
│ Track B: │ │ Alternative │ │ Other │
│ SysAdmin │ │ Paths: │ │ IT Roles │
│ (Months 4-12)│ │ - Network │ │ (PM, QA) │
└────────┬────┘ │ - Security │ └────────────┘
│ │ - Cloud │
│ └─────────────┘
┌────────▼────────┐
│ Track C: DevOps │
│ (Months 13-24) │
└────────┬────────┘
│
┌────────▼────────┐
│ Senior/Lead │
│ Architect │
└─────────────────┘
Goal: Land first IT job (Help Desk / Service Desk)
| Module | Topic | Duration | Labs | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | IT Professional Fundamentals | Week 1-2 | 5 labs | ITIL v4 Foundation |
| 1.2 | Hardware & Troubleshooting | Week 3-4 | 8 labs | CompTIA A+ (optional) |
| 1.3 | Windows Client Administration | Week 5-7 | 12 labs | MD-102 (optional) |
| 1.4 | Basic Networking | Week 8-9 | 10 labs | Network+ (studying) |
| 1.5 | Customer Service & Soft Skills | Week 10 | 5 scenarios | - |
| 1.6 | Introduction to Ticketing Systems | Week 11 | 3 projects | - |
| 1.7 | Final Project & Job Prep | Week 12 | Portfolio | Resume, LinkedIn |
Outcome: Ready for Help Desk / Service Desk roles
Goal: Promote to SysAdmin role
| Module | Topic | Duration | Labs | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Active Directory Deep Dive | Month 4-5 | 20 labs | AZ-800/801 |
| 2.2 | Windows Server Administration | Month 5-6 | 15 labs | AZ-800/801 |
| 2.3 | Linux Administration | Month 7-8 | 18 labs | Linux+ / LFCS |
| 2.4 | Advanced Networking | Month 8-9 | 12 labs | Network+ / CCNA |
| 2.5 | Virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V) | Month 9-10 | 10 labs | VCP / AZ-104 |
| 2.6 | Backup & Disaster Recovery | Month 10 | 8 labs | - |
| 2.7 | Monitoring & Alerting | Month 11 | 6 labs | - |
| 2.8 | Capstone Project | Month 12 | Full infrastructure | Portfolio piece |
Outcome: Ready for System Administrator roles
Goal: Transition to DevOps / Cloud Engineer
| Module | Topic | Duration | Labs | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Programming for DevOps (Python) | Month 13-14 | 15 projects | PCEP / PCAP |
| 3.2 | Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) | Month 15 | 12 labs | Terraform Associate |
| 3.3 | Configuration Management (Ansible) | Month 16 | 10 labs | - |
| 3.4 | CI/CD Pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins) | Month 17 | 10 labs | - |
| 3.5 | Containerization (Docker) | Month 18 | 12 labs | DCA |
| 3.6 | Container Orchestration (Kubernetes) | Month 19-20 | 20 labs | CKA |
| 3.7 | Cloud Platform (AWS/Azure) | Month 20-21 | 25 labs | AWS SAA / AZ-104 |
| 3.8 | Monitoring & Observability | Month 22 | 8 labs | - |
| 3.9 | Security & Compliance (DevSecOps) | Month 23 | 10 labs | Security+ |
| 3.10 | Final Capstone Project | Month 24 | Full DevOps pipeline | Portfolio centerpiece |
Outcome: Ready for DevOps Engineer / Cloud Engineer roles
Learning Objectives:
- Understand IT department structure and roles
- Master ticketing system workflow
- Learn ITIL terminology and processes
- Develop professional communication skills
Topics:
- What does IT actually do? (Business enabler, not cost center)
- Help Desk vs Service Desk vs SysAdmin
- Ticket lifecycle (creation → classification → resolution → closure)
- ITIL v4 basics (Incident, Request, Problem, Change)
- Knowledge Base importance and creation
- Professional communication (email, phone, chat)
- Troubleshooting methodology (CompTIA 6 steps)
Hands-on Labs:
- Lab 1.1.1: Create 10 sample tickets (different types)
- Lab 1.1.2: Write 5 KB articles (common issues)
- Lab 1.1.3: Role-play customer calls (record & review)
- Lab 1.1.4: ITIL scenario exercises (20 scenarios)
- Lab 1.1.5: Email etiquette practice (10 scenarios)
Resources:
- Video: ITIL 4 Foundation Complete Course
- Video: Help Desk Ticketing Systems Explained
- Reading: CompTIA A+ Chapter 1 & 2
- Tool: Install Jira Service Management (free tier) or ServiceNow Developer
Assessment:
- Written exam (50 questions, 80% passing)
