Stories @ TCAT

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Oneida/Huntsville’s Computer Information Technology instructor Rodney Stephens is pleased to announce that Scott High School student Joey Ward is the first high school student to successfully pass the CompTIA national A+ certification. The new A+ certification is now required by Dell, Intel and Lenovo service techs.  It is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense.  Job placements are in the area of IT support tech, IT support administrator and IT support specialist.  In order to receive the A+ certification, students must pass two CompTIA exams. These exams cover the installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware.  Students also have proven skills in the latest PC operating systems, mobile operating systems, Android and Apple iOS email server configuration, networking fundamentals and security.  In addition to hands-on training, CIT students now focus also on lab simulations.  LabSim is a new innovative way of virtual training that offers students a second certification, PC Pro.  This certification compliments the A+ certification by placing CIT students in a life-like virtual environment allowing them to configure networks, view instructional led courses, configure and resolve PC and networking issues.

Joey comments, “I really like the CIT program at TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville. In addition to on-line course work, I like that I get hands-on experience working with live work projects. My instructor Rodney Stephens has always encouraged/pushed me to reach my goals. The A+ certification has been my goal while in high school, and I am very thankful for the support and training from my instructor. For the remaining 3.5 months of my senior year, my new IT goal is to study and prepare for the TestOut Network Pro certification. Now, I have definitely decided the TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville’s CIT program is the career path for me.” CIT instructor Rodney Stephens states, “Joey is an incredible person on top of being an exceptional student. CompTIA’s A+ certification exam is very difficult. On top of that, Joey was able to attend the CIT program for only 1.5 hours per day both his junior year and this year. What he has achieved in such a short time took undivided attention and most importantly dedication. Preparing for the A+ certification exam takes a tremendous amount of work even for a full-time adult CIT student. Joey is another diamond in the rough. I look forward to having Joey back as an adult student soon. He will be one of those students who excels to the top level of the IT arena. Congratulations to Joey Ward for being the first high school student at TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville to achieve A+ certification.” Joey is the son of Wendy and Roger Ward.

If you are interested in pursuing an advanced and exciting career in Information Technology, contact Computer Information Technology instructor Rodney Stephens or the TCAT–O/H Student Services Coordinator Jennifer Trammell and schedule a one-on-one appointment to discuss the program details and options. Both these individuals may be contacted by telephone at 423-663-4900 or by visiting the College’s website at www.tcatoneida.edu

Picture caption: Pictured is Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida/Huntsville’s Computer Information Technology instructor Rodney Stephens (left) congratulating CIT student Joey Ward on receiving the A+ certification and also for being the first secondary student in the TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville  CIT program history to have this accomplishment. Joey is a Scott High School senior.