About us
Retraining as an IT specialist(IHK)
- Specialization in system integration or application development
- Job guarantee for prospective IT specialists in system integration
- Preparatory Courses for a Smooth Transition into a New Career
- 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
New starting in January 2027: 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? Starting in January 2027, we’ll be offering you an additional, eligible support service: social-educational counseling. This will provide you with support throughout your entire retraining period —confidentially and tailored 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’ll be responsible for hardware and related networks. You’ll install, maintain, and manage the IT equipment and networked systems within a company. For customers and users, you’ll be the primary point of contact for technical questions and any issues that arise. In this way, you’ll ensure the smooth and secure operation of IT systems such as computers, servers, database systems, printers, and more.
As an IT specialist in application development, software is your area of expertise. You are responsible for planning, customizing, and developing new and existing software solutions and databases. In addition, you ensure optimal application performance, train employees or customers, and help them learn how to use a new program.
Together, we’ll find the field that’s truly right for you. The benefit for you: Our retraining programs are certified under 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 high school diploma, what you should have above all is an interest in technology and computer science. To retrain as an IT specialist, you’ll need strong computer skills as well as a good command of German (at least B2 level). Analytical thinking skills, communication skills, and a foundation in business administration and mathematics that can be further developed are advantageous.
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’re still missing some important basic knowledge—no problem. In our preparatory courses, you’ll acquire the necessary IT fundamentals or business skills just in time for the start of your retraining program, so you can approach your professional future with confidence and motivation.
Procedure for retraining as an IT specialist
The retraining program to become an IT specialist is a full-time program offered at a GFN location near you. Our primary goal is to prepare you for the IHK exam within two years.
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.
During a workplace internship, you’ll familiarize yourself with the profession and day-to-day work of an IT specialist. As part of this internship, you’ll also complete a project. As part of your retraining program, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn sought-after certifications from Microsoft, Linux, ITIL, Oracle, or Scrum. Our instructors will support you every step of the way as you progress in your studies.
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 worsen and are increasingly outsourcing IT jobs to lateral entrants. Graduates of an IT specialist retraining program therefore have excellent opportunities for both entry-level positions and career advancement. After successfully completing the retraining program, you can apply for jobs at companies in nearly every sector of the economy. The public sector is also constantly seeking skilled professionals for a wide variety of IT solutions and fields.
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 2025, IT professions rank among the top 10 in Germany-wide salary rankings. And your retraining pays off even before you finish: The government provides a continuing education bonus of up to 2,500 euros for IHK-certified retraining programs. You can find information on continuing education funding—such as through the education voucher—on our Funding Opportunities page — feel free to check it out.
Call directly
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.