Program Overview

The sixteen-unit IT Support Skills Certificate is designed to allow a student to complete a certificate program and enter the workforce as an entry level help desk technician.

The certificate capstone courses — CS 84.11: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows and CS 84.13: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting: Desktop Applications — map to the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) Certification.

IT support technicians will gain valuable experience in the CS 99I Computer Studies Occupational Work Experience Intern program. This experience provides the necessary hands on training and skill development for the professional Computer Help Desk technician.

Certificate

The IT Support Certificate of Achievement exposes students to skills and knowledge necessary to support end users who run Windows and the Microsoft Office applications. Of primary importance for the IT support technician is the development of Soft Skills. These interpersonal competencies are fostered to enable the IT Support technician to successfully communicate in both written and verbal forms as well as utilize techniques in conflict management.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Perform the duties of an entry level IT technician.
2. Perform basic hardware and software installations, upgrades and troubleshooting procedures for the components of desktop and laptop computers.
3. Evaluate basic troubleshooting techniques such as asking relevant questions, identifying possible solutions and planning implementation.
4. Use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary as expected in business writing, formal reports, and marketing materials.
5. Assess and recognize an audience in order to develop appropriate communications both orally and in writing that are sensitive to the audience's needs, values, and point of views.

» Learn more about the IT Support Certificate of Achievement requirements