The article considers the areas related to the training of IT specialists in Russia. Currently, the state pays more attention to the formation and development of the IT industry, official documents have been adopted concerning the training of relevant specialists, budget places for applicants to IT specialties are increasing. Considering that everything is changing and developing rapidly in the IT field, specialists have to constantly study, since the knowledge gained at the university is not enough after a while. The article discusses the main problems that one has to face in the educational process when preparing «IT specialists». Technical and technological support for practical classes and research activities, involvement of business practitioners in the educational process, advanced training of teachers involved in training personnel for the IT industry, interaction «college — university», «school — university» are just some aspects for the successful implementation of training programs in IT areas and specialties.