VGCC Offers Computer Service Course First Time At South Campus In Granville

Granville County residents can take a giant step toward earning international certification as computer services technicians through a course being offered for the first time this fall at Vance-Granville Community College’s South Campus.

The Computing Technology Industry Association A+ Certification Course will begin Aug. 22 and be held each Thursday evening until Dec. 12 from 6:30 to 9:30 at the campus on N.C. 56 between Butner and Creedmoor.

Maxine White, who owns and operates a computer services company and who is an A+ certified instructor, will teach the course.

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 certification exam is accepted as the industry standard and is required by most companies hiring service technicians, according to Ann Behar, coordinator of the VGCC Computer Extension program.

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.

“People 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 added.

Vance-Granville began teaching the A+ certification course at its main campus in February 2001 and later added the classes at its Franklin County Campus. The class beginning Aug. 22 will mark the first time it has been offered at the South Campus.

Cost of enrollment is $60 plus the cost of books. It would cost more than $1,000 to take the A+ course through N.C. State University, Behar said.

Interested persons are asked to pre-register for the course by calling Jennifer Allen at 252-492-2061, ext. 3437.