IT Certifications

What is an IT Certification?

IT Certifications industry recognized certifications that are non-degree awards made to those who have achieved qualifications specified by a certifying authority such as the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Most IT certifications require passing an exam. The purpose is to establish that an individual holding a certification is technically qualified to hold certain types of job positions within the Computer and Information Technology (IT) industry.

How does the Computer Support Specialist Program help student earn their IT certifications?

The program courses help the students gain the knowledge and experience to pass the certification exams. The program also helps the student pay for the certifications by reimbursing them for the cost of the certifications when they pass the certification exam.

What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?

A Certificate is a credential document issued by an organization to recognize the completion of a set of courses or certifications. The Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate is a certificate issued by the Computer Support Specialist Program (college issued certificate) that recognize the completion of the courses that are part of that certificate. The Google IT Support Profession Certificate recognizes the completion of the 5 courses that are part of that certificate.

A Certification is a credential that proves your knowledge and skills that you earn by passing a exam. It is issued by an organizations and companies like the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), Cisco, The EC Council, Microsoft, and TestOut.

What industry recognized IT Certifications are included in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate?

A student who completes the core courses of the Computer Support Specialist Program will be issued a certificate from the program called the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate. As part of these courses, the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate includes preparation for the industry recognized Information Technology (IT) Certifications that that may be earned by passing the required exams. It includes training courses for the the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification, the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification, the TestOut PC Pro Certification, and the CompTIA A+ Certification. It also includes the option for qualified students to complete the Google IT Support Profession Certificate through a scholarship grant from Google.

The certifications that are part of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate are described in more detail below:

TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification

https://www.testout.com/certification/pro-exams/it-fundamentals-pro

The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification is the first industry certification that you will study in the course of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate. The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification measures an examinee's understanding of foundational concepts related to computer hardware and software, networking, databases, programming, information systems, and data security. The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification is also excellent preparation for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification. The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification and the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification are the focus of the first 2 courses (ELTEC 300 and CMPET 206) of the the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate.

What are the objectives of TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification?

The objectives of the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification are listed here:
https://w3.testout.com/objectives/it-fundamentals-pro

The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification is based on the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification. so it also shares these objectives (PDF file):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZAbr4IiF1OOfPFA5wUkL5rG1-vHqAvM/view?usp=sharing

CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification

https://www.comptia.org/certifications/it-fundamentals

The CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification exam focuses on the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals alike, including:

Using features and functions of common operating systems and establishing network connectivity
Identifying common software applications and their purpose
Using security and web browsing best practices

This exam is intended for candidates who are advanced end users and/or are considering a career in IT. The exam is also a good fit for individuals interested in pursuing professional-level certifications, such as A+. The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification and the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification are the focus of the first 2 courses (ELTEC 300 and CMPET 206) of the the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate.

CompTIA ITF+ Certification Information

Now that you have completed the 1st and 2nd course of the Computer Support Specialist Program, and you have taken and passed the TestOut IT Fundamanetals Pro Certification Exam, you are well prepared to take and pass CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam. Although not required by this course or the Computer Support Specialist Program, it is highly recomened that you take the CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam. The primary focus of this course along with the 1st course has been to prepare you for the CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam. Before attempting the CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam you should complete all of the content of the TestOut IT Fundamanetals Pro courseware including all the practice exams. Having passed thepractice exam and the TestOut IT Fundamanetals Pro Certification Exam you should be well prepared to take and pass the CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam.

Here is detailed information about CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam:
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/it-fundamentals

What are the objectives of CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification?
Before attempting to pass the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification exam, you should be very familiar with all of its objectives which are published here (PDF file):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZAbr4IiF1OOfPFA5wUkL5rG1-vHqAvM/view?usp=sharing

Where can I buy CompTIA ITF+ Certification Test Vouchers at the best price ?
The CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam requires that your purchase a voucher from CompTIA. The normal cost of the voucher is $134, but because Modesto Junior College (MJC) is a member of CompTIA, you are entitled to a discount to purchase the voucher for $80 at the CompTIA academic store website:

https://academic-store.comptia.org/p/ACADCompTIAITFplus

Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Google scholarship grant, optional)

https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-support

Google has generously provided a scholarship opportunity to enter the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program for students who are part of the Computer Support Specialist Program. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program is optional for students of the of the Computer Support Specialist Program. See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program for more details.

TestOut PC Pro Certification

https://www.testout.com/certification/pro-exams/pc-pro

The main purpose of the TestOut PC Pro Certification is to verify necessary skills to work as an IT support professional. In an IT support job, you'll be asked to install, repair, configure, secure, and manage computer hardware, operating systems, and software in home or corporate environments. It is also excellant preparation for the CompTIA A+ Certification exams. The TestOut PC Pro Certification and the CompTIA A+ Certification are the focus of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th courses (CMPET 210, CMPET 214, and CMPET 269) of the the Computer Support Technician Certificate.

