Systems Support

Flexible IT Support

National

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This course is currently offered in select locations. Candidates must live within commutable distance of the Per Scholas location to be eligible.

Flexible IT Support is an offering for self-starters ready for a course that has less instructor-led lectures and more self-paced content. It offers the opportunity to earn the CompTIA A+ certification, equipping you with the knowledge to fill a wide range of entry-level technology jobs, on your own time. Some tech knowledge recommended.

This course is available to learners within the United States who meet the minimum equipment requirements and do not live in the area of Columbus (OH), the National Capital Region, or the states AL, AK, AR, DE, IA, IL, KS, KY, MD, ND, OK, RI, or WY. It is not offered on a continuous basis.

Get Started

  • Remote

No catch. Training and job connections at no cost to you.

Remote learner smiling at camera while sitting at desk that has laptop, 2nd monitor, whiteboard, books, post-its

Course level

Some technical knowledge recommended ?

Get certified in

  • CompTIA A+ ?

Schedule

  • Remote 20 Weeks
    Learners are responsible for 20-40 hours of assigned self-paced work each week

  • 2 Hour Mandatory Live Tech Instruction
    1 Hour Mandatory Professional Development
  • Learners required to attend 1 tech lecture & 1 professional development lecture per week
    (view times in "Schedule Options" section)

Upcoming course dates

  • November 18th, 2024
    Application Due November 11th, 2024
  • December 2nd, 2024
    Application Due November 18th, 2024
  • Please note, this application process is very competitive and not all applicants will be accepted for our limited slots. Seats are offered on first come, first served basis.

While these courses may include either intermediate or advanced material, technical knowledge specified in these listings will be required as a prerequisite for applicants to be considered for admission.

While anyone may apply for this course, some technical background may be helpful.

Applicants with all levels of experience in tech are encouraged to apply.

Most CISCO Network Essentials certification holders move on to a job in IT support, like a help desk technician. Help desk technicians solve technical issues and work with people.

Most CISCO IT Essentials certification holders move on to a job in IT support, like a help desk technician. Help desk technicians solve technical issues and work with people.

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively demonstrate an overall understanding of the AWS Cloud and start a career in cloud computing.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is an IT workforce certification that applies behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring.

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate introduces learners to troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and security. No prior experience is required.

CompTIA Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.

Most CompTIA A+ certification holders move on to a job in IT support, like a help desk technician. Help desk technicians solve technical issues and work with people.

In-person learning takes place at one of our facilities across the US.

Remote learners must live within commutable distance of a Per Scholas campus to best facilitate our professional development and post-training employment support. For individuals who live outside of a commutable distance, you may be eligible for our National training courses.

Hybrid courses allow flexibility for learners to participate in the course remotely or in-person based on several factors. Learn more about the course you're interested in by reaching out to your admissions lead or attending an admissions overview after applying.

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Have questions?

We can help with course selection, and answer questions about eligibility requirements and special circumstances. Contact an admissions team member

Tuition-Free IT Support CompTIA Training with a More Flexible Schedule

Launch your tech career by learning the fundamentals through innovative instructor led technical workshops covering core concepts and technologies as well as studying these topics on your own schedule.


Free Technical Training in Only 20 Weeks

Learn 2 years of IT Support topics such as troubleshooting, hard drive technologies, and system administration in a fraction of the time.



Industry Recognized Certifications Paid for by Per Scholas

Unlock your career potential and showcase your job readiness to employers by earning the CompTIA A+ certification for free.


More Flexible Schedule

Your success in the course is contingent on your engagement with all assigned self-paced activities and weekly live, instructor-led technical and professional development lectures.

Schedule Options

  • Cohort preference established during interviews. 
  • Each cohort has specific lecture times required.
  • Learners required to attend 1 tech lecture and 1 professional development lecture each week.

2024 Cohorts

Tech Lecture Professional Development Lecture

November 18 (Cohort 4) Monday and Tuesdays

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern

Fridays

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern

December 2 (Cohort 5) Wednesday and Thursday

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern

Fridays

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern

Career Support


JOB ATTAINMENT ASSISTANCE

We match graduates to employers for tech roles across industries and provide career coaching throughout the process.

