It depends on the role you want to perform.
Users don't need any IT background. Functional consultants (collecting business requirements and designing changes to the system) typically don't have any either, although having some idea about things like web applications is beneficial. Testing is usual done by functional consultants, but there I see as a problem if they have no knowledge of SW testing and related tools.
To work as a developer, a software architect or an administrator, you obviously need technical knowledge.
Note that your goal should be knowledge, not a piece of paper (certificate).
