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Program Details

• SCHEDULE, REGISTRATION, FEES

  Course	Registration
  A+ Certification Exam Prep
  Network+ Certification Exam Prep
  Security+ Certification Exam Prep
  Network+ and Security+ Certification Exam Prep Bundle
  A+ and Network+ Certification Exam Prep Bundle

  Course Details

  • Classes held online
  • Instructor-led 
  • Courses run during the fall and spring semesters
  • Register for a course bundle and save up to $195!

  Fee Includes

  • Exam voucher
  • Required books and course materials
  • Using Third Party Funding To Register? Please contact us

  Savings

  • This course is eligible for a 10% military discount, view veteran and military funding options
  • The following programs are MyCAA and WIOA funding approved
    • A+ Certification Exam Prep
    • Network+ and Security+ Certification Exam Prep Bundle
    • A+ and Network+ Certification Exam Prep Bundle
  • ´ó·¢ alumni are eligible for a 10% discount

  Please note: All rates are subject to change without notice.

• COURSE TOPICS

  A+

  CompTIAâ„¢ A+ Certification is a critical first step in opening the door to your IT career. Throughout this program, you will learn the essential skills needed to start a career working within the industry. CompTIAâ„¢ A+ Certification is vendor neutral and internationally recognized, giving you a competitive advantage no matter what country you're working in and what hardware you're working with. Upon completion of the program, you will be given a voucher to take CompTIA A+â„¢ certifying exam (CompTIA 220-1001 and 220-1002). This program is fully online and instructor-led.

  Network+

  Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Network+ is a globally recognized certification in networking that helps develop your career in IT infrastructure by covering troubleshooting, configuring and managing networks.

  This certification ensures you are able to:

  • Design and implement functional networks
  • Configure and maintain essential network devices
  • Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
  • Identify benefits and constraints of existing network configurations
  • Implement network security, standards and protocols
  • Troubleshoot network problems
  • Support the creation of virtualized networks

  Jobs that use Network+:

  • Junior network administrator
  • Network field technician
  • Junior system engineer
  • IS consultant
  • Network field engineer
  • Computer technician
  • Help desk technician
  • System engineer
  • Network support specialist
  • Network analyst

  Security+

  Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+ is a globally recognized certification that focuses on the core security functions that enable you to pursue an IT security career. It is recommended as the first security certification IT professionals should earn.

  This certification focuses on:

  • Core knowledge required in any cybersecurity role
  • Preparing you for intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs
  • Hands-on troubleshooting to ensure you have practical security problem-solving skills
  • Identifying and addressing security incidents

  Jobs that use Security+:

  • Systems administrator
  • Security administrator
  • Security specialist
  • Security engineer
  • Network administrator
  • Junior IT auditor/penetration tester
  • Security consultant
• INSTRUCTORS

  Charles Nicholson

  Instructor, CompTIA A+ Certification Prep
  Charles graduated ´ó·¢ in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He also achieved a Master's cert in Software Engineering from The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University in Plano, Texas. From there moved across the country as a video game programmer for 8 years and has published several AAA titles. He's worked in IT for over 20 years in the private, academic, and healthcare sectors.

  Email: cnicholson@csusm.edu

• FAQ

  What are the job prospects for these CompTIA certifications?

  1. CompTIA A+

  This is often considered an entry-level certification, so it's beneficial for those starting out in IT. Many employers require or prefer this certification for tech support roles.

  Potential Job Roles: IT support specialist, IT technician, IT operational roles and technical support specialist

  2. CompTIA Network+

  This certification demonstrates a foundational understanding of networking concepts. It's beneficial for those looking to specialize in network support or administration.

  Potential job roles: Network analyst, network field technician, system engineer, network support specialist and network administrator.

  3. CompTIA Security+

  This certification is in high demand due to the growing prevalence of cybersecurity threats. Additionally, it's approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for specific IT roles, enhancing its value for those aiming for government IT positions.

  Potential job roles: Security specialist, security consultant, security analyst, systems administrator and network administrator.

  How long does each certification prep class take?

  Each certification prep class is designed to span one semester. Additionally, we provide a cost-effective bundling option where you can combine two courses (either A+ and Network+ or Network+ and Security+) and complete them over two semesters.

  Will I be given a voucher to take the certification exams?

  Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a voucher (valued at approximately $400) to schedule your certification exam at any authorized .

  How long do the certifications last once I pass the exams?

  CompTIA certifications are valid for three years. There are a number of ways to renew your certification through continuing education programs or by earning additional higher-level certifications.

  What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.

  What are the course topics?

  • ARP - spoofing and poisoning
  • Firewall - enterprise and local
  • Network architecture
  • Authentication - centralized vs. decentralized
  • Centralized control model (AD and GPOs)
  • DNS - poisoning
  • DHCP - rogue DHCP
  • WiFi - rogue WiFi
  • Traffic - encripted or not and how to detect
  • Services - listener
  • Server hardening
  • Permissions - access controls list
  • NTFS vs. share permissions
  • CIFS vs. SMB
  • Packet captures - looking at email headers, etc.
  • Non-IP traffic
  • Hidden shares
  • SSIDs
  • Mobile operating systems
  • Anti-virus
  • VPNs - split tunneling, IPSEC
  • Content delivery networks
  • CLI primer
  • Flow of data and network diagrams
  • Patching and patch cycles
  • Proxies
  • Password cracking
  • BASH, powershell scripting and loops
  • Common OS problems
  • Virtualization
  • Social engineering
  • Vulnerability and network scanning
  • WiFi cracking
  • Session hijacking
  • And more!

  What is the enrollment policy?

  Completion Requirement

  Students are responsible for completing by the course end date.

  Extension Policy

  Extension requests must be received within two (2) weeks prior to the student’s original end date. In general, students may be granted one extension within the same fiscal year (July 1- June 30) free of charge. Student shall be responsible for the cost of new materials (if applicable). Extensions requested beyond the current fiscal year is $50 per semester, plus the cost of new course materials (if applicable). Extension fees are not refundable. Email us to request extension.

  Hold Policy

  A "hold" is a permitted suspension of the student's participation in the program without penalty. In general, the student may request a hold for 1 semester, which may be granted for those with extenuating circumstances such as military deployment or documented medical concerns. Extension policy (above) applies. Email us to request a hold.

  Enrollment in this program shall not exceed 12 months. After which students are required to re-register.

  To review drop, refund, and transfer policies for online noncredit classes: /el/admissions/feesandpayments.html

Extended Learning