Network Specialist Certificate of Achievement

CompTIA and Cisco certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help students earn employment in technology-related careers. CompTIA's A+, Network+, Security+, and Cisco's CCNA certifications assures employers that their applicant is prepared to enter the workforce as a network specialist. Network specialists can analyze, test, troubleshoot, secure, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Completion of the Network Specialist Certificate prepares students for the CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Cisco's CCNA industry certification exam among other topics. Some of the courses are also applicable for transfer to CSUSB Cybersecurity school.

We're anticipating about 60 certificates will be awarded annually. 

Employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) as more support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software. According to EDD (Employment Development Department) and EMSI (Economic Modeling Specialist International) projection numbers for California-wide employment as “Computer Support Specialists” and “Computer Specialist” in general is expected to grow.

As nearly every industry sector and individual becomes increasingly dependent on computers, Information and Communications Technologies are vital for productivity, efficiency, connectivity and growth. ICT occupations in California are attractive career options, especially since this industry has a presence within virtually all industries throughout the state.

The Inland Empire is positioned to benefit from the defined growth in traditional IT jobs. It is further in a strong position to drive economic/jobs growth in advanced economies with the new technology, feeding the regional use of technology and increasing the demand for ICT jobs and training. As outlined in the Model Comprehensive Regional Career Pathway for ICT /Digital Media, the development of a defined pipeline of workers with the latest skills and certified work readiness, will enable our local employers to advance their economic growth in these areas, and will support and feed the growth of ICT jobs throughout the region.

Students can complete the certificate in a year by taking three CIS classes for two semesters. At least one Work Experience unit is required for the certificate. 

All 5 required courses are aligned with industry recognized IT certifications, which are valuable for those students seeking employment in the field.