I am aware of competitions related to Cyber, but what do you know that exists for ITF+, A+ and Network+?
Non-cyber competitions
- Thread starter Chris Gehringer
- Start date
I don't know of any in the USA but there is something like that in the UK. If that would be of interest ping me and I will try to get more information for you.
Hello Chris, I have my adult students compete at SkillsUSA. Link to National Skillsusa, link to California Skillsusa. CompTIA supports Skillsusa. They have the follow IT competitions:
- Cyber Security - (Team of 2) The competition is open to active SkillsUSA members enrolled in programs with Cyber Security, Information Security, or Systems and Networking Security Architecture. Students will be tested on the elements of the NIST Publication 800-181 Cybersecurity Workforce Framework categories including Securely Provision, Operate and Maintain, and Protect and Defend.
- Information Technology Services - Competitors compete in modules designed to test their knowledge as an IT service professional. The competition will challenge competitors to correct end-user computing issues, configure and secure networks, manage virtual machines, navigate and modify operating system internals, deploy operating systems, leverage troubleshooting software and tools, identify virus and malware origins, work with mobile devices, and proficiently use command line interfaces. Operating system is Windows. Additionally, competitors are evaluated on their interpersonal skills (such as communication, teamwork and honesty). In the national contest, competitors take the required exams for the CompTIA A+ Certification and receive their official CompTIA A+ certification if they pass.
- Internetworking - The competition focuses on testing the networking knowledge and hands-on ability of the competitors. The online written portion tests the student’s complete knowledge of internetworking concepts. The hands-on component demonstrates the abilities of the competitor to make cables, troubleshoot network systems, configure routers, switches and servers, and to deliver customer service in a technical assistant center environment. The competitors will find errors in WAN and LAN networks; do a full network configuration using routers, switches, and servers; talk a technician through an error they are having on their network; and take an online certification-type test. The national competition is based on the most current CCNA certification. In today’s job market system administration skills are needed, therefore server skills that will be scored include, but are not limited to DNS, Active Directory and DHCP. For more information including last-minute updates on the national competition, be sure to follow our Facebook page.
- Technical Computer Applications - Competitors will demonstrate installation, configuration and use of Windows, Mac OSX and Linux Professional Operating Systems and one or more integrated office suite packages including email, word processing, spreadsheet applications, database applications, web page development, money management applications, presentations applications, internet browser applications, etc. The use of open-source software such as OpenOffice is preferable. Microsoft Office and other integrated office suites can be used. The utilization of instant messaging, collaboration and social networking software will be required during the contest. Competitors are expected to perform in teams while demonstrating individual technical skills. The competition includes an oral presentation demonstrating the student’s ability to communicate with others, a hands-on skills demonstration and a written examination.
- Telecommunications Cabling - For students interested in voice and data network cabling and installation. Industry indicates that 80% of the problems in networking, security systems installations and other installations are caused by cabling and connectivity issues not the computers, servers, switches, etc. This competition tests worldwide industry standards related to cabling and connectorization for data and voice connections, physical and logical networks and signal transmission. Competitors demonstrate skills in fiber and copper cable termination, pulling and mounting cabling, patch panel installation and termination, installing jacks, cable and fiber optic testing and troubleshooting, and providing customer service. The competition stresses safety in all activities.
- INTERNET OF THINGS AND SMART HOME (California only) - The purpose of this contest is to evaluate each contestant’s preparation for
employment and to recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of home technology integration. This contest is open to active SkillsUSA members enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs with computer networking, telecommunications cabling, home theater installation, electronics applications and/or electronics technology as the occupational objectives. Contestants will complete an online exam and contest in lieu of an in-person competition.
- Competitions start end of January each year, this is called Regionals, and California divided into 6 which is by certain counties. This is a one day event at a community college in the LA area. Here students need a qualifying score to advance to State.
- State is around April, a 3 day event, all qualifiers from each regional compete against each other. State level, awards are given for 1st-3rd, but only 1st place usually advanced to National level.
- National level is around June timeline, hosted at a different state (last one was at Georgia), all 1st place winners from each state competes here. About 3-5 days, 1st-3rd celebrated and live.
- There is a Nationals level, but only certain career contest each year.