The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Security Specialist program is designed to prepare students for entry-level computer maintenance, help desk, and network technician jobs with an emphasis on security. The courses focus on the development of knowledge and skills in computer and security technologies including system components, installation, system configuration, peripheral devices, and notebooks. Emphasis is placed on preventing, identifying, and mitigating threats to the security of information systems and utilizing the basic tools for information security. This program helps prepare participants for the CompTIA A+, and Security+ certification exams. Students who complete this program may seek employment in a variety of environments. Students can also pursue additional certificates of competency (CCTs) or completion (CCLs) in a variety of specializations within the information technology field to deepen their knowledge and skills and help prepare them for multiple industry certification examinations. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration is also available.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students who pursue this certificate of competency (CCT) should have a basic level of computer literacy including navigating the internet and computer systems or take ISP105 if necessary. Students with the requisite skills may have the ISP105 requirement waived by permission of the Instructor.
Required courses and restricted electives must be taken within five (5) years prior to completion of the program to be applied toward this award.
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Assess computer hardware and software using critical thinking, industry standard tools, and best practices to demonstrate proper installation, configuration, maintenance, and service.
- Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications.
- Assess operating systems using critical thinking, industry standard tools, and best practices to demonstrate proper installation, configuration, maintenance, and service.
- Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision-making and actions.
- Manage administrative access and user security policies within systems.
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Computer Operators
$77,898 Show expanded career information for Computer Operators
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
$38,552 Show expanded career information for Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
The following is the suggested course sequence by block. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with a navigator to discuss their academic and career goals.
- The course sequence is laid out by block and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- This is a cohort program in which students progress through their course of study together in the required course sequence.
Courses Sequence
Block 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP105 | Computer Information Systems | 52 | ||
| CSN170 | A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support | 110 | ||
| CSN270 | A+ Exam Prep: Operating System Configuration and Support | 110 | ||
| CSN110 | Information Security Fundamentals | 122 |
Students must earn a grade of ‘P’ or ‘C’ or better (depending on the course grading scale) for all courses required within the program.
Weekly hour requirements vary by program. Students should meet with a navigator to discuss these requirements further. Actual completion times may vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.
This certificate is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
View MCCCD’s curriculum website for the Certificate of Competency in Security Specialist (http://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm12?id=153364).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. Other versions of this pathway map from different catalog years are available below:
| Catalog Year | Effective Dates |
|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 5/26/2020 – 5/24/2021 |