Where Do I Start?
Most people who are new to the computing industry start out as computer technicians. The CompTIA A+ certification exam will give you the foundation-level knowledge you need. CompTIA also offers advanced certifications in areas, such as security, networking, Linux, project management, Intranet and e-commerce, technical training and home technology.

Certifications build solid careers. Having a professional certification gives you an edge when you're applying for a job or are up for a promotion. It's proof of your abilities and it adds value to your resume. Many employers preferentially hire certified employees.

Not sure you want a career in IT? CompTIA's TechCareer Compass (TCC) is a valuable career planning tool. TCC allows you to assess your interests, explore job roles and match your skills with the skills employers are looking for. This free tool also provides a list of resources to help you find the job that's right for you.

Auburn Career Center offers:

• A+ Certification Course and Exam
• Network + Certification Course and Exam

CompTIA A+Certification
CompTIA A+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians with the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience. Major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers accept CompTIA A+ as the standard in foundation-level, vendor-neutral certification for service technicians. The exams cover a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but are not bound to any vendor-specific products. The skills and knowledge measured by the CompTIA A+ exams were derived from an industry-wide and worldwide job task analysis. To date, more than 500,000 individuals have obtained CompTIA A+ certification.

Earning CompTIA A+ certification proves that a candidate has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

CompTIA Network+ Certification

Network+ is a testing certification sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which verifies the capabilities of networking professionals. A task force of industry companies developed Network+ Certification to identify, classify and standardize the skills of a network technician. This certification is vendor neutral and can also serve as a prerequisite for vendor specific IT certifications.

The CompTIA Network+ Certification course will cover:

• Basic knowledge of software used in a network environment
• The OSI layers used in networking
• Networking protocols such as TCP/IP addressing & configuration
• Making remote connections & security issues
• Maintenance & troubleshooting of the network

http://www.comptia.com

Information Technology

 2274 Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (MIT 2274)
 2275 Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (3 days) (MIT 2275)
 Comp TIA Security+ (BOE 294)
 CompTIA A + (BOE 293)
 Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 - Bundled Blended Learning (BOE 290)
 MCDST 2262 (2262)
 MCSA
 IC3 - Internet & Computing Core Certification Prep Course (BOE 292)

    Microsoft IT Academy

       2274 Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (MIT 2274)
       2275 Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (3 days) (MIT 2275)
       Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 - Bundled Blended Learning (BOE 290)
       MCDST 2262 (2262)
       MCSA
       Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) (BOE 2262)
       Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) (BOE 2261)
       Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) (BOE 2274)

    Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³)

       IC3 - Internet & Computing Core Certification Prep Course (BOE 292)

    CompTIA Certifications

       CompTIA A + (BOE 293)

    Cisco Networking Academy