Certification Recommendation

[T.S. Culbreath]

Hello Community,


I’m looking for substantial certifications that high school students can realistically earn in 6 weeks (about 8 hours of in-class training per week).


Due to funding, my paid apprenticeship program has been shortened from two years to six weeks. During this time, students will also complete a 40-hour work week in IT departments or community volunteer roles.


I want participants to leave with meaningful credentials, not just filler certificates. I’m currently considering Tech+, since many students already have some IT background, but I’d love to hear suggestions for other short-term, impactful certifications.


Thank you for any recommendations!

 

[Rick Butler]

I would say CompTIA Tech+, which you've mentioned already.

I would also look at Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) or AWS Cloud Practitioner if you're looking at cloud stuff.

/r

 

[Gregory Childers]

I agree that Tech+ is a realistic cert. A+ is two exams and has far too many exam objectives to be covered in that timeframe.

 

[Mitch Garvis]

I would think the A+ and MS-900 would be realistic... as long as (as you mentioned) they all have prior IT experience.

 

[Ibrahim Mohamed]

I agree that Tech+ is a realistic cert. A+ is two exams and has far too many exam objectives to be covered in that timeframe.

Good point you have here, A+ with so many objectives and 2 exams to sit for, it is not recommended at this level.

 

[Rick Butler]

Good point you have here, A+ with so many objectives and 2 exams to sit for, it is not recommended at this level.

I know there's always that push to get the kiddos into those core exams. And perhaps there are 1-2 students in a classroom of 30 that may be able to step up to that. Tough to get good training across with a class period of 50 minutes on average, with, maybe about 35 minutes of actual teaching, apart from all the administration stuff.

 

[Tangobro]

Hello Community,


I’m looking for substantial certifications that high school students can realistically earn in 6 weeks (about 8 hours of in-class training per week).


Due to funding, my paid apprenticeship program has been shortened from two years to six weeks. During this time, students will also complete a 40-hour work week in IT departments or community volunteer roles.


I want participants to leave with meaningful credentials, not just filler certificates. I’m currently considering Tech+, since many students already have some IT background, but I’d love to hear suggestions for other short-term, impactful certifications.


Thank you for any recommendations!

 

[Tangobro]

I'll echo Rick Butler - and add; AWS Cloud Practitioner has a gamified learning platform https://aws.amazon.com/training/digital/aws-cloud-quest/
that HS students (and others) enjoy.

I would say CompTIA Tech+, which you've mentioned already.

I would also look at Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) or AWS Cloud Practitioner if you're looking at cloud stuff.