Program: Hardware and Software Support (221-299-21)
Award: Career Studies Certificate 

Program Purpose:

The Hardware and Software Support Specialization is designed to provide students with a business and computing background as preparation for a career in computing.

What will I learn?

Students successfully completing this program will be prepared to take the A+ industry certification exam.  The student will have also studied some material covered in the Exam 70-058: Networking Essentials, Network+, iNet+, and MCSE 70-270 – MS Windows XP Professional exams. 

How long will I need to be in college?

A college-ready student attending Camp full-time can complete this career studies certificate in one academic year (two semesters).

What job or career can I get with this career studies certificate?

Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to work as a Computing Resource Consultant, Help Desk Technician, Technical Resource Consultant, Install/Repair Technician, Computer Sales Representative.

What is the job outlook for program graduates?

As of the fourth quarter of 2021, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region for

  • Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers was 347. There is projected annual demand/need for 34 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Computer, Automated Teller and Office Machine Repairers, April 2022).
  • Computer User Support Specialists was 1,759.  There is projected annual demand/need for 136 new entrants into this occupation (Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Computer User Support Specialists, April 2022). 

How much can I earn with this career studies certificate?

Below are the 2021 wages for careers, within the Hampton Roads Workforce Region, that are related to this field.

 

Entry Level

Mean

Experienced

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

$24,300

$45,400

$55,900

Computer User Support Specialists

$36,400

$55,900

$65,700

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, April 2022)

Want to know more?  Check out the program map and program requirements in the College Catalog.