IT Support & Security Fundamentals
Course Overview
ActivateWork’s IT Support & Security Fundamentals course is a comprehensive, 17-week 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+, and other industry-recognized certifications, and gain access to a variety of upskilling courses after graduation to further refine and advance your career path.
No college degree or prior tech experience is required.
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
As part of the course, learners will prepare for and test for the following industry-recognized credentials:
- CompTIA A+ Certification: Industry-standard credential validating your IT support skills.
- Cisco Network Support and Security badge
- CIsco Endpoint Security badge
- Cicsco Cyber Threat Management badge
- Welcome to ServiceNow badge
- ServiceNow IT Service Management (ITSM) badge
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 Cybersecurity Center
- 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
Our training programs are rigorous—they demand time, focus, and commitment. But you won’t be doing it alone.
From day one, you’ll join a supportive cohort that learns and grows together through study groups, project teams, and encouragement when challenges arise. Beyond peer support, ActivateWork provides you with wraparound services designed to help you thrive during training and long after graduation:
Career Coaching
Your dedicated career coach will guide you every step of the way—from training through your job search and for 12 months after you land your first role. Expect personalized advice, regular check-ins, and resources to keep you moving forward.
Professional Skills Development
Our in-person Career Development Days build the durable skills employers value most: communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and growth mindset. These aren’t just “soft skills”—they’re the foundation for long-term success.
Job Search Support
We’ll help you craft standout resumes and cover letters, sharpen your interview skills with technical and behavioral practice, and build a strong LinkedIn presence. You’ll learn proven job search strategies—including how to leverage AI tools—and gain access to our employer network.
Zero-Percent Loan
We know a 15-week, full-time program is a big commitment. That’s why enrolled learners can apply for an interest-free loan to help cover living expenses during training.
Alumni Network
Your ActivateWork community doesn’t end at graduation. Stay connected through networking events, alumni programming, and ongoing career navigation support.
Free Upskilling for Life
Technology never stands still—and neither should you. Graduates receive lifetime access to free technical upskilling courses through our partner, Per Scholas, so you can keep your skills sharp and your career moving forward.
Upcoming Start Dates
- January 26, 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit early to secure your spot. Application deadlines are typically two weeks prior to the program’s 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!