Computer Support Specialist Program

A partnership of Modesto Junior College, Stanislaus County Office of Education and Workforce Training, and the Google.org Foundation.

 The above video playlist includes 8 videos that describe the Computer Support Specialist Program as well as the included Google IT Support Professional Certificate. The playlist also includes related videos from Google and TestOut. Please watch the videos to better understandthe Computer Support Specialist Program, and be better prepared for the courses. You can select individual videos in the playlist by clicking on the playlist icon in the upper-right corner of the YouTube Video.

Click on Home in the upper right corner of this page and then select the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and read through each topic section. You can also find the individual video links and the links to the slideshow PDF files there.

If you have not done so, be sure to sign up for the Computer Support Specialist Program

The Computer Support Specialist Program is an exciting new career training opportunity for people who like working with computer technology and enjoy helping people use it. 

The Computer Support Specialist Program is designed to assist students to start or advance in a career as Information Technology (IT) Support Professionals by helping them acquire the knowledge and skills required to pass the IT certification exams as well as gain work experience through internships while earning college credits.

The core or first level of the Computer Support Specialist Program is called the  Computer Support Technician Certificate, also known as Level 1.  Currently, students will earn 10 units of college degree credit from MJC by completing the 4 courses of the Computer Support Technician Certificate.

CMPET 314 - IT Support Fundamentals 4

These 4 courses help you prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (Tech+) Certification, and the CompTIA A+ Certification. Through a partnership with the Google Career Certificates Program, students will be granted free access to the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program for 5 online courses which can be completed in  about 6 to 8 months by studying an additional 5 to 10 hours per week to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate

The accelerated online/hybrid format of the Computer Support Specialist Program allows students to complete this certificate in about 8 months by completing four 7-week courses of about 15 hours per week (about 100 hours per course). 

The Computer Support Specialist Program makes extensive use of courseware which is based on the certifications and standards set by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). The courseware is developed and maintained by CompTIA and Google.  By using professionally produced courseware the Computer Support Specialist Program is able keep current with the fast changing Computer and Information Technology Industry.   CompTIA certification testing requires purchasing a voucher for an exam that will be taken at the testing center. A significant academic discount is available for MJC students for CompTIA certification exam vouchers.

Through flexible online training, the Computer Support Specialist Program helps students earn key industry certifications  to start a career as a Computer Support Specialist. With a  CompTIA A+ Certification and a High School Diploma, the annual salary for entry level positions start at about $60K per year or $29 per hour in the Modesto area. With career experience and additional certifications, the pay can be much higher. The job outlook for this occupation is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth for this profession of 9% per year between now and 2030 and demand will increase as organizations continue to install and update to the newest computer based systems to reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage.