Networking Certificate of Achievement

The Networking Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who want a career in the widespread field of Network Administration. Network administrators are needed in every sector of today's economy from small offices, to factories and large enterprises. Students begin with the fundamentals of information technology and then specialize in networking. Students learn the theory of networking and get hands-on experience with hardware such as routers and switches. Flexible courses teach the knowledge and skills necessary to start a career and prepare students for industry certification exams.

Each year a total of 80 students are expected to enroll with approximately 15 earning the Networking Certificate of Achievement. With a strong labor market, the program is expected to grow.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Networking Certificate of Achievement in Career Education. This certificate is designed to train students in the practice of managing networking infrastructure. The need for information workers has been advocated for by local employers spanning many industries and is supported by labor market research (TOP 708.00). The Networking Certificate of Achievement is aligned with Cabrillo College’s  mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways.  Approval of this certificate will benefit regional employers, fulfill the needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minority students in a viable career and academic path. Upon completion, students will have the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce or continue their studies in the field. The goal is for certificate completers to be gainfully employed within a year of program completion or to advance to a degree. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising, with potential for a starting salary of $46,000-$65,000/year in jobs such as System Administrator and Network Administrator. It is critical to give community college students educational and professional experience that is necessary to be successful when they continue to higher degrees or certificates.

There are 26 required units in computer and information systems along with 3-4 units of electives for a total of 29-30 units. 

The Networking Certificate of Achievement builds on the Computer Information Systems Foundations Certificate of Achievement for students who want to specialize in network administration. All of the courses are housed in the Computer and Information Systems (CIS) department. There are no similar programs at Cabrillo. 

Hartnell College and Gavilan College both deliver Computer Information System programs for several years and both report that our programs would not negatively affect their respective programs. Contacted for approval: Guy Hannah, Associate Dean of Career Technical Education Hartnell College Office 831.710.7886  ghannah@hartnell.edu and Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education, Workforce & Partnerships Gavilan College Office: 831-646-4039 ssweeney@gavilan.edu 408-848-4757.