The Computer Systems Technology (CST) program at the ICTC is designed to provide students with training for relevant certifications in the Information technology (IT) field.  Employers welcome potential employees who have professional credentials or degrees.  CST helps students gain the practical experience and knowledge needed to pass entry-level certification exams such as:  A+, Network+ Server+, and Security+.

• CompTIA’s A+ CERTIFICATION
  (Computer Technician, Computer Analyst, Engineer)
  A+ is an IT certification showing a person’s proficiency in computer hardware and software upgrades, installation
  And trouble-shooting skills.
  A+ - one year (1st year students)
  
  
• CompTIA’s NETWORK+ CERTIFICATION
  (Network Administrator, Network Analyst, Network Technician)
  Network+ is an IT certification showing a person’s proficiency with basic networking knowledge and skills.
  Network+ - one year (2nd year students)
  
  

THIRD YEAR SPECIALTY ELECTIVE COURSES:

• CompTIA’s SERVER+ CERTIFICATIONS
  (Network Administrators, Systems Managers MIS, CIO)
  Server+ is an IT certification showing a person’s proficiency with basic server installation, configuration, and management and troubleshooting skills.
  Server+ - one semester (3rd year students)
  
  
• CompTIA’s SECURITY+ CERTIFICATION
  (Security Specialist, Computer Forensics, FBI, CIA, Homeland Security)
  Security+ is an IT certification showing a person’s proficiency with basic computer and network security issues.
  Security+ - one semester (3rd year students)

Planned Courses:

CompTIA's A+ Certification - one year (First year students)

• PC Components
• Laptops and Portable Devices
• Operating Systems
• Printers and Scanners
• Introduction to Networking
• Security
• Safety and Environmental Issues
• Communication and Professionalism

CompTIA's Network+ one year (Second year students)

• Networking Fundamentals
• Internetworking Fundamentals
• TCP/IP Fundamentals
• Network Operating Systems
• Fault Tolerance and Disaster Recovery
• Troubleshooting

THIRD YEAR SPECIALTY ELECTIVE COURSES

CompTIA's Server+ Certification - one semester (Third year students)

• Server Hardware
• Installation and Configuration of Network Operating Systems
• Disaster Planning and Data Recovery
• Performance Monitoring
• Troubleshooting

CompTIA's Security+ Cerification Security+ - one semester (Third year students)

• Systems Security
• Network Infrastructure
• Access Control
• Assessments and Audits
• Cryptography
• Organizational Security

Academic Courses (Recommended & Required for Program of Study)

• Applied Math I & II
• Algebra Il or Geometry
• Trigonometry or Solid Geometry
• Biology or Applied Biology
• Physics or Applied Physics
• Chemistry, Chemistry I or Applied Chemistry

Advanced Standing

• Westmoreland County Community College
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Dual Enrollment opportunities with PA Highlands Community College

 Career Opportunities

• Basic Network Technician (LAN)
• Advanced PC Technician
• A+PC Technician (Bench/Field, Help Desk)
• Computer Systems Engineer*
• Security Specialist*
• Computer/Network Systems Administrator/Manager*
• System/Network Analyst*
• Computer Programmer*

*Post-secondary education required