Technology careers are rapidly evolving, creating more pathways for aspiring IT professionals to enter the field than ever before. One prominent route is by earning industry-recognized certifications.
CompTIA, a leading provider of IT certifications, offers a range of industry-recognized programs, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA IT Fundamentals. These certifications validate technical skills and open doors to lucrative and rewarding careers right after graduation.
To support students pursuing certification after graduation, we offer courses designed to prepare high school students and adult learners for CompTIA exams, helping them build a solid foundation for success in the IT industry.
Certifications, paired with our courses, job shadows, and micro-internships, can set students on a path to success.
Why Earn a Certification?
In today’s competitive job market, earning an IT certification can significantly enhance career prospects. Employers highly value certifications as they validate a candidate’s skill set.
For example, CompTIA certifications can help students stand out in various IT roles like network management, cybersecurity, and technical support.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles like Information Security Analyst are expected to grow by 35% from 2021 to 2031—significantly faster than average job growth across other industries. These certifications help position students as qualified candidates, giving them a critical edge in securing roles within this field.
CompTIA Certifications Overview
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals: Ideal for beginners exploring IT, introducing essential concepts and basic technical skills.
- Example Roles: IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician.
- CompTIA A+: A comprehensive certification covering essential IT skills like hardware and software troubleshooting.
- Example Roles: Technical Support Specialist, Desktop Support Administrator, IT Support Technician.
- CompTIA Network+: Focuses on networking skills, crucial for managing and troubleshooting networks.
- Example Roles: Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist, Systems Administrator.
- CompTIA Security+: Tailored for those pursuing cybersecurity, addressing data protection and network security.
- Example Roles: Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Security Administrator.
VLACS Courses for Certification Preparation
We are committed to helping students and adult learners achieve success in the IT field by offering CompTIA certification preparation courses. These online courses cover the material necessary for CompTIA certification exams, offering flexibility for students to learn at their own pace with the guidance of experienced instructors.
In addition to the coursework, we provide students with the opportunity to gain experience through job shadows and micro-internships. This approach prepares students for certification exams and provides a deeper understanding of IT roles in real-world settings. It also helps students explore different IT positions, giving them a better understanding of where their interests and talents lie.
Course to Certification Process
- Complete the VLACS course: Choose a CompTIA certification and enroll in the corresponding VLACS course that will prepare you to take the exam to become certified in that discipline.
- Suggested but not required: Participate in a job shadow and/or micro-internship course, which can be taken concurrently with or before/after the preparation course.
- Earn academic credit: Successful completion of the course will earn you academic credit. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with your school.
- Enroll in the certification exam: Upon completion of the VLACS course, students can register for the certification exam (note that students are responsible for exam fees). Students can schedule the exam through CompTIA’s website or authorized testing centers, which offer online and in-person testing options.
- Certification awarded by CompTIA: After passing the certification exam, students will be awarded their CompTIA certification.
Real-Life Success Stories
These success stories, sourced from CompTIA’s website, highlight the impact of CompTIA certifications on students’ careers:
- At just 16 years old, Leo Guerrero has already earned four CompTIA certifications, showcasing his advanced skills in cybersecurity. These certifications have equipped him with practical, industry-recognized expertise, setting him up for future success and inspiring others to follow his lead. Read Leo’s story on CompTIA’s website here.
- At South Bend Community School Corp. and McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology, students are not only preparing for CompTIA certifications but are also gaining real-world experience that makes them job-ready upon graduation. Read more to explore how these programs are transforming students into highly skilled professionals ready for the workforce on CompTIA’s website here.
- At Doss High School in Louisville, Kentucky, students are stepping beyond the classroom and into real-world IT challenges thanks to their hands-on help desk class. These students are not just learning about IT; they’re applying their skills to fix real issues and earn industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals. Read more to discover how this certification is transforming students’ confidence and career prospects, equipping them with essential skills for the future on CompTIA’s website here.
*These students and programs have no affiliation with VLACS.
The combination of CompTIA certifications and our courses allows high school students and adult learners to prepare for successful careers in IT. By earning certifications such as IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, and Security+, students gain valuable skills highly sought after by employers. The addition of job shadows and micro-internships allows students to gain practical experience, explore different career options, and build professional networks.
This approach prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce and helps them make informed decisions about their future career paths. As the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow, students who take advantage of these opportunities will be well-positioned to thrive in the digital age.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding IT career, explore VLACS’s certification preparation courses, job shadow, and micro-internship opportunities today.
