Computer Hardware and Desktop Support - Chandler/Gilbert Community College

Computer Hardware and Desktop Support from Chandler/Gilbert Community College is a Campus Certificate Computer Engineering degree that prepares you for a Engineering career. What is CompTIA? CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, is the association that sponsors the A+ certification examinations. CompTIA represents over 7,500 computer hardware and software manufacturers, distributors, retailers, resellers, system integrators, training, service, telecommunications and Internet companies. What is A+ certification? The A+ Certification assesses basic computer service and repair technology skills. It verifies a level of competence to prospective employers and customers. Some companies use certification as either a condition for employment or reward certifications earned with job advancement or promotions. How many exams are required to become A+ certified? There are two required exams. What type of work would I be doing that relates to A+ certification? A+ certification prepares students for entry-level jobs in the computer field. Most jobs are building or repairing computer hardware in addition to installing software. Many help desk positions require certification. Salary range is typically $20,000 to $37,000 depending on the position, the company, and your work experience. Should I get my MCSE or A+ certification first? If you have never worked as a computer professional, the hardest job to get in the field is the first job. A+ certification will help you get an entry-level position, which gives you work experience to move into networking and systems administration positions. Once you have work experience and additional industry certifications/education, the job opportunities and salaries are outstanding. While most companies require A+ certification to repair hardware , there is a trend toward requiring this certification for system administrators. Due to financial/family obligations, some students seek MCSE certification before entering the information technology job market. What classes at CGCC will prepare me to take the A+ certification examinations? There are three classes that are recommended. The first course is BPC121AB, MS-DOS Operating System, which is a one-credit course. This prepares students for the DOS portion of the A+ exam. BPC121AB is taught in the traditional classroom setting or as an open entry/open exit (OE/OE) course. The second course, BPC170, Computer Maintenance I: A+ Prep, is a three-credit course that teaches terminology, component identification, DOS, and A+ test strategies. Students will also build a computer in the course. Finally, the third course, BPC171, Recycling Used Technology, is a one-credit course that gives students hands-on experience repairing computers. Refurbished computers are then donated to non-profit organizations. Students may repeat BPC171/MST298AA three times for the AAS degree in Microsoft Networking Technology . In addition to taking classes, practice examinations that can be purchased on the Web or in bookstores are definitely recommended in preparation for the exams. View more details on Chandler/Gilbert Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Computer Engineering courses.