Program Details

Our program will prepare you for entry-level positions, or if you’re currently in the field needing to augment, increase or update your knowledge and skills, we have you covered. The IST program immerses you in course work that sets you up for 4 industry certifications. Already have certs? Great! We’ll give you credit, reducing your costs and time to completion.

Students should possess a proficiency in high school English, algebra and geometry, and have computer keyboarding skills when considering the IST program.

Program Degrees and Certificates

Specific program courses provide the knowledge and skills to test for industry certifications. The IET Division strongly recommends that students take a preparatory or review course prior to setting for an exam. Exam fees are not included in the course fees or tuition. Possible industry certifications: CompTIA - A+ Hardware, CompTIA - Linux+, CompTIA - Network+, CompTIA - Security+

NOTE: Previous IT courses used for these programs may not be more than 10 years old, unless approved by academic dean.

• Information Systems Technology, A.A.S.
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Transfer Opportunities

Transfer is not the primary purpose of C.SC. and A.A.S. programs, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

Credit for Prior Learning

Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

The most current information can be found here for CPL: Certifications and Credentials.

CPL examples: CompTIA - A+ Hardware, CompTIA - Linux+, CompTIA - Network+, CompTIA - Security+, ISC2 - CISSP

Career Prospects

IT professionals are in high demand and essential to just about every modern business model. If a company relies on phones and emails, chances are that there’s an IT professional behind it all. Graduates from this program can find employment opportunities in a number of areas like help desk technician, technical support specialist, computer programmer, IT systems analyst and more.