Monique Little
If someone had told me that this was where I would be now, I would never have believed them. I have a completely different outlook on life. My future is something that I never thought it could be.

Meet Monique Little


Job Search Prep

Construct a tech professional resume and practice your interviewing skills during mandatory weekly Professional Development sessions.

Instead of being afraid of the tech world...there's a lot to learn, but I think there's a community of students, professors, and administration. And we all know why we are there.

Meet Fabianna Rodríguez-Mercado


Jump Start your Tech Career as an IT Support Technician Wherever You Are in Your Career

Per Scholas will train you if you are new to tech or looking to advance your existing skills. As an alumni, you also gain access to tuition-free continuous upskilling to support your career growth once you're employed.

I worked 12 hours straight nearly every day, weekends included, and missed out on the lives of my friends and family. Per Scholas helped me to discover both a career path and how to have a work-life balance so that I could spend time with my loved ones.

Meet Matt Yamarino

What You'll Learn


Fundamentals of IT Support

Understand basic IT infrastructure, configuration, and managing systems and devices.


Computer Hardware and Operating Systems

Identify hardware components, disassemble and assembly. Configure device operating systems and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware.


IT Support Practices and Technologies

Learn to troubleshoot hardware and software problems on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and a variety of other devices.

Curriculum

The technical training and career development skills you need

Learner Onboarding
  • Course overview and objectives
  • Training structure and guidelines
  • Learning Management System (LMS)  
  • Course and technology onboarding
  • Office 365
Core 1 PC Hardware (Lessons 1-3)
  • Explain cable types and connectors
  • Install and configure motherboards
  • Explain legacy cable types
  • Install and configure power supplies and cooling
  • Select and install storage devices
  • Install and configure system memory
  • Install and configure CPUs
  • Apply hardware troubleshooting methodologies
  • Configure BIOS/UEFI
  • Troubleshoot power and disk issues.
  • Troubleshoot system and display issues
Core 1 Network Hardware and Services (Lessons 4-7)
  • Compare network types
  • Compare networking hardware
  • Explain network cable types
  • Compare wireless networking types
  • Compare Internet connection types
  • Use basic TCP/IP concepts
  • Compare protocols and ports
  • Compare network configuration concepts
  • Summarize services provided by networked hosts
  • Compare Internet and embedded appliances
  • Troubleshoot network connectivity
  • Summarize client-side virtualization
  • Provide an overview of cloud concepts
Core 1 Mobile and printer hardware (Lessons 8-9)
  • Configure mobile devices and peripherals
  • Configure mobile device apps
  • Install and configure laptop hardware
  • Troubleshoot mobile device issues
  • Deploy printer and multifunction devices
  • Replace print device consumables
  • Troubleshoot print device issues
Core 2 Operating System Support (Lessons 10-15)
  • Configure Windows user settings
  • Configure Windows system settings
  • Use management consoles
  • Use performance and troubleshooting tools
  • Use command-line tools
  • Explain OS types
  • Compare Windows editions
  • Perform OS installations and upgrades
  • Install and configure applications
  • Troubleshoot Windows OS 
  • Configure Windows networking
  • Troubleshoot Windows networking
  • Configure Windows security settings
  • Manage Windows shares
  • Identify features of Linux
  • Identify features of macOS
Core 2 Security (Lessons 16-18)
  • Explain attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
  • Compare wireless security protocols
  • Configure SOHO router security
  • Summarize security measures
  • Configure workstation security
  • Configure browser security
  • Troubleshoot workstation security issues
  • Configure mobile OS security
  • Troubleshoot mobile OS, app software, and security
Core 2 Operational Procedures (Lessons 19-20)
  • Utilize remote access technologies
  • Implement backup and recovery
  • Explain data handling best practices
  • Identify basics of scripting
  • Implement best practice documentation
  • Use proper communication techniques
  • Use standard safety and environmental procedures
A+ Certification review (1101)
  • Test preparation
  • Voucher Eligibility 
  • Official Cert. Exam for 1101
A+ Certification review (1102)
  • Test preparation
  • Voucher Eligibility 
  • Official Cert. Exam for 1102
Windows Server Administration
  • Install and configure Windows servers
  • Manage users and groups
  • Manage group policy administration
  • Deploy software using group policy 
  • Deploy images over the network using WDS
  • Secure user data using Windows BitLocker technology
Professional Development and Graduation

Learners will receive 19 training sessions as their professional development training and 1 session for graduation.

