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Today’s technology dependent workplace needs expert technicians who can troubleshoot hardware problems, and set up and maintain computers and computer networks. In an ongoing effort to meet the technology workforce demands of the community, OWC has teamed with Cisco Systems to be an official Cisco Networking Academy and with Microsoft as an official Microsoft IT Academy. OWC, in partnership with Cisco and Microsoft, provides extensive hands-on training by certified instructors at a fraction of the cost of the same training offered by other providers.
The Information Technology (IT) programs at OWC are multifaceted and lead to a college degree and certification testing in the IT field. Students in the college’s IT programs are prepared to complete the commercial certification exams from CompTIA, Cisco Systems, and Microsoft in order to meet today’s workforce standards. The college’s IT degree programs and fast-tract certificate programs provide students with the educational background necessary for immediate entry into the job market.
OWC offers IT related Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs in Computer Engineering Technology and Networking Services Technology and the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Computer Information Administration.
Students may also earn one or more specialized college credit certificates while pursing an A.A.S. or A.S. degree. OWC certificates require completion of fewer credit hours than a degree program and include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Computer Specialist
- Microcomputer Repair/Installer
- Information Technology Management
- Information Technology Technician
OWC IT Certification Programs
A+ Certification
A CompTIA-sponsored program that certifies the competency of entry-level (6 month’s experience) computer service technicians. Covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but is not bound to any vendor-specific products. Two exams are required.
Network+ Certification
A CompTIA vendor neutral certification that measures the technical knowledge of networking professionals with 18-24 months experience in the IT industry. Covers the knowledge needed to configure and install the TCP/IP client, as well as a wide range of vendor and product neutral networking technologies that can also serve as a prerequisite for vendor-specific IT certifications. Cisco Networking Academy curriculum prepares students for Network+ certification. One certification exam is required.
Linux+ Certification
A CompTIA sponsored foundation-level, vendor neutral certification, measuring skills and proficiency on the Linux operating system. Covers implementation, installation, configuration, administration, and system maintenance. One certification exam is required.
Security+ Certification
A CompTIA sponsored vendor neutral certification on the concepts associated with network security, including communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational and organizational security. One certification exam is required.
Cisco Certified Network Associate –
CCNA
The CCNA validates an individual’s networking skills at the foundation level. It indicates knowledge of networking for the small-office, home-office market and the ability to work in small businesses whose networks have fewer than 100 nodes. A CCNA can install and configure Cisco switches and routers in multi-protocol inter networks using LAN and WAN interfaces. Positions for a CCNA include help-desk engineer and field technician. One exam is required.
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician –
MCDST
MCDST certification indicates the skills to successfully support end users and troubleshoot desktop environments running the Microsoft Windows® operating system, using customer service skills to educate users, as well as resolve hardware or software operation and application problems on the client-side operating system. Two core exams are required. MCDST certification also counts as an elective towards the MCSA certification.
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator -
MCSA
MCSA certification is designed for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on Microsoft Windows® 2003. Implementation responsibilities include installing and configuring parts of the systems. Management responsibilities include administering and supporting the systems. Three MS certification exams are required, plus a fourth elective MS exam or MCDST or CompTIA Security + or two CompTIA exams (A+ and Network+).
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer -
MCSE
MCSE is the premier certification for professionals who analyze the business requirements, design and implement the infrastructure for business solutions based on MS Windows software. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems. Seven certification exams are required.
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