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VGCC Offers Certification Course For Computer Service Technicians

Area residents can take a giant step toward earning international certification as computer service technicians through a course being offered by Vance-Granville Community College.

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ Certification Course will begin March 6 on VGCC’s main campus in Vance County. Graduates of the course will qualify to take the examination that certifies their competency as entry-level service technicians in the computer industry.

Jim Tart, program head/instructor for Electronics Engineering Technology at Vance-Granville, will teach the 40-hour course. Tart, who also teaches the Hardware Installation and Maintenance course in the Information Systems program at VGCC, recently underwent the training through N.C. State University and became certified and authorized to teach the A+ certification curriculum.

CompTIA is a l7 year-old association representing more than 7,500 computer hardware and software manufacturers, distributors, retailers, telecommunications and Internet companies. In addition to providing a unified voice for the industry in public policy, workforce development and electronic commerce standards, CompTIA certifies information technology and service professionals through its certification programs.

The A+ Certification is an internationally recognized validation of the knowledge and technical skills required of a computer service technician with at least six months experience. The exam is accepted as the industry standard and is required by most companies hiring service technicians, said Ann Behar, coordinator of the VGCC Computer Extension program.

“Persons who have been working in the computer service field will want to get the certification to qualify for higher-paying and more responsible positions,” Behar said.

There are two parts to the A+ certification exam. The VGCC course will prepare persons for the Core exam, to demonstrate ability to properly install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair microcomputer hardware. The test also measures effective behavior in building customer confidence and satisfaction.

Persons working in the field should be able to pass the second part, which examines measured basic knowledge of installing and repairing DOS and Windows computer software, Behar said.

Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 6, on the main campus. Cost of enrollment is $55 plus the cost of books. It costs more than $1,000 to take the course through N.C. State, Behar said.

Space in the class is limited, and interested persons are asked to pre-register by calling Jennifer Allen at (252) 492-2061, extension 437.