Computer Support Specialist Technician

Get started on your career in information technology!

The Computer Support Specialist Technician micro-pathway program is a stackable credential that prepares you for admissions into a related certificate or associate degree program in Cybersecurity or Network Administration at Community College of Philadelphia. It is the first part of a continuum of learning, leading to entry-level, career-oriented employment as a computer support specialist, or more education and training in the IT field.

Computer support specialist technicians maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users. Technicians may work for a wide range of companies, including large software and computer service companies. Other technicians work in call centers and take customers through a problem step-by-step, such as reestablishing an Internet connection, troubleshooting Wi-Fi routers, or other network and computer systems.

O*NET Data projects employment of computer support specialists to grow 10 percent from 2021-2031 in Pennsylvania. Emsi data projects the estimated salary of a Computer Network Support Specialist to be around $79,869, with entry-level workers generally starting at around $54,310.

The Computer Support Specialist Technician program is a 26-week program that is divided into a 12-week segment and a 14-week segment. During the first 12 weeks of the program (Part 1), students learn foundational skills in information technology, including CompTIA IT Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner modules. In addition, students will be engaged in skills that build success in the workplace. This includes topics such as entry-level Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; student success skills; customer service basics; Algebra prep; and business communication.

In the following 14 weeks (Part 2), students will take courses eligible for college credit, including Computer Systems Maintenance (CompTIA A +) and Network Technology (CompTIA Network +). Students will receive CompTIA Exam Prep to prepare for the certification testing as well as 21st century workplace skills courses such as Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving.

Students must successfully complete Part 1 of the program to progress to Part 2.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the micro-pathway program, students will be prepared to pursue industry certifications in CompTIA IT Fundamentals, AWS Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA A+, and CompTIA Network +
• Upon successful completion of the micro-pathway program, students can apply to the the Cybersecurity I proficiency certificate, the Network and Systems Administration proficiency certificate, or an associate degree program at Community College of Philadelphia.

Placement Testing

• Students are required to take the Accuplacer exam prior to admission to determine English and Math placement.
• Students can visit our placement tests webpage for more information about the placement test, a list of testing sites and dates, and information on test preparation and practice tests

Financial Assistance

Micro-Pathway Programs/Workforce Development Scholarships—The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and its donors are pleased to offer scholarships to students enrolling in select workforce development courses. To submit your scholarship application, follow the steps in the Workforce Development Program Scholarship Application Guide. 

Federal Financial Aid—Prospective students will be advised to complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial aid for their credit courses in Part 2. Students should go to the FAFSA website to complete the application. Add CCP as the school choice using school code 003249.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—Students enrolled in programs that are eligible for WIOA funding should apply by first registering with Career Link. Students will apply for WIOA funding by choosing Community College of Philadelphia under the Training Provider section, then choosing their program of interest and submitting the request.

Students will be notified of their eligibility for each funding opportunity after all applicable steps are completed.

Admission

• Eligible students will be sent a registration form via DocuSign
• Students who complete and return the registration form will be enrolled in Part 1 of the program, and sent information about orientation
• Registration will be on a first come basis. Students who submit all required documents will have priority consideration
• All students who are registered will be required to attend the in-person orientation
• Students who have not met eligibility requirements will be notified and encouraged to look at other programming options

This program is the result of a partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and the Education Design Lab (EDL). This diverse team is comprised of experts who have worked in higher education, K-12, talent development, policy and entrepreneurship. Education Design Lab helps colleges and employers design programs for working, rural, first-in-family and parent learners.

Lessons included in this program (Part 1):

