Program Description
Cloud systems administrators develop, maintain and troubleshoot the network connections of cloud computing resources. They administrate the cloud system through patches, permissions and service deployments; monitor and analyze network performance to match on-demand requests; define and implement policies for cloud-based systems; and establish connections to and from various cloud network types and manage firewalls. A cloud systems administrator must have a deep knowledge of virtual machine technologies and be well-versed in the most popular platforms and software suites used by the average business user. If you like to manage systems and solve connectivity issues, then cloud systems administration may be a good next step for you.
Job titles related to cloud systems administrator include cloud integration specialist, computer systems administrator, IT systems manager, network administrator, and systems administrator.
This program prepares students to take the CompTIA® A+, Network+, and Cloud+ certification exams and a career as a cloud systems administrator. Students learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot PCs, mobile devices and networks as well as the theory, principles, technologies, and operations of computer networking. Students also learn key concepts and skills for cloud computing including virtualization, infrastructure, troubleshooting, resource management, security, systems management, and business continuity.
Successful candidates must be self-driven, an analytical thinker, and a problem solver as well as have exceptional planning and project management skills and can work both independently and as a team member. This career requires continued training and education.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,180. The salary range in Maryland is $64,930 - $169,240 with a median wage of $107,690. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:
1. prepare to pass the CompTIA® A+, Network+, and Cloud+ certification exams;
2. perform the various responsibilities and tasks required for a cloud systems administrator;
3. implement and maintain virtualization, infrastructure, troubleshooting, resource management, security, systems management, and business continuity;
4. assess and establish network and storage security concepts and best practices in cloud environments;
5. diagnose and optimize cloud computing performance; and
6. deploy and maintain hardware resources and enable virtual environments.
CCBC Pathway & Track
Technology and Engineering Pathway: Computers & Network Track - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.
Program Credentials
CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
External Credential: Students will be prepared to take the CompTIA® A+, Network+, and Cloud+ certification exams.
Certifying Organization: Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®), www.comptia.org
Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.
Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students. Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program.
Program Length
Approximately 54 weeks.
Program Requirements
Required:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong computer skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Access to the Internet to complete assignments
Computer Requirements for Cloud+ course:
• Hardware: This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Operating System: PC-Windows 10 or later / Mac-macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Virtual Labs included with course
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be fully operational before the course begins.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.
Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum and demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning and recent certification training: 137.5
Program Course Sequence
| Course Number | Course Title | Course Hours | Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change) | Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees |
| PCO 466 or PCO 467 (if blended) Shared with credit class DCOM163 | A+ Certification PC Technician | 50 | PC Pro (Access Key); TestOut; $172;
Check with Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing | $735
T-$221/F-$514 |
| or PCA 615 (if blended) Shared with credit class DCOM101 | Networking and Data Communications | 37.5 | Digital materials included with course cost. | $569
T-$171/F-$398 |
| PCA 620 or PCA 616 (if blended) Shared with credit class DCOM251 | Network+ Technician Certification | 50 | The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide; CompTIA; $62.55 CertMaster Labs Network+ (Access Key); CompTIA; $85.33 Check with Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing. | $735
T-$221/F-$514 |
| PCA 800 | CompTIA Cloud+ Certification Training | 75 | Instructional materials are included in the course costs. | $1,495
T-$50/F-$$1,445 |
| Course Series Totals: | | 212.50 | $319.88 | $3,534
T-$663/F-$2,871 |
Additional Information
Related Courses or Programs:
Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification, Security+ Certification, Linux+ Certification, Introduction to Firewalls, and Introduction to Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems
Additional Expenses:
2 CompTIA® A+ Certification exams - $506 ($253 per exam); CompTIA® Network+ Certification exam = $369; and CompTIA® Cloud+ Certification exam = $369.
Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Program Contact Information
Coordinator: Katherine Walton | kwalton3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4890| Catonsville BESS 100 L
Administrative Assistant: Sarah Faul | sfaul@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-3677| Catonsville BESS 100
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