- Practical: Handle 5 simulated tickets end-to-end
- KB article quality review
Learning Objectives:
- Identify all PC components and their functions
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Resolve common hardware issues
- Know when to repair vs replace
Topics:
- PC anatomy (CPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, PSU, GPU)
- HDD vs SSD vs NVMe (performance comparison)
- Common failure symptoms and diagnostics
- Troubleshooting methodology (6-step CompTIA process)
- Diagnostic tools (memtest86, CrystalDiskInfo, HWMonitor)
- Peripheral troubleshooting (printers, monitors, docking stations)
- Laptop-specific issues (battery, screen, keyboard)
Hands-on Labs:
- Lab 1.2.1: Disassemble and reassemble a PC (physical or virtual)
- Lab 1.2.2: Identify component bottlenecks (10 scenarios)
- Lab 1.2.3: Run diagnostic tools and interpret results
- Lab 1.2.4: Troubleshoot 10 simulated hardware failures
- Lab 1.2.5: Printer troubleshooting (5 common issues)
- Lab 1.2.6: Create hardware troubleshooting flowchart
- Lab 1.2.7: Performance optimization (before/after benchmarks)
- Lab 1.2.8: Build a PC from scratch (virtual or physical)
Resources:
- Video: CompTIA A+ Hardware Section
- Tool: PC Building Simulator (game, but educational)
- Tool: VirtualBox for virtual hardware labs
- Reading: CompTIA A+ Core 1 Chapters 3-8
Assessment:
- Practical exam: Diagnose 5 hardware issues in 30 minutes
- Flowchart submission for common troubleshooting paths
- KB article: "Systematic Hardware Troubleshooting Guide"
Learning Objectives:
- Master Windows 10/11 administration
- Manage local users and groups
- Configure and troubleshoot common issues
- Understand file systems and permissions
Topics:
- Windows 10 vs 11 (key differences)
- Installation and deployment methods
- User account management (local accounts)
- File systems (NTFS, permissions, sharing)
- Built-in administration tools
- Windows Update management
- Common troubleshooting scenarios
- Introduction to PowerShell
Hands-on Labs:
- Lab 1.3.1: Clean Windows 11 installation (VM)
- Lab 1.3.2: Create and manage 10 local users
- Lab 1.3.3: Configure NTFS permissions (5 scenarios)
- Lab 1.3.4: Use Event Viewer for troubleshooting
- Lab 1.3.5: Windows Update configuration and troubleshooting
- Lab 1.3.6: PowerShell basics (10 essential commands)
- Lab 1.3.7: System restore and recovery options
- Lab 1.3.8: Group Policy basics (local GPO)
- Lab 1.3.9: Performance monitoring (Resource Monitor, PerfMon)
- Lab 1.3.10: Common issue troubleshooting (10 scenarios)
- Lab 1.3.11: Create deployment checklist
- Lab 1.3.12: KB article series (5 common Windows issues)
Resources:
- Video: Windows 10/11 Administration
- Microsoft Learn: Modern Desktop Administrator Path
- Reading: MD-102 Exam Guide
Assessment:
- Practical: Complete 12 labs with documentation
- Written exam: Windows administration (50 questions)
- Portfolio: KB articles created
Learning Objectives:
- Understand OSI and TCP/IP models
- Configure and troubleshoot IP connectivity
- Master essential network services (DNS, DHCP)
- Use network diagnostic tools effectively
Topics:
- OSI Model (practical understanding, not memorization)
- TCP/IP fundamentals
- IP addressing (IPv4, subnetting basics)
- DHCP (how it works, troubleshooting)
- DNS (how it works, troubleshooting)
- Network diagnostic tools (ping, ipconfig, nslookup, tracert)
- Wi-Fi fundamentals (SSID, security, channels)
- Basic network security (firewall concepts)
Hands-on Labs:
- Lab 1.4.1: Build a home lab network (physical or virtual)
- Lab 1.4.2: Configure static IP addresses (Windows & Linux)
- Lab 1.4.3: DHCP troubleshooting (5 scenarios)
- Lab 1.4.4: DNS troubleshooting (5 scenarios)
- Lab 1.4.5: Use all diagnostic tools (comprehensive exercise)
- Lab 1.4.6: Subnetting practice (20 exercises)
- Lab 1.4.7: Wi-Fi analysis and optimization
- Lab 1.4.8: Windows Firewall configuration
