What is the Computer Support Technician Level 1) Certificate?
The Computer Support Technician Certificate is the first level (level 1) of the Computer Support Specialist Program. It is designed to prepare students for an entry level role in Computer and Information Technology (IT) Support. You'll learn how to setup a user's desktop or workstation, how to install the computer applications that people use the most. You'll learn how to fix a problem or troubleshoot when something goes wrong and how to put practices in place to prevent similar problems from happening again. Not only will you learn the technical aspects of troubleshooting a problem, you'll also learn how to communicate with users in order to best assist them. You will learn how to set up a network from scratch to connect to the Internet as well as how to implement security to make sure your systems are safe from hackers and other risks. Students who successfully complete the Computer Support Technician Certificate, will earn a set an impressive set of credentials and earn valuable experience that will help them start or advance in a career in Computer and Information Technology (IT) Support.
The Computer Support Technician Certificate is a college issued certificate that is issued to students who successfully complete the required courses. Currently that consists of 4 online lecture/lab courses.
What specific job titles/positions will I be qualified for after completing the Computer Support Technician Certificate?
The Computer Support Technician Certificate and the associated IT Certifications prepare you for jobs with titles like:
Computer Support Technician
Computer Service Technician
Help Desk Support Technician
Field Service Technician
Desktop Support Technician
Service Desk Analyst
Technical Support Specialist
End-user Computing Technician
System Support Specialist
among others....
What is the Computer Support Technician Certificate curriculum based on?
The Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate is based on standards set by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). The first 2 courses (course 1 and course 2) of the Computer Support Technician Certificate are based on curriculum of the CompTIA Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals Certification and the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification. The primary objective of course 1 and 2 of the Computer Support Technician Certificate is to earn the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification as the final requirement of the 2nd course. The first 2 courses of the Computer Support Technician Certificate also prepare the students to pass the CompTIA Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals Certification. Course 1 and Course 2 of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate are currently the MJC courses, CMPET 311 (Technology Support Fundamentals 1) and CMPET 312 (Technology Support Fundamentals 2) .
Course 3, and 4 of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate are based on curriculum of the CompTIA A+ Certification and the TestOut PC Pro Certification. The primary objective of courses 3, and 4, of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate is to earn the TestOut PC Pro Certification as the final requirement of course 4. Course 3 and 4 of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate also prepare the students to pass the CompTIA A+ Certification. Course 3 and Course 4 of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate are currently the MJC courses CMPET 313 (Technology Support Fundamentals 3) and CMPET 314 (Technology Support Fundamentals 4) .
How much money can I expect to earn after I complete Computer Support Technician Certificate (level 1) of the Computer Support Specialist Program?
With an CompTIA A+ Certification and a High School Diploma the starting salary for entry level positions is over $40,000 per year or $20 per hour.
Also see: https://www.comptia.org/faq/a/how-much-can-i-make-with-a-comptia-a-certification
What is the average salary for a Computer Support Professional with a CompTIA A+ Certification?
According to Salary.com, the potential median salary for an A+ certificate holder in the United States is $54,663 (between $28,833 and $80,500 as of April 26, 2022). The pay will vary significantly depending on where you live, and other factors such as experience. When researching salaries and aiming your career at specific job titles, remember that you may see a range of salaries for one particular job because some companies, as well as some geographies, will pay more than others. Companies that pay more may also demand more – in terms of experience or responsibilities. The result is a range of possible salaries for any particular job title and the reality of mean salary percentiles. You can also use the CompTIA Salary Calculator to get an idea of what you might make at any location for a specific occupation and level of experience.
For more information see:
https://www.comptia.org/faq/a/how-much-can-i-make-with-a-comptia-a-certification
and
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm
Am I guaranteed a job when I complete the Computer Support Technician Certificate?
No, but people who earn IT industry certifications, combined with experience, have a higher success rate in attaining a career in IT.
As with any kind of education or training, a career opportunity is not guaranteed just because you pass a set of courses or earn a set of credentials.