CompTIA A+ Certification

https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

The CompTIA A+ certification. A+ (A Plus) is the worlds most popular IT certification. It is the entry-level computer certification for PC Computer Support Technicians. The exam is designed to certify the competency of entry-level computer support professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating personal computers.

CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management and more. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.

The only credential with performance-based items to prove pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment
Trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in end point management & technical support roles
Regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace

The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) covering the following new content:

Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals.
Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software.
Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting.
Support basic IT infrastructure and networking.
Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware.
Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices.

What are the objectives of CompTIA A+ Certification?
Before attempting to pass the 2 CompTIA A+ Certification exam, you should be very familiar with all of its objectives which are published by CompTIA.
The first CompTIA A+ Certification (Core 1) Exam objectives (220-1101) are listed in this PDF file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k6thnreBLeIx31prrdjDXBi0YCSNuOhV/view?usp=sharing

The second CompTIA A+ Certification (Core 2) Exam objectives (220-1102) are listed in this PDF file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cVwM7PYR7-y89X1OBs_GDqhHhGCu44cH/view?usp=sharing

What Jobs Can I Get with a CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. Companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HP all look for the CompTIA A+ certification when hiring for jobs like IT support specialist, IT field service technician, desktop support analyst and help desk tier 2 support. Basically any business or organization that uses computer and related equipment, operating systems, and software. The TestOut PC Pro Certification and the CompTIA A+ Certification are the focus of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th courses (CMPET 210, CMPET 214, and CMPET 269) of the the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate.

The web page from CompTIA describes some of the job opportunities available to holders of the CompTIA A+ Certification:

https://www.comptia.org/faq/a/what-jobs-can-i-get-with-a-comptia-a-certification

The PC Pro and A+ Certifications are great certifications for entry level Computer and IT Support jobs. Jobs that require or benefit from a CompTIA A+ Certification include the following job titles:

Service desk analyst.
Technical support specialist.
Field service technician.
Associate network engineer.
Data support technician.
Desktop support administrator.
End-user computing technician.
Help desk technician.

How much can I make with a CompTIA A+ Certification?

https://www.comptia.org/faq/a/how-much-can-i-make-with-a-comptia-a-certification

Here are some jobs available now on the job search websight indeed.com:

https://www.indeed.com/q-A+-Certification-jobs.html

Where can I buy CompTIA A+ Certification Test Vouchers at the best price?

The CompTIA A+ Certification requires that you pass 2 certification exams Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). You must buy purchase a voucher for each exam. The normal cost of the voucher is about $246, but because Modesto Junior College (MJC) is a member of CompTIA, you are entitled to a discount to purchase the voucher for $109 for each voucher at the CompTIA academic store website:

https://academic-store.comptia.org/p/ACADCompTIAITFplus

What happens if a student fails a TestOut Certification exam?

Each courseware subscription includes a voucher for the associated TestOut certification at no extra cost. If a students fails a TestOut certification exam, the student may buy a retake voucher from TestOut (click on the link for more information). The cost of a retake voucher is $39 with the MJC price code (14-232ta). The Computer Support Specialist Program pays for the first certification exam as part of the course subscription which it also pays for, but it does not pay for retake vouchers, so it is very important to be prepared for the exam by completing all the coursework assignments before taking the exam.

What does it cost to buy an exam voucher for a CompTIA certification exam ?

The price for different CompTIA certification exam vouchers varies. Because MJC is a CompTIA’s Academy Partner, there is discount to students of about 50% off the normal price of voucher. Here is a list of the CompTIA exam voucher academic prices. The academic price for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam voucher is currently $80. The academic price for the CompTIA A+ exam voucher is currently $109 for each of the two required exams. The price of the vouchers may change.

Here is a link to the current academic discount price (ACAD) for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Exam Voucher (FC0-U61).

Here is a link to the current academic discount price(ACAD) for the CompTIA A+ Exam Voucher (220-1001 or 220-1002). The A+ Certification requires 2 vouchers.

What happens if a student fails a CompTIA Certification exam?

In the event that a student fails their first (1st) attempt to pass any CompTIA certification examination they must purchase another voucher to retake the exam. CompTIA does not require any waiting period between the first (1st) and second (2nd) attempt to pass such examination. However, before your third (3rd) attempt or any subsequent attempt to pass such examination, you shall be required to wait for a period of at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of your last attempt to pass such examination. Candidates must pay the same exam price each time they attempt the exam. CompTIA does not offer any free re-tests or discounts on retakes. Here is more information about CompTIA exam retake policies (click on link). CompTIA retake vouchers are the same as the first exam voucher, so it pays to be well prepared by completing all the coursework and by first passing the corresponding TestOut certification exam. The TestOut certifications help prepare and verify that you are ready to take the corresponding CompTIA certification exam. For example, it is important to first pass the TestOut IT Fundamentals Certification exam before you attempt the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification.