- Lab 1.4.9: Network troubleshooting scenarios (10 cases)
- Lab 1.4.10: Create network documentation template
Resources:
- Video: Network+ Full Course
- Tool: Wireshark for packet analysis
- Tool: Packet Tracer (Cisco, free)
- Reading: CompTIA Network+ Chapters 1-6
Assessment:
- Practical: Troubleshoot 5 network issues in 45 minutes
- Subnetting exam (20 questions, 90% passing)
- Network diagram submission for home lab
Learning Objectives:
- Communicate effectively with non-technical users
- Handle difficult situations professionally
- Manage stress and avoid burnout
- Build positive customer relationships
Topics:
- Understanding customer psychology
- Active listening techniques
- De-escalation strategies
- Setting expectations
- Saying "no" professionally
- Documentation for customer interactions
- Time management for support
- Avoiding burnout
Hands-on Labs:
- Lab 1.5.1: Record and review 5 mock calls
- Lab 1.5.2: Email rewriting exercise (10 poor emails → professional)
- Lab 1.5.3: Difficult customer scenarios (10 role-plays)
- Lab 1.5.4: Stress management techniques (practice)
- Lab 1.5.5: Time management simulation (prioritize 20 tickets)
Resources:
- Book: "The Customer Service Revolution" (summary)
- Video: Handling Difficult Customers
- Article: IT Burnout Prevention
Assessment:
- Role-play evaluation (5 scenarios, graded)
- Email writing test (10 scenarios)
- Reflection essay: "My Customer Service Philosophy"
Learning Objectives:
- Master at least one major ticketing platform
- Understand ticket workflow and SLAs
- Learn proper categorization and prioritization
- Create meaningful reports
Topics:
- Ticketing system overview (Jira, ServiceNow, Zendesk)
- Ticket lifecycle and workflows
- SLA management
- Categorization and prioritization
- Reporting and metrics
- Integration with other tools
- Best practices for ticket documentation
Hands-on Labs:
- Lab 1.6.1: Set up Jira Service Management (free tier)
- Lab 1.6.2: Create 20 sample tickets (all types)
- Lab 1.6.3: Configure SLAs and workflows
- Lab 1.6.4: Create reports and dashboards
- Lab 1.6.5: Integration exercise (email → ticket)
Resources:
- Atlassian University: Jira Fundamentals
- ServiceNow: Developer Instance
Assessment:
- Practical: Complete setup and configuration
- Report submission: Ticket metrics analysis
- Documentation: Workflow diagram
Deliverables:
Portfolio Website (GitHub Pages, simple)
- About me
- Skills list
- Projects showcase
- Contact information
Resume & LinkedIn
- Professional resume (ATS-friendly)
- Optimized LinkedIn profile
- Skills endorsements strategy
Mock Interviews
- Technical questions (50 common Help Desk questions)
- Behavioral questions (STAR method)
- Record and review practice sessions
Capstone Project
- Complete documentation of a full troubleshooting scenario
- From ticket creation to resolution
- Include KB article creation
Job Search Strategy:
- Where to look (LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites)
- How to apply (tailored resumes, cover letters)
- Networking (local meetups, online communities)
- Salary negotiation basics
Detailed modules for Phase 2 and Phase 3 will be in separate documents:
CURRICULUM_PHASE2.md- System Administrator TrackCURRICULUM_PHASE3.md- DevOps Engineer Track
| Career Stage | Certification | Cost | Priority | Study Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (Month 1-3) | ITIL v4 Foundation | $380 | High | 2 weeks |
| Entry (Month 3) | CompTIA A+ | $480 | Medium | 4 weeks |
| Junior (Month 6) | Microsoft MD-102 | $165 | Medium | 3 weeks |
| Junior (Month 9) | CompTIA Network+ | $358 | High | 4 weeks |
| Mid (Month 12) | CompTIA Security+ | $392 | High | 4 weeks |
| Mid (Month 15) | Linux+ or LFCS | $358 | High | 6 weeks |
| Mid (Month 18) | AWS SAA or AZ-104 | $150-165 | High | 8 weeks |
| Senior (Month 24) | CKA (Kubernetes) | $395 | High | 8 weeks |
Don't collect certifications. Collect skills.