Curriculum

The technical training and career development skills you need

View

More Than A Technical Training


Learn to Think like a Tech Professional

Prepare to handle real workplace demands by challenging your understanding of course material and setting you up for professional success.


Career Advancement for Alumni

Complimentary upskilling opportunities extended to alumni up to two years post graduation to help them match in demand employer hiring profiles and continue their career growth.

Meet Our Graduates

Going to Per Scholas and being introduced to information technology is more than just getting something done or trying something new. It’s an investment in yourself.

Meet Kyle Gordon

How to Be Considered

Meet the Learner Profile Requirements

You may qualify to become a Per Scholas IT Support Self-paced Learner if you:

  • Live in the United States
  • Do not live in the area of Columbus (OH), the National Capital Region, or the states of AL, AK, AR, DE, IA, IL, KS, KY, MD, ND, OK, RI, or WY
  • Have basic digital literacy and be able to pass the admissions assessment
  • Are a strong self-starter
  • Must meet minimum specs for the course of interest (A tech access form will measure your specs during the assessment phase)
    • Regular internet access with Speed of 20/mbps+
    • A desktop or laptop with the following:
      • Operating Systems:
        • Windows 10 / 11 is accepted in all courses
        • Mac OS version 10.15-11 is compatible only for our Java and Software Engineering courses
      • Hardware Specifications:
        • CPU must be at least an Intel i5 quad-core
        • RAM must be at least 8 GB
  • Meet the pre-training income policy guidelines
  • Are aged 18 or older
  • Have a High School diploma, equivalent, or higher
  • Must be able to provide proof of valid U.S. work authorization
  • Can read, write, and speak in English
  • Are able to start a full-time job after course completion
  • Ready to make an important commitment to building your future
  • Do not plan to travel outside the U.S. during the duration of the course (learners cannot participate in program activities or access materials during such travel)

Per Scholas is committed to equal opportunity in admission and employment. It is the policy of Per Scholas to provide equal opportunity for all qualified applicants, learners, and employees and to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual preference, disability, or marital status. Admissions decisions will not be made based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual preference, disability, or marital status.

Complete the Multi-Step Admissions Process

1. Submit an Eligibility Form

2. Admissions Overview: Once you submit an Eligibility Form, you’ll be directed to our Admissions Overview registration page. During this virtual webinar, you’ll learn more about our admissions process and next steps.

3. Assessments: Each training requires either an academic assessment, tech assessment or both. Information will be provided in detail at the Admissions Overview.

4. Interview: Individuals who meet the assessment score requirements will be invited to attend a behavioral interview.

5. Offer Letter and Onboarding: The Admissions team will review assessment scores and interview results and offer seats to eligible candidates. The learner onboarding process mirrors Employment Onboarding.

Please note, this application process is very competitive and not all applicants will be accepted for our limited slots.

Submit Enrollment Documentation, Including Pre-Work Information

Get a head start on your course at Per Scholas!

Required Flexible IT Support and Part-Time IT Support Pre-Work

Required Courses:

Help Resources for Flex & Part-Time IT Support Pre-Work:

Submitting Flex & Part-Time IT Support Pre-Work:

Before the required deadline, IT Support learners submit their proof of Pre-Work Completion on the:

Pre-Work Deadline

Learners must submit their Pre-Work by the following deadlines:

  • Seat Offer Accepted More than 2 weeks Before Course Start Date: Pre-Work is due no later than two weeks of the start of Onboarding.
  • Seat Offer Accepted Less than 2 weeks Before Course Start Date: Pre-Work is due no later than two days before the course starts.

Although Pre-Work is not due until Onboarding, prospective learners are encouraged to take the initiative and begin these Self-Study materials as soon as possible in the Admissions Process.

