Military BenefitsNetwork Support
Online Certificate
In as few as six months and for less than $8,200 for full-time students, our online Pre-Associate's Network Support Certificate can give you the skills to sit for network support certification exams that employers are looking for, including the CompTIA A+ (Part 1), CompTIA A+ (Part 2), CompTIA Network+, Windows 10 MD-100 and Cisco® CCNA.6,5 Start your Certificate when it’s convenient for you thanks to fully online courses and eight start dates a year.
Next Program Start Date: May 12, 2021
Designed with motivated learners like you in mind, our ladder approach to education makes it easy to earn the credentials that you need. At Rasmussen University, our Cyber Security credentials stack together into one cohesive Cyber Security ladder system. This means that you’re earning more than credits—you’re earning every credential along the way. No matter where you start, credits transfer from one credential to the next: Network Support Certificate to Network Systems Administrative Associate's degree to Cyber Security Certificate (Administrative or Technical specialization) to Cyber Security Bachelor's degree.
The single panel infographic displays how Rasmussen University's Cyber Security program credentials stack together. The title of the graphic is, "Cyber Security Laddering". At the bottom of the stack and highlighted in green is the Network Support Certificate, followed by Network Support Administrative Associate's degree, Cyber Security Certificate and, at the top, the Cyber Security Bachelor's degree.
Analyze Networks and Your Career Path
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer network support specialist jobs are projected to grow by 6% over the next 10 years—network support certification training can help you fulfill that growth.3 Whether this is the first step on your network support career or you’re currently working and ready to advance your credentials, you can advance your skills and confidently pursue your career potential. Computer network support specialist, network administrator, systems/network analyst, information security specialist, network technician and network and operations support specialist are a few of the careers that you could qualify for. Our experienced instructors have years of experience in IT, network admin, network security and more, and continuously analyze the curriculum to make sure it meets the needs of the current industry.
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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What Skills Will I Gain?
Deploy Operating System
Learn to install, configure, maintain and administer operating systems such as Windows 10 and Linux Fedora 16.4
IT Troubleshooting
Interpret and troubleshoot small to medium-sized business (SMB) networks when a user or automated monitoring system raises awareness of an issue.
Network Installations
Install network hardware and software and make upgrades and repairs to an organization’s network and computer system.
Network Access and IP Connectivity
Manage routers and switches in a Local Area Network and learn how to configure and troubleshoot Cisco switches and routers.
Want More Information About This Program?
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Transferable Skills
Along with program-specific skills, students in all programs and at all credential levels learn six employer-valued transferable skills, or soft skills: critical thinking, digital fluency, information literacy, communication, diversity and teamwork, and ethics and professional responsibility. Learn to not only analyze a network environment, but also clearly create and communicate a network security plan to support your organization within a diverse team. All six transferable skills are strategically embedded into your Network Support Certificate, further preparing you for your career.
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Network Support Specialist Certification Exams
After completing your Network Support Certificate, you will be academically prepared to sit for the CompTIA A+ (Part 1), CompTIA A+ (Part 2), CompTIA Network+, Windows 10 MD-100 and Cisco CCNA (some additional certification requirements prior to testing may be required).4 Rasmussen University will reimburse the exam fees of up to three certification exams to help make pursuing network support certification more of a reality.5
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What Types of Classes Will I Take?
- CDA 1330C
- Online
- 4 Credits
- CET 2522C
- Online
- 3 Credits
- CIS 1710C
- Online
- 4 Credits
Operating Systems
Learn how to operate fundamental components of all computing systems, such as Windows, Linux and the Mac OS X.4 Explore how operating systems are responsible for managing the running processes, as well as the sharing of system resources.
Cisco Network Routing and Switching
Analyzes how to work with routers and switches in a Local Area Network and configure troubleshoot Cisco switches and routers, including routing protocols like RIPv1, RIPv2, OSPF, VLANS and more.
Administering Windows Server
Covers how to implement, administer and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate servers in a networked computing environment. Emphasizes the use of proper server roles based on business requirements.
Estimate Your Tuition
Rasmussen University is committed to making education more affordable for all students. Our tuition estimating tool can help you visualize the cost of your degree and see what savings opportunities are available to help you achieve it.
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements at the Rasmussen University School of Technology vary depending on the program. We do not require enrolling students to submit standardized test scores; however, every entrant must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. This online program is available in every state except Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island.
Transfer Student
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions advisor today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Help Paying for College
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with Flex Choice® learning options, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities and corporate and military discounts for those who qualify.
Not Sure if This Program Is Right for You?
- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
- Total program cost varies by full-time vs. part-time learning.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 21, 2020] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
- Rasmussen University will reimburse you any out-of-pocket costs of the application fee for each first attempt of up to three designated industry certification exams for which you qualify. Should you need to take an exam more than once to receive a passing grade score, you will be responsible for all subsequent exam application fees. Rasmussen University will provide practice exams and materials when available.
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Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
Total program cost varies by full-time vs. part-time learning.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.