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 second quarter of 2023, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region for

  • Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers was 345. There is projected annual demand/need for 28 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Computer, Automated Teller and Office Machine Repairers, January 2024).
  • Computer User Support Specialists was 2,848.  There is projected annual demand/need for 210 new entrants into this occupation (Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Computer User Support Specialists, January 2024). 

How much can I earn with this career studies certificate?

Below are the 2023 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

$34,200

$42,300

$46,300

Computer User Support Specialists

$38,300

$57,400

$66,900

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, January 2024)

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