Get the Skills to Be a Computer Operations and Security Specialist

 Computer Operations and Security Specialist Certificate and Degree Programs

The Computer Operations and Security Specialist Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Operations and Security Programs at Asher College provide the hands-on training, practical experience, and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding IT career. We’ve designed our Computer Operations and Security Specialist certification program to work with your schedule — that’s why we offer day, evening, and weekend classes, and certifications that you earn along the way as you progress.

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Computer Operations and Security Specialist

If you’re detail-oriented, technical-minded, and are interested in getting established in a professional IT career, you could be well-suited to succeed as a Computer Operations and Security Specialist. Additionally, the certification covers fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including identifying and protecting against common threats, implementing basic security practices, and understanding the importance of data privacy and network security. You’ll gain knowledge in areas such as malware prevention, secure password policies, and basic encryption techniques to ensure systems remain protected against cyber threats.

The best way to see if Asher College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities and meet with both students and instructors. Book a Tour Now or Get More Info.

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PC Repair Clinic

Get Real-World Experience

Get first-hand practice and job preparation with our PC clinics. Asher College hosts a PC clinic every week onsite, where free repairs are offered to the community. This gives you a chance to see how you would deal with various situations while on the job. You’ll feel confident and capable when you’re able to successfully make PC repairs by yourself.

Becoming a Computer Operations and Security Specialist

When you train as a Computer Operations and Security Specialist, you’ll gain the fundamental skills you need to pursue your new IT career. Upon graduation, you’ll enter the professional world with hands-on training in the following areas:

1. PC Repair and Maintenance

Train in the fundamentals of PC Repair and Maintenance and learn the skills to troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix PC hardware issues. Employers require well-rounded IT personnel who are able to not only deploy a network and fix software issues, but who can also make sure that the basic business hardware is running smoothly.

2. Networking Fundamentals

Learn the fundamentals of network setup, maintenance, and repair. You’ll be able to explain the purpose of a range of networking concepts and implement them appropriately. You’ll also know how to implement proper network policies to ensure stability and business continuity. In addition to other skills, you’ll also get trained in proper cabling and physical network storage techniques.

3. PC and Network Security

Learn the essentials of network and cybersecurity. You’ll get trained in the essential principles for network security and risk management. You’ll also be able to perform network threat analysis, configure network systems to secure applications, and understand the policies and regulations around network security.

4. Linux Operating System

We are going to break down three (of many) reasons you’ll want to learn Linux operating systems. Linux skills are important in this economy because as of May 2022, Linux, including Android, Linux has the largest installed base of all general-purpose operating systems on smartphones. Although Linux, as of November 2022, is only used on about 2.6 percent of desktop computers, the Chromebook, which runs the Linux kernel-based ChromeOS, now dominates the US K–12 education market and represents nearly 20% of sub-$300 notebook sales in the US. However, the biggest reason to learn Linux is that over 96.4% of the top 1 million web servers are on Linux operating systems.   *Reference: Wikipedia 12-19-22

5. Earn five more CompTIA Stackable certifications

The PC Repair and Maintenance course, paired with the Networking Fundamentals course prepares our students for their CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications. Together these two courses in the Infrastructure Specialist pathway can help our students earn their CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (CCIOS) credential.

Additionally, earning the CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications helps our students break into the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway, by gaining the CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist credential.

The CompTIA A+ Certification that can be earned with skills from the PC Repair and Maintenance course, paired with the CompTIA Linux+ certification will help our students achieve their CompTIA Systems Support Specialist (CSSS) credential in the Infrastructure Specialist pathway. Then climb up the Infrastructure Specialist pathway with the CompTIA Linux Network Professional upon earning your CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Linux+ certifications.

Finally, students can take their career to the next level by achieving the CompTIA CNIP (Network Infrastructure Professional) certification, which validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing secure network infrastructure systems, further solidifying their qualifications for advanced IT and network administration roles.

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No High School Diploma? Asher College Can Help!

Want to enroll in Asher College but don’t have a high school diploma or GED? Earn your high school diploma on our campus so you can gain the credentials you need to enroll at Asher College.

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Associate Degree Option Available

Want to take your education to the next level? Take these six additional classes (4 weeks each) and earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Operations and Security Specialist:

  • Critical Thinking or Introduction to Psychology
  • Business Communication
  • Business Math
  • Introduction to Business
  • Principles of Management or Leadership
  • American Government
  • Nevada Constitution (Nevada students only)

Certification Courses

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will learn about computer and mobile device hardware, including storage devices, backup media, power supplies, CPU’s, memory, display devices, adapter cards, cooling methods, install and configure peripherals, and maintenance. They will gain hands-on experience using networking technology, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. Certification*: CompTIA A+ (*when paired with successfully completing the CompTIA 220-1002 exam.)

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will continue to build on their PCS110 knowledge by expanding their understanding of operating systems, networking, security, and software troubleshooting. Certification*: CompTIA A+ (*when paired with successfully completing the CompTIA 220-1001 exam.)

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will learn to design and implement networks, configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices, use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks, implement network security, standards, and protocols, troubleshoot network problems and identify the benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations, and support the creation of virtualized networks. Certification: CompTIA Network +.

Prerequisite(s): Recommended CompTIA A+

Students will learn essential hardware and software technologies including high availability, cloud computing, Security and Disaster Recovery and some scripting. This Certification is considered a stackable certification with other CompTIA Certifications. Server+ is considered good for life and does not need to be renewed. The associated industry exam is SK0-005. Certification: CompTIA, Server+

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will be able to apply cybersecurity risk mitigation concepts to execute appropriate level security responses. They will practice analyzing and differentiating malware, social engineering, wireless and application attacks along with the use and application of cryptography concepts, tools, and products. This foundational course also includes procedures to establish host, application, and data security along with authentication services, authorization, and access control. Certification: CompTIA, Security+

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will learn to type a minimum of 35 words per minute. They will learn keystroke fundamentals, keyboard by touch, and proper 10-key form.

