IT Support Specialist
Kick Start Your Technology Career Today with Flexible Scheduling
FREE
FULLY ONLINE
FREEFULLY ONLINEJoin our free, fully online 23-week program to jump-start your career in tech as a IT Support Specialist.
As part of the Verizon Skill Forward Initiative, Generation USA offers you the opportunity to learn all you need to be successful in a long-term career – from the technical knowledge to the soft skills that will help you achieve your potential.
After completing the program and taking the exam, you will earn your industry-recognized CompTIA A+ certification. After the program, graduates have the opportunity to explore different learning outcomes like apprenticeships, internships, continuing education, or full-time employment.
This program is part of our Training Accelerator programs. Learn more about the admissions process and support benefits here.
Schedule
23 Weeks
Upcoming Programs
November 3, 2021
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10AM-1PM EST | 9AM-12PM CT | 7AM-10AM PST
Course Level
This program is designed for beginners.
What does an IT Support Specialist Do?
The hero of any office, the IT Support Specialist keeps technology running smoothly so that businesses can get the job done. As an IT Support Specialist, you’ll turn technology frustrations into solutions, identifying issues and troubleshooting when one of your colleagues is having technology problems.
Is this program right for you?
Skills You'll Earn
In every job, there are key skills that will help you be successful. We’ll help you learn how to:
Behavioral Skills
Adaptability
You adjust your plans and actions based on changing needs and circumstances.
Communication
You are able to convey your message clearly to different types of people using a variety of tools to receive and spread information.
Teamwork
You communicate with your team, ask for help when you need it, and offer them support.
Customer Service
You focus on the customer’s needs and deliver an excellent customer experience.
Mindsets
Growth Mindset
You believe you can learn and improve over time with practice.
Persistence
You do not give up in the face of challenges or after you have made a mistake.
Personal Responsibility
You take ownership over your work and decisions. You work hard, keep commitments, and don’t make excuses.
Future Orientation
You set goals for the future, understand how your actions will help you achieve them, and frequently check your progress.
What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn
Introduction to Role
In this section, you will be introduced to:
- Effective workplace communication and collaboration
- How to stay up-to-date with technology trends
- Problem-Solving
- Note Taking and Documentation
Technical Support Fundamentals
In this section, you will cover:
- Hardware
- Operating Systems
- Networking
- Software
- Troubleshooting
IT Security
In this section, you will study:
- Security Threats
- Cryptology
- Authentication Services
- Securing Networks
- System Hardening
Computer Networking Essentials
In this section, you will study:
- The Network Layer
- The Transport and Application Layers
- Networking Services
- Connecting to the Internet
- Troubleshooting and the Future of Networking
Operating Systems Fundamentals
In this section, you will be introduced to and learn:
- Navigating the System
- Users and Permissions
- Package and Software Management
- Filesystems
- Process Management
- Operating Systems in Practice
IT Infrastructure Services
In this section, you will learn:
- Network and Infrastructure Services
- Software and Platform Services
- Directory Services
- Data Recovery & Backups
How You'll Learn the Material
How You'll Learn the Material
Online Instruction
Introduction to new topics will be covered by instructors and teaching assistants. They will cover topics through a combination of lecture and live coding.
Mentored Exercises
Apply your understanding of these new topics by doing, but don't worry, you'll have access to instructors and teaching assistants if/when you need guidance. On average, 75% of Generation programs are practice vs. instruction.
Real-World Experience
What good is all this knowledge if you can't apply it? By the end of this program, you will be prepared to complete the JavaScript Certification granted by W3Schools.
Materials to Keep Going
Whether you continue your journey with self-study, or take the next steps to pursue a career in web development, we'll give you personalized guidance on how to continue after the end of the program.
Instructional Week at a Glance
Schedule Overview
You will participate in several different types of instructional sessions throughout your program that are tailored to help you succeed in work and in life.
During the part-time program, you will review the same content available in the full-time program. You will also receive the same support from instructors, teaching assistants and career coaches. The main difference is the part-time program is more self-directed than the full-time program.
Admissions Process
Admissions Process
- 1
Eligibility Questionnaire
Begin by completing a questionnaire that will determine if you are eligible.
Apply Now! - 2
Apply
Apply for the program you are eligible for and complete all steps.
- 3
Assessments
Complete applicable assessments.
Sample Questions - 4
Interview
You'll be redirected to a 3rd party platform, HireVue, to complete a video interview. The interview helps us get to know you a bit more and allows you to tell us the things your application doesn't say.
- 5
Admissions Review
Your complete application, assessments, and interview will be reviewed by an admissions counselor who will determine your eligibility. Next, complete the support questionnaire. This helps us better understand specific needs.
- 6
Admissions Decision
You will be notified via email once a decision has been made regarding your admission and next steps.
Certification
What is required?
- Live in the U.S.A.
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Have earned a high school diploma or GED
- For November 3, 2021 be available M, W, TR 9AM-12PM CT | 10AM-1PM EST | 1PM-4PM PST for in-class hours
- For November 3, 2021 be available for approximately 9 hours per week for out-of-class work
- If planning to pursue employment then the applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Check your personal computer's specifications here
- Technology assistance is available to students who qualify.
Questions? Reach Out!
The Generation Admissions and Enrollment team look forward to hearing from you and sharing how Generation can help you reach your goals.