Much depends on your diligence and persistence when seeking employment.
Employers and clients are looking for people who can do what is required to complete the required tasks.
It may take considerable effort to land the job you want or to have, or to start your own business.
The more credentials and experience you have, the greater your opportunities for success.
When applying for jobs, it is best to apply for as many as possible.
A job applicant who has earned certificates and certifications and has some experience is much more attractive to potential employers than those applicants who do not.
What is the job outlook for computer and IT support occupations?
The job outlook for computer and IT support occupations is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth that will be faster than the average for all occupations between 2019 and 2026 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.
How long does it take to complete the Computer Support Technician Certificate?
The Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program can be completed in 2 semesters or about 8 months.
How much time does it take to complete each course in the Computer Support Technician Certificate?
The time required for each of the four 7-week courses is a total of about 100 hours or about 15 hours per week. You should plan to be able to devote up to 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, like a part-time job. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program is an option for students taking the 4 (core) courses of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate. It will require additional time, which will vary depending on your schedule, because the Google courses allow you to go at your own pace.
How much does it cost to complete the Computer Support Technician Certificate?
Modesto Junior College Adult Education, the Stanislaus County Office of Education, and Stanislaus County Workforce Development do not charge a fee for the Computer Support Technician Certificate, which is part of the Computer Support Specialist Program. The Computer Support Technician Certificate employs five MJC courses that are also part of the MJC Computer Electronics Program college issued Certificate and AS Degree. The courses (classes) that are included in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate are listed below. MJC is now tuition free so the cost of a college education is greatly reduced. Free tuition and zero fees is available for every student registered for classes starting the the Spring of 2022. Students must apply to attend MJC and complete the appropriate financial aid application. (Students do not need to qualify for financial aid to receive free tuition.)
What materials do I need to acquire for the courses?
There are some items that you will be asked to acquire on your own before first course of the Computer Support Technician Certificate (currently ELTEC 300). This includes some basic tools which may cost about $30, but you may already have many or all of the tools. For hands-on learning about the fundamentals of principles of computing, electronics, and programming we will be using an optional Arduino Starter Kit computer learning kit (about $110) available directly from the Arduino Store. Here is more information about the Arduino Fundamentals Certification and Lab Projects Kit.
What kind of computer do I need to complete the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate?
You will need a sufficiently powerful laptop or desktop computer with high speed internet access for the online courses.
A computer with the following basic specs should be sufficient for online distance learning:
250 GB hard drive or higher
4 GB RAM or higher
2.0 GHz Intel or AMD processor
Recent Apple, Linux, or Windows 10 Operating System
Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Chrome (Chromium) or Safari Browser
Computer microphone and speakers
Web Camera
High-speed Wi-Fi connection obtained either at home (preferred for the best study setting) or via an outside source, such as the library, a quiet restaurant, etc.
What funds are used to pay for the Computer Support Specialist Program and the Computer Support Technician Certificate?
The Computer Support Specialist Program is paid for by public funds or grants from:
How many courses (classes) are in the Computer Support Technician (LEvel 1) Certificate?
The are currently 4 courses that you will complete as part of the Computer Support Technician (level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program. You will take each course, one course at a time in sequence. Currently that consists of 4 online lecture/lab courses (3 units each).
Students who choose to participate in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program, will also be working on the 5 courses for that program at the same time or later, which are is also completed one at a time in sequence, at your own pace
How long is each course (class) in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate?
Each course in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate is 7 weeks long.
What courses (classes) are included in the Computer Service Technician Certificate?
There are 4 core courses required to be completed to earn the Modesto Junior College (MJC) issued Computer Service Technician (Level 1) Certificate. These courses should be completed in order, one at a time. The core courses are 2.5 units each for a total of 10 units.