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will be able to create virtual machines and manage virtual computers which contain multiple operating systems. Students will be taught the foundational knowledge and practice using Virtual Machines.

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will be able to demonstrate foundational-level knowledge on the considerations and benefits of adopting cloud services in general and the Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model. They will also understand cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services, and concepts; security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365.

Prerequisite(s): NA

Students will be able to use a Linux operating system to determine and configure System Architecture, manage Linux installation and package management, and install GNU and Unix commands. Students will also spend time managing devices, Linux file systems, and Hierarchy Standard. Configuring Shells, Scripting, and Data Management are also included in this course along with managing user interfaces, customizing administrative tasks, and managing networking and security. Certification: CompTIA, Linux+

Additional Courses Needed for Degree

GE101 Critical Thinking*
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to comprehend, analyze, and create inductive and deductive arguments. This course presents a variety of topics essential to a student’s development in critical thinking in addition to arguments, such as informal fallacies, modes of persuasion, perspective and bias, language and meaning, culminating in the development of reasonable strategies for belief formation. *This is an elective course. Students may substitute for GE107 Introduction to Psychology.

GE102 Business Communication
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to develop all types of business communication including letters, memos, electronic communication, written reports, oral presentations, and interpersonal communication. The course also includes topics of resumes, application letters, interviewing tips, and employment follow-up documents.

GE103 Business Math
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to apply math fundamentals to business applications.  Topics include a basic math review, business statistics, profit calculations, payroll, banking, interest calculations, insurance, taxes, and other business topics.

GE104 Introduction to Business
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to understand business in an increasingly global society with an introduction to business terminology, concepts, environments, systems, strategies, and current issues. Topics include an overview of the business environment, business ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, management, marketing, production, information systems, and financial elements of business.

GE105 Principles of Management*
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to apply effective management principles to today’s dynamic business environment. Students will gain an understanding of the Principles of Management within the dimensions of the planning-organizing-leading-controlling (P-O-L-C) framework. Topics include roles of personality and values in determining work behaviors, setting goals and objectives, and communication within organizations. In addition, students will define organizational culture, structure and change while examining the role of strategic human resource management (SHRM). *This is an elective course. Students may substitute for GE108 Leadership.

GE106 American Government
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to understand the intricacies of the Constitution, the complexities of federalism, the meanings of civil liberties, and the conflicts over civil rights. This course explains how people are socialized to politics, acquire and express opinions, and participate in political life; describes interest groups, political parties, and elections—the intermediaries that link people to government and politics; details the branches of government and how they operate; and shows how policies are made and affect people’s lives. Nevada Students also take a Nevada Constitution course.

GE107 Introduction to Psychology*
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to intelligently discuss intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and understand theories of motivation proposed for instincts, drive reduction, self-efficacy, and social motives. In this course, students will learn about the history and understand the score of study in the field of industrial and organizational psychology. *This is an elective course. Students may substitute for GE101 Critical Thinking.

GE108 Leadership*
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the certificate-level courses

Students will be able to understand and apply leadership’s crucial skill areas; those related to the foundational elements, conceptual elements, human elements, technical elements, and political elements of effective leadership. Students will hone their skill bases in these areas through assessing their own level of competence in each skill and practicing the skills to improve their leadership effectiveness. * This is an elective course. Students may substitute for GE105 Principles of Management.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Computer Operations and Security Specialist Program, you may find work in positions including:

  • Help Desk
  • PC Support Technician
  • Jr. Data Center Technician
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Network Repair Technician
  • Desktop Support

Asher’s Academy Partnerships

Looking to upgrade your certifications and maximize your earning potential? You’re in luck.

Asher College is proud to partner with many internationally-recognized certifying organizations. We currently offer certifications on behalf of CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and PearsonVue.

Discover more about these partnerships by visiting our Academy Partnerships page. If you want to specifically learn more about our IT partnerships, then please head over to our CompTIA and Cisco certification pages.

Contact our admissions department today to learn how these certification programs could suit your career goals.

 

Asher College Locations

Asher College has 3 accredited campus locations in Nevada, Texas, and California. Each of our campuses provides a unique learning experience, helping you become a career-ready professional. Explore your career options today!

Dallas Campus

Las Vegas Campus

Sacramento Campus

Stand Out With Professional Certifications

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA Operations Specialist (CIOS)*
CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (CSIS)*
CompTIA Systems Support Specialist (CSSS)*
CompTIA Linux Network Professional (CNLP)*
CompTIA Network Infrastructure Professional (CNIP)*

*Successfully passing these certifications will help students with a new designation to showcase the skills they have validated through successfully earning their CompTIA certifications.

 

Financial Aid

Financial Aid: Funding Your Career Training

We offer Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Veteran training benefits. Our Financial Aid administrators and VA School Certifying Officials will work with you to find the best financial solution to fit your needs. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. To learn more, visit our Financial Aid page.

Veterans Education Benefits: Asher College is rated a Military Friendly® school. For over 15 years, Viqtory Media’s ranking of Military Friendly® schools has helped veterans take their education into their own hands when choosing which schools afford them the best opportunities. Military Benefits Accepted at Asher College include Chapter 31, 33, and 35. To learn more, visit our Veterans Education benefits page.

Our Partners

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