The Information Technology Technician fields focus on a different side of computers than programming and engineering. Their focus is more making computers, networks, and computer systems work. Think the “Geek Squad”. These fields focus more on professional certifications rather than 4-year university degrees. Every business, large and small, that has computers and computer systems (which is almost every business nowadays) has a computer tech to assist them with the computer systems. These jobs are in every career and all over the world.
Careers
The focus of these fields include:
- Computer maintenance and repair
- Network administration
- System administration
- Operating systems
- Cybersecurity
High School Opportunities for Career Pathways
IT Technician, Networking and System Administration.
Get a start on your path to professional certifications with these high school classes. These classes are geared towards getting you A+ certification, the first certification for most IT tech pathways.
- Computer Maintenance I – Mr. Didier. The goal of the course is to give the students an introduction to IT tech computer maintenance and repair. By the end of the class, students should be able to assemble a computer from parts, install an operating system, get all of the hardware to work, install software, and do basic troubleshooting.
- Computer Maintenance II – Mr. Didier. Take another semester of Computer Maintenance to learn imaging and networking. Imaging is used to make backup copies of computer systems and to install clean copies of an operating system across multiple machines. Build an Ethernet network, a WiFi network and add multiple devices including printers.
- Computer Maintenance III – Mr. Didier. Prepare for the A+ Certification exam. The exam is a book exam. Take some time dive into the details of the exam.
- Advanced Computer Science Projects – Mr. Didier. This course is for independent projects in Computer Science. Explore other related topics like Cisco Certification, Linux, Raspberry Pi’s, and more.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is tough and challenging. These high school classes with help give you the background needed to get you going in this field. I know its a long list, but cybersecurity involves many different computer science areas.
- Intro to Computer Science – Mr. Didier. You have to know the basics of the computer from hardware to binary learned in this class. Do the Cyberstart America challenge as an Independent Project in this class to get an intro to cybersecurity.
- AP Computer Science – Mr. Didier. You will run into programming all the time in cybersecurity. This class will give you a good programming foundation.
- Computer Maintenance I – Mr. Didier. In order to protect computer systems, you have to know hardware, operating systems and how they work together.
- Computer Maintenance II – Mr. Didier. Much of cybersecurity involves protecting systems across networks. Learn networking in this course.
- Advanced Computer Science Projects or Computer Maintenance III – Mr. Didier. Take these classes to explore topics such as Kali Linux, Powershell, servers, or cryptography.
College Programs
- CNM (Albuquerque): Computer Information Systems
- San Jan Community College (Farmington)
- Santa Fe Community College: Information Systems and Computer Science
- Northern New Mexico College (Espanola): Engineering and Technology
- Luna Community College (Las Vegas): Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
IT Tech Professional Certifications
The IT tech field focuses more on professional certifications than college degrees. Here are some certifications for IT tech.
Hardware and Networking
- CompTia A+ Certification: Basic computer hardware, networking, and troubleshooting with basic operating systems knowledge. A+ certification is often the first certification you get before pursuing the others.
- Network+ Certification: Basic network design and implementation.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.
Microsoft and Windows
- Microsoft Certified Certifications: Microsoft offers various certifications from Windows, Networking, Servers, Office, Cloud Computing and more.
Apple and MacOS
- Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP): The Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) certification is designed for help desk professionals, technical coordinators, and power users who support macOS users, manage networks, or provide macOS technical support.
Linux
- Comptia Linux+: CompTIA Linux+ validates the skills administrators need to secure the enterprise, power the cloud and keep systems running.
- Linux Foundation Certification: The Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam demonstrates a user’s expertise and skills in fundamental information technology functions, especially in cloud computing. It is ideal for those getting started in an IT career as an administrator/engineer.
Computer Security
- CompTia Security+: The CompTIA Security+ certification validates that you have the core skills necessary for a career in IT security. For many aspiring cybersecurity professionals, earning this popular entry-level certification can be a first step toward a rewarding, in-demand career.
- Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP): The CISSP certification covers the definition of IT architecture and the designing, building, and maintaining of a secure business environment using globally approved security standards.