About the IT Support Specialist Certificate
The Accelerate U IT Support Specialist Certificate Program is an online and in-person certificate program that will assist learners with developing the skills to go into information technology careers. The program is designed to provide foundational IT knowledge and excellent customer service skills, equipping learners to troubleshoot user’s hardware, network, and cloud computing challenges in roles such as an IT Helpdesk, Helpdesk Technician, or IT Support Specialist. Ideal learners are individuals new to IT, eager to complete the training, and ready to work full-time in the IT field immediately following the completion of the program.
Program Length: 24 Weeks
Program Highlights
Provides a heavy emphasis on durable skills
- An emphasis on strong customer service throughout the entire program, including customer service training modules pulled from Kendall College’s best-in-class Service Excellence methodology
- Dedicated durable skills practice sessions so that learners sharpen their communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while learning key IT technical skills
- A career coaching course led by an Accelerate U Career Coach to support learners in preparing for their first job in the field through resume writing, career readiness activities, interview practice, etc.
Provides a high degree of student support
- A dedicated Career Coach ready to support you on your journey
- Exam prep built into course content to track readiness and make sure learners are ready to take (and pass!) their certification exam
- Opportunities for mentorship and career networking opportunities
- A cohort of 20-25 peers with similar interests and goals and entering the IT field together
- Wraparound supports such as counseling, career placement services, academic tutoring, emergency funds, and community supports to ensure your success
- Add: Earn 25 transferable college credits, advancing your education and career prospects
Provides real world learning experiences
- Curriculum and program content built by subject matter experts and designed to get learners ready for Day 1 on the job
- Lab and/or portfolio projects that are aligned with real world work scenarios
- Opportunities to build and practice customer service and ticket response skills that are valued in the job market
- 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or GED with a 2.0 GPA or higher Ability to work in the United States
- Willing to commit 20-22 hours per week on program
- Willingness and ability to in person classes at the NLU main campus (18 S. Michigan, Chicago IL 60603)
- Computer and internet proficiency with access to reliable internet and a reliable working computer or laptop. A CHROMEBOOK IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE TYPE OF COMPUTER TO USE DUE TO LIMITATIONS (option to purchase one from NLU)
- Curriculum
What You'll Learn
By the completion of the IT Support Specialist Certificate Program, you will:
- Demonstrate proficiency in setting up, installing, configuring, and supporting laptop and mobile devices
- Use knowledge of hardware, wired and wireless networks, and problem-solving best practices to troubleshoot hardware and network issues proficiently
- Demonstrate the following durable skills to provide excellent customer service - problem-solving, collaboration, reliability, confidence, and social awareness
- Develop a career plan and prepare the necessary artifacts (i.e. resume) and skills (i.e. interviewing skills) needed to pursue an initial career in IT support
- Demonstrate effective study strategies in preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam
