MGCCC computer technology programs offer opportunities for industry certification

(1) Students in both the Computer Networking Technology (CNT) and Computer Servicing Technology (CST) programs at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus passed industry certification tests recently. Students are encouraged, if they pass a preliminary test given by their instructors, to take certification tests in areas such as IC3, A+, CIW and Network +. U.S. Department of Labor grant funds cover the cost of certification tests for students and instructors. Left to right: Bob Martin (CNT), Juanita Mayfield (CST), Shawn Hayes (CST), Victoria Leach (CNT), Ronald Sievers (CST), William Murray (CST instructor), Allen Lee (CNT instructor). Not pictured in group photo: Timothy R. Fair (CST) and Michael White (CST).

Michael White, a Computer Servicing Technology major at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus, passed an industry certification examination recently. Students in information technology programs at Gulf Coast prepare for these certification tests in class and are encouraged to take them after passing a qualifying examination. Industry certifications offer students the chance to get better jobs after college and can often lead to higher salaries.

Technology constantly changes to make communication faster, business more secure and work easier. All that change, however, can make it difficult for information technology personnel to keep up. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College keeps its information technology programs on the cutting edge to ensure students get the training they need for success.

Part of the college’s world-class training includes offering students the chance to prepare for and take nationally recognized tests for industry certifications. Five students in both the Computer Servicing Technology and Computer Networking Technology programs at Gulf Coast’s Perkinston Campus passed the A+ examination recently. Two more students took and passed the Network+ examination. One of those students, Vickie Leach, an exchange student from England in the Computer Networking Technology program, received a perfect score. More students are scheduled take certification tests later this month.

Students are encouraged, if they pass a preliminary test given by their instructors, to take certification tests in areas such as IC3, A+, CIW and Network +. U.S. Department of Labor grant funds cover the cost of certification tests for students and instructors.

William Murray, Computer Servicing Technology instructor at the Perkinston Campus, said this is a rare opportunity for students. “It is incredible for them because in the IT field, they get paid more when they have industry certifications,” he said. “It also gives them an opportunity to get better jobs. Our industry partners are looking for students with a degree and industry certification. Getting these certifications can mean the difference between an entry-level position and a technician-level position. That equates to a larger salary.”

Students passing the A+ exam included Timothy R. Fair of Perkinston; Michael White, Juanita Mayfield and Ronald Sievers of Saucier; and Shawn Hayes of Wiggins. Students passing the Network+ exam included Victoria Leach and Lucedale resident Bob Martin.