IT Support Specialist
Kick Start Your Technology Career Today with Flexible Scheduling
NO COST
ONLINE
NO COSTONLINEJoin 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
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Course Level
This program is designed for beginners.
Certifications
CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Certificate
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?
The Soft Skills
In every job, there are key skills that will help you be successful. We’ll help you learn:
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.
The Technical Knowledge
Our IT Support Specialist (ITSS) program is designed to equip learners with the skillsets and expertise they need to succeed:
The Technical Knowledge
Our IT Support Specialist (ITSS) program is designed to equip learners with the skillsets and expertise they need to succeed:
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
The Learning Process
The Learning Process
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 our 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 CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Certifications.
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 graduation.
Your 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.
Start Your Generation Journey Today
Start Your Generation Journey Today
What You’ll Need To Start
- No prior technical training or web
development experience is required. - Check your personal
computer’s specifications here - Technology assistance is available to
students who qualify.
When you apply to Generation, you join a community of fellow learners, educators and advisors who are there to cheer you on from the application process through graduation and beyond.
Learner Testimonials
“
I liked the fact that they pushed us on soft skills and how to be successful on the job. Generation made us think about how we could go ahead and do better work, not only in the job force but in life as well.
“