Additional Optional Pre-Work

Optional Pre-Work Upload

Most Recommended:

  • GCF Computer Basics Course (4 hours) This prework tutorial will help you understand how computers work and how to use them. You will learn how to set up a computer, the difference between hardware and software, and the types of computers you can use. You will also explore operating systems, applications, the cloud, and much more.

Additional:

  • General Technology Training If you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed. The course is self-paced and offered at no cost.
  • Basic Computer Skills Course The Basic Computer Skills Course is available to provide training in common computer skills that can be used in your everyday lives. Each chapter contains online modules featuring learning activities followed by a knowledge check. The course is self-paced and offered at no cost.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Working with Computers and Devices Learn about the different hardware parts that make up a computer. Explore the fundamentals of working with operating systems and applications and how to keep your computer secure. Plus, learn to work with essential productivity programs like word processors and spreadsheet tools. Follow along and learn the technical skills you need to succeed in our digital world. The course is self-paced and offered at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect my technical, flexible experience to be?

There will be 15-17 hours of weekly learning activities, including flexible requirements, 2 hours of weekly live instructor-led technical instruction, and 1 hour of weekly, instructor-led professional development that all learners must participate in. 

  • Technical Training – Individual (on your own) weekly lessons you can complete on your own time will include reading, hands-on labs, videos from industry experts, and other assignments. Additionally, each week, learners will be required to complete 2 hours of technical training with a Per Scholas instructor. This can be done live with the option to ask questions in a virtual classroom setting and is offered multiple times throughout the week.
  • Professional Development – 1 hour per week of live, instructor-led training is required for Professional Development. This will be offered at various times throughout the week. This requirement ensures learners are set up for success to prepare for placement post-training.
What kinds of jobs can I get after completing this training?

A wide variety: everything from working in an office supporting other computer users to helping manage a global corporate network or becoming a field technician installing and servicing remote locations.

They all fall into the general categories of IT infrastructure management and desktop support.

Infrastructure management involves keeping computer systems running smoothly and securely at all times.

Desktop support means helping other people—whether customers or employees—use computer systems and software effectively.

Starting salaries vary greatly, but the average is about $30,000 per year.

How can the course be free? Are there hidden fees?

Most people who learn about us think: “Too good to be true.” We know it seems that way, but it’s true. Our services are provided at no cost to you, using funds we raise from foundations, corporations, government and generous individuals.

The costs you can prepare for include transportation or childcare—expenses that take care of you so you can focus on your studies.

Who is CompTIA?

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is an association that represents the international technology community. We have partnered with its Creating IT Futures Foundation to create the IT-Ready Network and open new training sites around the country.

The instruction we provide prepares you for the testing services offered by CompTIA. A CompTIA certificate gives employers proof that you have mastered a particular set of IT skills.

What professional certifications can I earn?

You will prepare to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. As a Per Scholas graduate, you may also have access to advanced certifications, like the Security+ certification and others.

Why is my location not eligible for National Remote?

As a state-licensed training provider focused on providing technical training, we are subject to state-specific education licensing requirements.  As we expand our National Remote training to all 50 states, there are some states we are not yet able to train learners from. Since you currently reside in one of these states, we are unable to include you in training opportunities with Per Scholas at this time.

Is there a learner pre-training income policy?

Yes, Per Scholas learners must meet the pre-training income policy requirements. View our Learner Pre-Training Income Policy here.

I receive unemployment insurance benefits or other benefits that require me to spend time working or looking for work. Can I still enroll?

Depending on the campus and course, Per Scholas training is approved for people receiving unemployment, as well as other benefits that would ordinarily require them to spend time working or looking for work. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, please contact admissions.

I meet other requirements, but I am not a U.S. citizen and haven’t received my work authorization yet. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, we cannot process your application until you have received clearance to work in the U.S. However, if you are experiencing problems, we may be able to refer you to other organizations that may be able to help.

I have a disability. Can you accommodate me?

We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other relevant laws and regulations. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your specific situation and needs.

Does Per Scholas have a Non-Discrimination policy?

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. See our full EEO statement here.

Questions? Contact Us!

Have an admissions question? Ask an admissions team member

Phone: 718-991-8400

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