Computer Support Specialist

Course Overview

The Jeremi College Computer Support Specialist program is a combination of the CompTIA A+, Network + certifications, and work-based learning as a field technician.

The course is split into 3 parts; the first part covers topics in Core 1 A+ exam ranging from Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. Students attend exam practice sessions and take the core 1 exam. Students enroll in an 8-week, 160-clock hours of work-based learning after taking and passing the Core 1 exam.

They simultaneously continue CompTIA A+ by starting Core 2 which covers topics ranging from Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. This prepares students to take the Core 2 exam in the 12th week of the program. They start Network+ after completing Core 2.

The final part of the course is Network+, a 300-clock hours work-based program for another 12 weeks. Students continue and complete their field technician learning during the first weeks of Network+. The total program clock hours are 600.

Upon attaining the certification, graduates can work in a variety of IT positions; Service Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech, Technical Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, Associate Network Engineer, Data Support Technician, Desktop Support Administrator, and End User Computing Technician. According to CompTIA, Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. CompTIA Network+ validates the hands-on skills needed to troubleshoot, configure, and manage both wired and wireless networks. This powerful credential will help take your IT career to the next level.

According to CompTIA, a Computer Support Specialist's median annual income is $53K, while it is $80k for Network and Computer Systems Administrators with a 20-28% increase in open IT positions expected by 2026. In addition to these nationally recognized skills certification that you will gain from attending the CSS program, you will also have an opportunity for paid work-based learning as an IT Field technician.

Course Skills

  • Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices

  • Install & support Windows OS including command line & client support. Understand Mac OS, Linux & mobile OS

  • Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including application security support

  • Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO

  • Troubleshoot device and network issues

  • Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections

  • Install & configure laptops and other mobile devices

  • Compare & contrast cloud computing concepts &set up client-side virtualization

  • May apply and sit for the certification exam in pursuit of earning the CompTIA A+ credential

Detailed Course Information

  • This program is available online and in-class

  • Mondays & Wednesdays, 5pm-9pm

  • The course duration is 24 weeks/600 clock hours

  • includes paid work-based learning

  • Saturday Skills sessions are available

  • For financial aid information, click here.

  • You may qualify for an Indiana Next Level Jobs Work Ready Grant. For more information on tuition assistance, please visit Next Level Jobs

  • Those interested in the CompTIA A+ program should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED

  • Students who complete this comprehensive course will receive CompTIA A+ certification and can leverage that into a career in Information Technology services