CTS-ITS7505 - Google IT Support Certificate
Course Description
The Google IT Support Certificate is an excellent program that can help you kickstart your career in the field of information technology. This is a hands-on, online program designed to prepare beginner learners for entry-level jobs in IT support. The program was developed by Google and covers the fundamentals of IT support, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security. IT support is a constantly evolving field, and skilled professionals are in high demand. This certificate equips you with the skills needed to succeed in entry-level IT roles, such as IT support specialist, helpdesk technician, or desktop support analyst. IT support is often seen as a stepping stone to more specialized IT roles or management positions. By starting with this certificate, you can lay a strong foundation for future career growth in the technology sector.
This online self-paced class uses the platform Coursera and it is supported by a Central Piedmont subject matter expert with virtual office hours and group meetings.
Course Outline
Learners will complete five courses. Each course contains six modules. The five courses learners will complete are:
Course 1 | Technical Support Fundamentals
Course 2 | The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
Course 3 | Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
Course 4 | System Administration and IT Infrastructure Service
Course 5 | IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts
Learner Outcomes
At the end of this training, the participant will be able to:
- Choose and install an operating system on a computer, understand what the Internet is, how it works, and the impact it has in the modern world.
- Utilize common problem-solving methodologies and soft skills in an Information Technology setting.
- Describe computer networks in terms of a five-layer model.
- Understand all of the standard protocols involved with TCP/IP communications.
- Understand network services like DNS and DHCP that help make computer networks run.
- Understand cloud computing, everything as a service, and cloud storage.
- Navigate the Windows and Linux filesystems using a graphical user interface and command line interpreter.
- Set up users, groups, and permissions for account access.
- Utilize operating system knowledge to troubleshoot common issues in an IT Support Specialist role.
- Understand how the most common infrastructure services that keep an organization running work, and how to manage infrastructure servers.
- Manage an organization’s computers and users using the directory services, Active Directory, and OpenLDAP.
- Understand how various encryption algorithms and techniques work as well as their benefits and limitations.
- Discern various authentication systems and types.
- Know how to evaluate potential risks and recommend ways to reduce risk.
- Apply best practices for securing a network.
Notes
Target Audience:
This class will help you jumpstart your career in the IT field as a technical support specialist. It provides you with the knowledge, skills, and industry recognition needed to start or advance your career in IT. Whether you're a newcomer to the field or looking to upskill, this program is an excellent choice to help you achieve your career goals in the world of technology.
Occupational Outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $57,890 in May 2022.
Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate’s degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
Information Technology Continuing Education Certificate:
Certificates of completion are awarded with the completion of all required courses.
Industry Certification:
Upon completion of the certificate, you gain access to Google's IT Career Certificate Consortium, where you can connect with potential employers. Google has partnered with several companies actively looking for IT support professionals, increasing your job opportunities.
Method of instruction:
Video lectures, reading, hands-on labs, writing assignments, and formative assessments.
Evaluation:
Must pass graded quizzes and labs with at least 80% or above, submit written assignments, and participate in learner forums.
Prerequisites
Basic Computer Skills: Participants must have basic computer knowledge including typing, windows filing, internet browsing, downloading, working in the cloud, and account creation.
Resources: Access to a computer and reliable internet is required.