Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): IT Support Specialist

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The IT Support Specialist certificate of achievement is based on the learning objectives from the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) and CompTIA A+ certifications.  Also, the certificate of achievement includes help desk "soft skills" such as effective communication, analytical and critical thinking, diplomacy, problem solving, leadership, team building, and listening skills.  The IT Support Specialist certificate provides the required competencies to be employed in high demand, high wage jobs and careers in information technology.

Identify features and functions of common operating systems and establishing network connectivity

Comprehend notational systems, illustrate the basics of computing and explain the value of data and troubleshooting

Know how to set up and install common peripheral devices to a laptop/PC or secure a basic wireless network

Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices

Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including application security support

Achieve hands-on experience installing and using help desk issue tracking software.

Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

15 units
CMPR 100
Computer, AI, & Society
An introduction to the area of computers with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, and their relationship to today's information society. Examines a broad overview of topics including hardware, software, networking, information technology, AI, and the Internet. The student will explore the implications and effect of technology/AIon society, careers, and ethics.
    CMPR 125
    IT Help Desk Fundamentals
    An introductory course focused on learning IT technical skills with hands-on experience required for entry level IT Help and Service Desk jobs. IT help desk soft skills include effective communication, analytical thinking, diplomacy, problem solving, leadership, team building, and listening skills. Students will become familiar with working in a help desk or service desk environment using ticketing systems and understanding purpose and organization. Aligns with the CompTIA ITF+ (IT Fundamentals) exam objectives.
      CMPR 134
      Microsoft Windows Operating System
      This course provides in-depth information on the Microsoft Windows operating system with intermediate and advanced problem-solving skills required for a help desk support job and other information technology related careers. Topics include installation, configuration, application installation and management, and hardware configurations. Students will learn file and information management, security, managing user accounts, networking, system maintenance, desktop management, and utilization of cloud storage.
        CMPR 153
        A+ Essentials Hardware
        The A+ Essentials Hardware course maps to the current CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam objectives. This course covers topics related to installing, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing computer hardware & network troubleshooting, mobile devices, networking, security, virtualization & cloud computing, and operational procedures from basic personal computer hardware to IT infrastructure for business. Lectures and hands-on experience in structured labs are included. The A+ Essentials Hardware course teaches necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional.
          CMPR 155
          A+ Essentials Software
          The A+ Essentials Software course maps to the current CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam objectives. This course covers topics related to installing, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, securing Windows and Linux, including command line & client support for Mac OS and mobile OSes ; virtualization & cloud computing, and operational procedures from personal computer hardware to IT infrastructure for business. Lectures and hands-on experience in structured labs are included. The A+ Essentials Software course teaches necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional.

            Second Semester

            1-4 units
            CMPR 104
            Work Experience - IT Cybersecurity and Computing
            This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of paid work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.