• CompTIA ITF | 30 hours
  Students who successfully complete this program will have the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basis of computing, IT infrastructure, software development and database use. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of installing software, establishing basic network connectivity, and identifying/preventing basic security risks. Students who successfully master the course outcomes should be well prepared for the pre-professional certification CompTIA IT Fundamentals CompTIA ITF (FC0-U61) exam.
• AWS Cloud Practitioner | 36 hours
  Participants are introduced to cloud computing concepts and practices, and the emerging role of cloud computing in business infrastructure. Students will be able to describe IT concepts and terminology, learn the database fundamentals, the function of computer security, cloud computing and IT value to businesses; and be able to describe cloud security, compliance issues, and AWS Cloud Services for deployment and operations. This course will also cover cloud computing pricing models and discuss how AWS account structures and billing practices can help businesses manage cloud costs. Students who successfully master the course outcomes should be well prepared for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.
• PC Applications: Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint | 18 hours
  Cover the basics of applications commonly used in the workplace. Students will be able create, edit and save documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The Excel section includes cell formulas and summation. The PowerPoint section includes how to add visual effects and various backgrounds to presentations.
• Business Communication | 40 hours
  This course provides participants with the fundamental English skills needed by almost all Information Technology professionals. Students who master the course material should be able to place into the English level at the College. Learn how to utilize analytical, problem-solving skills, and apply strategies and principles to prepare effective communication. Participants will also be able to identify ethical, legal, cultural and global issues affecting business communication. Students who master the course material should be able to place into the ENGL 101 - English Composition I course at the College.
• Algebra Prep | 40 hours
  Cover the fundamental math and logic skills needed by almost all Information Technology professionals. This includes basic algebra, Boolean logic, and the ability to understand common numbering systems used in computers is included in the course. Students who master the course material should be able to place into the FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra course at the College.
• Customer Service Basics | 12 hours
  There are six critical elements of customer service. When applied, these principles bring customers back to experience service that outdoes the competition. After this course, you will be able to demonstrate confidence as a problem solver and apply techniques that will enable you to deal with difficult customers.
• Student Success Strategies | 12 hours
  Set yourself up for success. This course is intended to help new and returning students by making you aware of possible barriers to success in school, at work and at home. Learn how to budget your time to achieve a school-work-home life balance, how to make the most of your personal learning styles, and how to work with others and ask for help if you need it. You will also be introduced to practices for succeeding in online courses.

Lessons included in this program (Part 2):

• CompTIA A+ | Computer Systems Maintenance, credit course
  This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience in installing and supporting the Microsoft Windows operating system. It helps prepare students for CompTIA A+ certification and provides a foundation for related Microsoft certifications. Students who successfully complete this course will have the knowledge required to assemble components based on customer requirements; install, configure, and maintain PCs, mobile devices, and software for end users; understand the basics of networking and security forensics; properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document common hardware and software issues; apply troubleshooting skills; provide appropriate customer support; and understand the basics of scripting, virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment. CompTIA A+ measures the necessary skills for an entry level IT professional.
• CompTIA Network + | Network Technology, credit course
  This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, configure, and manage common network devices; establish basic network connectivity; understand and maintain network documentation; identify network limitations and weaknesses; and implement network security, standards, and protocols. Upon completion of this course, students will have a basic understanding of enterprise technologies, including cloud and virtualization technologies. Students will also be prepared for the CompTIA Network+ certification which measures the necessary skills for foundation-level IT network practitioners.
• CompTIA A+ and Network+ Exam Prep | 24 hours
  This course will provide additional labs to prepare students for CompTIA professional certification exams (including CompTIA A+ and Network+) and describe the different types of questions that appear on the exam, how to answer them, and engage in sample questions. The CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications are the basic professional certifications needed for entry level employment as a Computer Support Services technician.
• Critical Thinking | 12 hours
  Critical thinking in the 21st century includes the capacity to reason logically and rigorously. Effective critical thinkers exhibit four core sub-competencies: gather and assess relevant information; identify patterns; question assumptions; and draw well-reasoned conclusions. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to make recommendations that are supported by analysis of evidence.
• Creative Problem Solving | 12 hours
  Creative problem-solving in the 21st century workplace includes the capacity to solve problems in new ways. Effective creative problem-solvers exercise four core sub-competencies: both divergent and convergent thinking; identify patterns that may not be obvious; manage ambiguity; and apply an iterative process for generating, testing and refining ideas. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify relevant information to inform decision making and assess the consequences of all potential options. 
   

Prerequisites

This program is suitable for high school graduates (or GED/HSE) with average math and language skills.

Course Dates and Times

Community College of Philadelphia's Computer Support Specialist Technician program is supported by the Citizens Community College Accelerator, in partnership with Education Design Lab’s Community College Growth Engine. Through this initiative, Citizens invests in community colleges to accelerate the development of locally relevant and inclusive mobility pathways in high-growth sectors to drive strong employment outcomes for students.