The Computer Support Specialist Program will reimburse the student for the cost of the first CompTIA or other certification exam vouchers, after the student passes the certification exams. They must pass the exam to be reimbursed. However, the program does not pay for retake vouchers, so it is very important to be prepared for the exam by completing all the associated coursework assignments before taking the exam(s). For example The program will reimburse the student for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam voucher which is currently $80 after they exam. The program will reimburse the student for the CompTIA A+ exam vouchers which is currently $218 for the two required exams (MJC academic discount price of $109), after the student passes the exam. Even if the student has to retake a certification exam, the reimburement amount is the same.

Can a student take a certification exam at home ?

Both CompTIA and TestOut have offered online testing some certifications since the pandemic started, although this option may have changed..

CompTIA ITF+ Certification Information

Here is detailed information about CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam:

https://www.comptia.org/certifications/it-fundamentals

Where can I buy CompTIA ITF+ Certification Test Vouchers at the best price ?

The CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam requires that your purchase a voucher from CompTIA. The regular cost of the voucher is $130, but because Modesto Junior College (MJC) is a member of CompTIA, you are entitled to a discount to purchase the voucher for $80 at the CompTIA academic store website:

https://academic-store.comptia.org/p/ACADCompTIAITFplus

Voucher Reimbursement

The Computer Support Specialist Program will reimburse students for the cost of an exam voucher (at the MJC academic discount price) for a certification exam that is associaited with one of the 4 (core) courses (1-4) that are part of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program.Students who apply must have been accepted into the Computer Support Specialist Program, and have been enrolled in a Computer Support Specialist Program course within last 30 days. You must have passed the exam in order to qualify for voucher reimburement. You must present evidence that you passed the exam by uploading a copy of your CompTIA transcript (PDF file) to this Google form. The transcript is available from CompTIA after you pass the certification exam. The transcript includes a Verification Code that will be verified at the CompTIA verification website (verify.comptia.org). The Computer Support Specialist Program will not reimburse students for the cost of more than one voucher for each certification exam. In other words, the Computer Support Specialist Program will not reimburse students for retake vouchers (see https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-policies-procedures/test-policies/comptia-certification-retake-policy).

Here is a link (URL) to the Google form where you can apply for a voucher reimburesement:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVexdMD_CJf7KddapvXAkRsT8hiNCPaRm8PRuy9LYKUKQ4-w/viewform?usp=pp_url

Online Certification Testing

The CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam is currently given online by the PearsonVue company although that may be subject to change at any time. You will need an Apple or Windows computer that must meet the specified requirements.

The CompTIA ITF+ Certification Exam Here is information about how to take the exam online including computer system requirements:

https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-options/take-online-exam

In Person Certification Testing

You can also take your CompTIA certification exams at a in-person testing center. Our local CompTIA Pearson VUE authorized testing center is Wise Guys PC in Modesto. Located at 3600 Sisk Rd Ste. 2F , Modesto, CA 95356 Phone: 2095786411 | Email: info@wiseguyspc.net

Am I required to take the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification Exam?

The CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification Exam is not required for the Computer Support Technican (Level 1) Certificate. The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification Exam is the final exam for the 2nd course (CMPET 206), so the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification Exam is required as part for the Computer Support Technican (Level 1) Certificate. However, it is highly recommended that students who pass the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification Exam should go ahead and then plan to take the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification Exam as soon as possible because it will benefit them in the future by giving them more career options. Also, it is currently planned that more college credit units will be available for students who earn the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification. It is currently planned that 2 college credit units will be awarded to students who show proof of having earned the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification by passing the certification exam, as required for the Computer Support Specialist (Level 2) Certificate. This is called Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). It is planned to start by 2024.

Am I required to take the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam?

The CompTIA A+ Certification Exam is not required for the Computer Support Technican (Level 1) Certificate. The TestOut PC Pro Certification Exam is the final exam for the 4th course (CMPET 214), so the TestOut PC Pro Certification Exam is required as part for the Computer Support Technican (Level 1) Certificate. However, it is highly recommended that students who pass the TestOut PC Pro Certification Exam should go ahead and then plan to take the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam when they feel they are prepared, but as soon as possible, because it will benefit them in the future by giving them more career options. Also, it is currently planned that more college credit units will be available for students who earn the CompTIA A+ Certification. It is currently planned that 4 units of college credit units will be awarded to students who show proof of having earned the CompTIA A+ Certification. This will be applied toward the required 10 additional units that is required to earn the Computer Support Specialist (Level 2) Certificate. This is currently planned to be awarded by Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). It is planned to start by 2024.

Am I required to participate in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program?

You are invited to participate in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program, as part of the Computer Support Specialist Program. Howvever, you are not required to participate in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program has 5 courses that must be passed in order to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. It is highly recommended that students who able to do so, participate in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program because it will benefit them in the future by giving them more career options. Also, it is currently planned that more college credit units will be available for students who earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. It is currently planned that 4 units of college credit units will be awarded to students who show proof of having earned the Google IT Support Professional Certificate as part of the Computer Support Specialist (Level 2) Certificate. The current plan is that the units will be awarded by means of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). It is planned to start by 2024.