- Certifications open doors, but skills keep you employed
- Study for understanding, not just passing
- Hands-on practice > memorization
- Use certifications as learning milestones, not goals
Month 1-3: Help Desk Fundamentals ████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░ (Phase 1)
Month 4-6: Active Directory & Windows Server ████████████████░░░░░░░░ (Phase 2)
Month 7-9: Linux & Networking ██████████████████████░░░░░░ (Phase 2)
Month 10-12: Virtualization & Capstone ████████████████████████████░░ (Phase 2)
Month 13-15: Python & IaC ██████████████████████████████████░░ (Phase 3)
Month 16-18: Containers & CI/CD ████████████████████████████████████ (Phase 3)
Month 19-21: Kubernetes & Cloud ██████████████████████████████████████ (Phase 3)
Month 22-24: DevSecOps & Final Project ██████████████████████████████████████ (Phase 3)
| Phase | Study Hours/Week | Practice Hours/Week | Total Hours/Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Help Desk) | 10-15 | 15-20 | 25-35 |
| Phase 2 (SysAdmin) | 10-15 | 20-25 | 30-40 |
| Phase 3 (DevOps) | 10-15 | 25-30 | 35-45 |
| Milestone | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Month 3 | Can handle 80% of Level 1 tickets independently |
| Month 6 | Comfortable with AD user management and basic troubleshooting |
| Month 9 | Can troubleshoot network issues systematically |
| Month 12 | Ready for SysAdmin role (managing 50+ servers) |
| Month 18 | Can build CI/CD pipelines and manage containers |
| Month 24 | Ready for DevOps Engineer role |
By end of each phase, you should have:
Phase 1 (Help Desk):
- 10+ KB articles
- 5+ troubleshooting flowcharts
- Mock ticket portfolio (20+ tickets handled)
- Basic home lab documentation
Phase 2 (SysAdmin):
- Active Directory lab documentation
- 5+ PowerShell scripts
- Linux server configuration guide
- Network diagram for home lab
- Capstone: Full infrastructure design
Phase 3 (DevOps):
- GitHub profile with 10+ projects
- Terraform modules for common infrastructure
- CI/CD pipeline examples
- Kubernetes deployment manifests
- Capstone: Full DevOps pipeline with monitoring
- Reddit: r/sysadmin, r/devops, r/CompTIA, r/ITCareerQuestions
- Discord: Tech Reunited, IT Career Questions, DevOps Community
- LinkedIn: IT Professional groups, local tech communities
- Local: Meetup.com (IT, DevOps, Cloud meetups)
- Look for senior professionals in your desired role
- Offer to help with their projects (even small tasks)
- Ask specific questions (not "how do I learn everything")
- Respect their time (prepare before meetings)
- Give back once you're established
This curriculum is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
TL;DR: Use it, modify it, share it for educational purposes. Just don't hold us liable.
This curriculum was inspired by:
- CompTIA - Industry certification standards
- Microsoft Learn - Modern workplace training paths
- Professor Messer - Free IT certification training
- Real-world IT professionals - Who shared their career journeys
- DevOps Roadmap (roadmap.sh/devops) - Community-driven guidance
For Students:
- Follow the curriculum in order
- Complete ALL hands-on labs (no skipping)
- Join communities and ask questions
- Document everything you learn
- Teach others (reinforces your learning)
For Instructors:
- Adapt pacing based on student background
- Emphasize hands-on practice over theory
- Connect students with industry professionals
- Update content annually (technology changes fast)
Created with ❤️ for aspiring IT professionals
☘️ Quality over speed. Practical skills over theory. Consistency over intensity.
Last updated: 2026-03-18Version: 3.0.0 (Complete 0-to-Expert Restructure)Language: Spanish (with English documentation)
Next: See CURRICULUM_PHASE2.md for System Administrator track details.