Online Information Technology Certification Information

Working professionals can enroll in an online program in information technology that also serves to prepare them for professional information technology (IT) certification. IT certification demonstrates student knowledge and skill in areas like computer networking or server administration and is offered through organizations or companies like CompTIA and Cisco.

Online Information Technology Certification Courses

Schools may offer their own online IT certification preparation courses through extension or continuing education programs. Other IT certification prep classes are offered through partnerships with third-party online education providers that work with accredited postsecondary schools.
If a school offers its own program, students may be able to apply the course credit toward a formal bachelor's degree program in a related subject. Students who enroll in a continuing education class that's offered by a third-party provider generally earn only a certificate of completion; however, these are not typically for-credit classes. In some cases, continuing education units may be available to learners.

How Classes Work

These courses may take anywhere from six weeks to several months to complete. Courses may start anytime, or there may be set start dates. Online students typically learn asynchronously, although coursework and assignments may have to be completed by specific dates or regular intervals. Special interactive classroom discussion forums allow for class participation. There's frequently an online final exam.
Online course materials can include text-based lessons or tutorials, plus graphics, illustrations and streaming audio or video content. Students can also operate remote or virtual labs to obtain hands-on experience in a distance-learning environment.
Varying levels of faculty interaction and support are available. Some programs offer primarily self-directed learning. In other cases, students have access to faculty through telephone, email and online chat. Mentoring relationships may also be encouraged, although this is less common.

Prerequisites

In general, online IT certification training is intended for students who have some computer networking experience. It's expected that students who finish the program will sit for professional IT certification exams upon completion. Some advanced programs are intended for students who have already earned some IT certification or have the equivalent experience.

Technology Requirements

Some programs specify minimum technology needs to fully participate in the class, whether it's the operating system, hardware components, peripherals, plug-ins or browser requirements. Course materials may be accessible on a variety of computer operating systems or browsers, although in some cases only certain ones will be eligible for tech support. For those in classes where hands-on PC work may be required, students will need to access their own computer to take apart and practice on.

Course Content

In many cases, these programs are highly specialized toward a particular vendor's computer hardware or software solutions, and they may also be highly specialized by topic. Courses may concentrate on networks, such as network hardware, cabling, connectivity, troubleshooting, switches, routers, LANs, WANs and network security. Others focus on server administration and may cover topics like network planning, design and implementation, plus Internet and firewall security, authentication, server installation and administration, file recovery and file management.
Still others can concentrate on PC troubleshooting and cover the nuts and bolts of computers and how they work, including configuring parts like input or output devices, motherboards, power supplies, expansion buses and microprocessors. In addition to concrete knowledge and skills development, the program can include formal test prep and guidance for corresponding professional IT certification exams offered by vendors.