Course 1 - CMPET 311 - Computer Technology Fundamentals 1 (2.5 units)
Course 2 - CMPET 312 - Computer Technology Fundamentals 2 (2.5 units)
Course 3 - CMPET 313 - Computer Support Services 1 (2.5 units)
Course 4 - CMPET 314 - Computer Support Services 2 (2.5 units)
Note: The names and numbers of the 4 core cores course have changed as of Fall 2023 to make the course sequence less confusing. Students who have completed the older courses, ELTEC300, CMPET206, CMPET210, and CMPET214, will also qualify for the Computer Service Technician (Level 1) Certificate by submitting a course substitution form for the 4 courses.
ELTEC 300 may substitute for CMPET 311
CMPET 206 may substitute for CMPET 312
CMPET 210 may substitute for CMPET 313
CMPET 214 may substitute for CMPET 314
What Information Technology (IT) Certifications will students earn as part of the Computer Service Technician (Level 1) Certificate courses?
As part of the 4 core courses the students will complete the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification at the end of course 2 (CMPET 312), and students will complete the TestOut PC Pro Certification at the end of course 4 (CMPET 314).
Students will prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification in course 1 and course 2. Students will prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification in course 3 and course 4. CompTIA Exams are proctored at a testing CompTIA authorized testing center such as WiseGuys PC ( https://wiseguyspc.net/ ) in Modesto.
When can I start my first course in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate?
You may start anytime CMPET 311 is offered in the MJC schedule. Use the class search on the MJC website ( https://mjc.edu/ ). Search for CMPET 311.
Why can I only take one course at a time in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate?
The courses are designed to be taken in sequence. They build on each other. The exception to this is if you choose to pursue the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program, which is divided into 5 short courses, which compliment the courses in the Computer Support Technician (level 1) Certificate.
What courseware does the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate employ?
Course 1 - CMPET 311 and Course 2 - CMPET 312 employs the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Course.
Course 3 - CMPET 313 and Course 4 - CMPET 314 employs the TestOut PC Pro Course.
What does the TestOut courseware for the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate cost for students?
Students in the Computer Support Specialist Program do not need to buy the courseware.
The Computer Support Specialist Program will pay for the courseware expenses.
What does the TestOut courseware normally cost ?
The TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Course and the TestOut PC Pro Course both normally cost $179 each. However, MJC students get a $50 discount ($129) with the discount code: 14-232ta. However, you do not need to buy the courseware subscription yourself because it is included in the courses and is paid for by the Computer Support Specialist Program.
Can I start the coursework for the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate early, before the course officially starts ?
Yes, it is possible if you purchase a subscription to the TestOut courseware yourself, you can start working on the first courseware for the Computer Support Technician Certificate before the course starts. However you will need to ask TestOut to link the accounts to the MJC course once it begins. Also, this may result in you paying for the courseware.
Do I need to purchase the Arduino Kit that is used in the courses that are used in the level 1 of the Computer Support Specialist Program (Computer Support Technician (level 1) Certificate) ?
The Arduino Fundamentals Certification and the Arduino Fundamentals Labs with the Arduino Starter Kit, is optional, but highly recommended part of the courses that are included in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program. It costs about $110 but you can think of it as your textbook expense ($110) which is needed for the first course, (Course 1 - ELTEC 300). It is one of the objectives of the program to help students gain a good understanding of the principles of Computer and Information Technology. The Arduino is a simple computer that helps you understand those foundational principles by doing hands-on labs that you can be done at home while participating in an online course. The Arduino is designed to be friendly and easy to understand. The same principles of hardware and software are used in more powerful computers. In later courses we will also do hands-on activities with a desktop PC which will replicate some of the TestOut LabSim simulations. By completing the optional Arduino Fundamentals Labs in the 4 courses of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate, students also prepare for the Arduino Fundamentals Certification. The Arduino Fundamentals Certification will earn 1 unit which will apply to the Computer Electronics (Level 3) Certificate, and the Computer Electronics Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree (Level 4).
Please see the CMPET 311, 312, 313, or 314 course syllabus for more information on the items you will use in all 4 of the 7-week core courses that are required for the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate.