NOTE: Central Lakes College is a Prometric, VUE, and Certiport Authorized Test Center. All certification exams can be delivered on site.

Career Description

Computer support specialists are in high demand. They help people solve problems with their computer hardware and software. They help coworkers and people who purchase their company’s products to troubleshoot the problem and determine whether to make repairs or make changes to the computer setup. Computer support specialists read technical manuals to determine the problem, test computers to make sure they work, and help determine a company’s computer needs. At larger companies, specialists may teach staff how to use new software. A computer support specialist who works with customers may teach customers how to install software or hardware or how to use the software purchased.

Program Information

The Computer Support Specialist Diploma program will prepare graduates by introducing them to a wide variety of subjects in information and emerging technologies they will encounter in the field. Subjects covered include computer troubleshooting and repair, basic networking, operating systems, supporting common end-user applications, as well as soft skills such as oral and written communication, and customer service. This program teaches skills needed to work for companies with small to mid-size help desks or large corporate user support centers. Our program delivers curriculum using currently released industry software, including Operating System (OS) and Network Operating System (NOS), and the instructors are industry certified professionals with years of experience in the classroom and industry.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Perform computer information technology practices and procedures required for entry to mid-level employment;
• Perform computer information technology entry to mid-level skill sets and apply theoretical principles;
• Install, manage, configure and use functions and features of current releases of operating systems, network operating systems and applications;
• Install , troubleshoot and repair computer equipment and peripherals;
• Evaluate, identify and apply appropriate security standards; and
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Certification

This program will prepare students for the following certifications: Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Comp TIA A+, and others. Central Lakes College is a Prometric, VUE and Certiport Authorized Test Center. All certifications exams can be delivered on-site.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
http://www.iseek.org/jobs/jobmarket.html