About us
Retraining as an IT specialist(IHK)
- Specialization in system integration or application development
- Job guarantee for prospective IT specialists in system integration
- External examinations for experienced professionals without a degree
- Monthly entry possible
The IT sector is booming. The demand for skilled workers is high and continues to rise. Are you interested in a new start in a profession of the future? By retraining as an IT specialist, you can build up comprehensive specialist knowledge and technical skills in a reasonable amount of time. In addition to the IHK vocational qualification, you will acquire certificates from market leaders such as Microsoft or Linux that are in demand on the job market – and enter the growth industry with up-to-date product and technology knowledge.
IT specialist:in retraining
Preparation courses
External examinations
New from April 2026: IT specialist retraining & accompanying coaching
Would you like to start a new career - but aren't sure whether you can manage the retraining on your own? From April 2026, we expect to offer you an additional, eligible support service: socio-pedagogical support. This will provide you with support throughout the entire retraining period - confidentially and according to your needs.
You have the opportunity to talk to us regularly, whether it's about exam nerves, challenges in your internship, application issues or personal stress. You don't have to overcome any hurdles on your own, you will be strengthened and motivated - so that you can make your way safely and successfully complete your retraining.
You decide whether you would like to take advantage of this additional offer before you start your retraining, preferably together with your contact person at the employment agency. For more security during retraining and the best chances of getting a job.
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Mon-Fri 8-19 o'clock
IT specialist - briefly explained
The profession of IT specialist is a recognized training occupation in Germany. If you meet certain requirements, you can also enter this profession through retraining.
With us, you currently have the choice between two specializations:
As an IT specialist in system integration, you will take care of the hardware and associated networks. You install, maintain and manage the IT technology and networked systems in a company. For customers and users, you are the central point of contact for technical questions and malfunctions. In this way, you will ensure the smooth and secure operation of IT systems such as computers, server and database systems, printers, etc.
As an IT specialist in application development, software is your area of responsibility. You are responsible for the planning, adaptation, new and further development of software solutions and databases. In addition, you will ensure optimal application, train employees or customers and help them to familiarize themselves with a new program.
Together we will find the specialization that really suits you. Your advantage: Our Retraining courses are certified in accordance with AZAV (Accreditation and Approval Ordinance for Employment Promotion) and therefore meet the requirements for the employment agency to cover your training costs.
Requirements for retraining as an IT specialist
In addition to a qualifying school-leaving certificate, you should have a certain interest in technology and IT. To retrain as an IT specialist, you need good PC user skills and good German language skills (at least B2). An analytical mindset, communication skills and a good knowledge of business administration and mathematics are an advantage.
After a non-binding and free consultation, including an aptitude test, you will start your retraining. Further requirements are determined by the respective local IHK office. The employment agency generally requires a completed vocational training course or at least three years of professional experience for retraining.
If you are still missing important basic knowledge - no problem. In our preparatory courses, you will acquire the necessary IT basics in time for the start of your retraining or commercial knowledge to tackle your professional future with confidence and motivation.
Procedure for retraining as an IT specialist
The retraining to become an IT specialist takes place full-time at a GFN location near you. Our primary goal is to prepare you for the IHK examination within 2 years. It's even quicker if you already have several years of professional experience in IT and now want to catch up on your qualification: We will accompany you to the IHK external examination and the recognized professional qualification within just 6 months.
Our experienced lecturers offer you a mix of clear knowledge transfer and practice-oriented learning units such as group work, practical exercises and case studies in full-time lessons. First of all, you will build up core skills for future IT specialists. You will acquire a broad range of commercial and IT skills. Communication and project management skills are also developed and expanded.
In the course of your retraining, you will be taught the qualifications you need to successfully complete the IHK qualification in your chosen field of system integration or application development.
You will familiarize yourself with the profession and day-to-day work of an IT specialist in a practical phase. During this internship, you will also carry out project work. You also have the opportunity as part of your retraining, to acquire sought-after certificates from Microsoft, Linux, ITIL, Oracle or Scrum. Our instructors will support you at all times in your personal learning progress.
Career prospects for IT specialists
According to the industry association Bitkom , there is currently a shortage of over 100,000 IT specialists in Germany. Companies expect the shortage of skilled workers to become even more acute and are increasingly assigning IT jobs to lateral entrants. Graduates of a IT specialist retraining therefore have the best entry and development opportunities. After successful retraining, you can apply to companies in almost all sectors of the economy. The public sector is also constantly looking for specialists for a wide range of IT solutions and areas.
During your retraining, you will receive very practical training and acquire a broad range of specialist knowledge so that you can be used in a variety of ways in IT departments of companies, in administration, IT support or other fields of activity. At the same time, you will also have the necessary skills to take on more demanding tasks in middle management or project management. Depending on your interests and skills, you have the opportunity to specialize in sought-after areas such as software development, IT security, IT project management or application support.
According to the StepStone Salary Report 2023, IT professions are among the top 10 in the Germany-wide salary ranking. And your retraining pays off even before you start: The state supports IHK retraining with up to 2,500 euros in further training premiums. You can find information on further education funding, for example with the education voucher, on our funding opportunities page - feel free to take a look.
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Mon-Fri 8-19 o'clock
What our participants say.
Even before graduating from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, I joined a company in the field of consulting, implementation and operation of digitalization solutions. The fact that I was a retrainee and had neither a degree nor years of professional experience was irrelevant. The only thing that mattered was that I could do what was needed.
GFN - Your authorized learning partner
Further topics
3 Germany's number 1 in the field of IT: According to an evaluation by the Federal Employment Agency, GFN is the market leader for retraining as an IT specialist in system integration.
4 After you have taken the final exam, you will receive your used laptop incl. Headset, keyboard and mouse for further use.