IT Support & Security Fundamentals
Course Overview
ActivateWork’s IT Support & Security Fundamentals course is a comprehensive, 17-week, tuition-free program designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in IT support and cybersecurity. Through a blend of instructor-led sessions, hands-on labs, and real-world simulations, you’ll build a strong foundation in IT principles and practices.
Each course concludes with a one-week capstone project at the Metropolitan State University Cybersecurity Center, where you and your team members will engage in live-fire cybersecurity tactical scenarios, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
You’ll train and prepare to earn the CompTIA A+, Security+, and other industry-recognized certifications, and gain access to a variety of upskilling course after graduation to further refine and advance your career path.
What You’ll Learn
Foundational skills:
- Hardware & Software Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve common technical issues.
- Networking Fundamentals: Understand network configurations, protocols, and security.
- Operating Systems: Gain proficiency in Windows and Linux environments.
- Cybersecurity Basics: Learn to identify and mitigate security threats.
- Professional Skills: Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
In addition to foundational IT skills, this course provides hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools and scenarios used in real-world environments:
- Proficient use of Splunk (SIEM), IDS/IPS, and OSI modeling
- Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) systems
- Network protocols and packet analysis tools
- Red Team vs. Blue Team exercises
- Ransomware simulations at MSU Denver’s Cyber Range
This blend of IT and cybersecurity experience gives you a competitive edge when applying for roles in support, security, or system administration.
Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certification: Industry-standard credential validating your IT support skills.
Career Pathways
Graduates are equipped for roles such as:
- Tier I & II Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- Associate Network Engineer
Program Details
- Duration: 17 weeks, including a one-week capstone at MSU Denver’s Cyber Range
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Format: Hybrid (online instruction with in-person professional development)
- Location: ActivateWork Denver Office
Admissions Process
- Eligibility Screening:
Quick online form to assess basic qualifications. - Admissions Overview:
Virtual session detailing program expectations. - Assessments:
Evaluate your aptitude for the course material. - Pre-Work:
Complete introductory learning modules to prepare for the course. - Interview:
Discuss your goals and commitment with our team. - Background Check:
Conducted securely through Checkr. - Admissions Decision:
Receive notification of your admission status. - Onboarding:
Get set up with necessary materials and information.
Required Pre-Work
To set you up for success, this course requires some self-paced pre-work before you begin. Pre-work ensures you’re comfortable with key tools and ready to hit the ground running.
- Before your interview: Complete the “Computer Hardware Basics” course (~6 hours).
- Before your start date: Submit your “Operating Systems Basics” course (~12 hours).
Both courses are free and online. We recommend starting early—even before your application is complete—to help you get familiar with key tech concepts and prepare for success.
Support Services
- Career Coaching: Dedicated 1:1 support during training, your job search, and for 12 months post-hire
- Job Placement Assistance: Resume prep, interview coaching, and employer connections
- Alumni Network: Ongoing support and networking opportunities post-graduation
- Free Up-skilling: Continue to level up and add to your skills with free up-skilling courses through Per Scholas for life.
Upcoming Start Dates
- June 2, 2025
- September 8, 2025
- October 20, 2025
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit early to secure your spot. Application deadlines are typically two weeks prior to the start date.
What Our Graduates Are Saying
The whole program—the professional development, the mock-interviews—it gave me the confidence that I needed. It changed the way that I think. Instead of being intimidated, I had confidence, and I had a whole team of people helping me with what I needed. ActivateWork was probably one of the best choices I ever made.
ActivateWork Graduate, IT Support
The whole program—the professional development, the mock-interviews—it gave me the confidence that I needed. It changed the way that I think. Instead of being intimidated, I had confidence, and I had a whole team of people helping me with what I needed. ActivateWork was probably one of the best choices I ever made.ActivateWork Graduate, IT Support
Ready to take the first step toward your IT or cybersecurity career?
Apply now on the Per Scholas website or try out some course pre-work to see if the material interests you!