• Current Windows operating system, file and folder management, along with Office applications in a business environment
• Essential computer concepts and terminology needed to succeed in today's information society
• Internal components of a computer and installation of computer system software
• Assembly/disassembly, installation, maintenance and repair of PC's
• Troubleshooting PC hardware using system tools and diagnostic software
• Network terminology, network protocols, Local-area networks (LANs), Wide-area networks (WANs), Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, cabling, routers, and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing
• Basic routing and switching concepts, Virtual LANs (VLANs), Inter-VLAN routing, static routing and dynamic routing protocols
• Fundamentals of computer and network security
• Installation of the Microsoft desktop operating system software, set up of local users and groups, and configure system for network access
• Troubleshoot issues related to operating system installation, security and network access

Upon completion of this program, certificate holders will be qualified to work as a PC Technician, Network Technician, or Computer Support Specialists.

Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Computer Support Specialists (opens new window) to learn about job openings, pay and career outlook for graduates of the program.

The courses completed in this program may be applied towards an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Computer Information Technology.

Students who successfully complete the program will have received training in course content aligned with three (3) industry certifications widely recognized in the Information Technology field. See the table below for additional information.

Course and Industry Certification Alignment

The overall cost is determined by the number of enrolled hours. View the current Tuition costs. These costs are for tuition and fees only for the program of study as listed in the Southwest online catalog.

The length of time to complete this program is based on a student taking only the courses required for the program as listed in our online catalog. It does not include the cost of foundations courses that may be required based on ASSET or ACT scores, retaking courses or taking courses that are not required by your program of study.

It does not include the cost of foundations courses, retaking courses or taking courses in addition to those required for the degree. It does not include the cost of books, supplies, tools, computers or other items that may be required.

A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (opens new window) application is the basis for all types of financial aid awarded at Southwest, even scholarships, so go online to apply even if you do not believe that you are eligible for grant programs.

You may qualify for grant funding through the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. For additional information visit the Research and Information Technology Training (opens new window) website. For more information contact Dewey Sykes by email at dsykes@southwest.tn.edu or call 901-333-4290.

The PC and Network Technician Technical Certificate can be completed in two (2) semesters by completing nine (9) credits per semester or one academic year. The length of time to complete this program is based on a student taking only the courses required for the program as listed in our online catalog. The two (2) semesters does not include time to complete foundation courses that may be required based on ASSET or ACT scores, retaking courses or taking courses that are not required by your program of study.

View a listing of all the courses required for the Personal Computer (PC) and Network Technician, Technical Certificate. Currently the required courses are only taught at the Macon Cove Campus and Maxine A. Smith Center.

To find out more about courses offered at Southwest, you can use our Catalog Search to view descriptions of our courses or the Interactive Course Schedule (opens new window) to see when and where a class is being offered.

Southwest is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For more information contact Program Coordinator Dewey Sykes at 901-333-4290
Location: Macon Cove Campus Fulton Building, Room 312