CNT Program FAQs

Question: What certification tests will I be able to take during or at the end of the program and have a reasonable chance to pass?

Students who enroll in the CNT Program utilize the CompTIA curriculum in order to prepare for the CompTIA A+ and Network + certifications, and the Linux + certification. Furthermore, the CNT Program curriculum is aligned with the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, and the Red Hat Academy curriculum. Students are prepared to take the individual MCP exams for each course within the MCSA certification track and the RHCT and RHCE certification course of study. See Microsoft Certification and Red Hat Certification Web sites for details.

Question: What operating systems are going to be covered during the course of the program?

During each quarter students are introduced to several operating systems. Specifically, during Fall (1st quarter) students learn about MS-DOS, Windows 9x, Windows XP Professional. Winter (2nd quarter) - Windows 2003 Network Environment, and Windows Network Infrastructure. Last, during Spring (3rd quarter), students are introduced to Red Hat Linux Server (Enterprise Edition and Fedora Core). Additionally, students learn to integrate multiple network environments using Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003, and Red Hat Linux for enterprise networking experience.

Beginning Fall Quarter 2008, coverage of Windows 2008 Server will be provided. Coverage of Vista is scheduled to begin during Winter Quarter 2009.

Question: Is the class self-paced, or controlled by the pace of the rest of the class?

Classes are formatted to be presented in a variety of formats. The 2nd Quarter courses, CNT 252, 253, and 254 basically have a structure consisting of lecture, discussion, online coursework using MS IT Academy Online content, in-class labs assignments, and open lab time. The 3rd Quarter courses are offered via Red Hat Academy, which is mostly online. However, students access this content via private Intranet connection during class hours. The remainder of the quarter utilizes online, lecture, discussion and demonstration along with significant hands-on labs.

Question: If I want to take MCSA exams, is it better to take and study for new
Windows 2008 Server exams or take Windows 2003 Server exams using my current knowledge?

If you are entering this program with little or no experience in computer networking, you are best advised to take the certification exams that align with the current curriculum. At this time, Windows Server 2003 operating systems are your best bet for getting an industry MCP certification. Keep in mind that as industry changes OS platforms to accommodate business needs, your certification needs will also change. In the near future, industry will begin to adopt new operating systems such a Microsoft's Vista. As the adoption rate progresses, the curriculum will evolve to reflect the needs of industry and as a result the need for new students to be fluent in those skills and knowledge associated with running computers and networks on such software.

Question: What should we know before we take your class(es)?

The 1st Quarter serves as the prerequisite to courses offered in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters. For example, since CNT 252, 253, and 254 are follow-on courses from the first quarter, you should know or be knowledgeable of the content that is covered in the first quarter. Generally, this means you are knowledgeable in the computer support areas as defined in the requirements for A+ certification. The study sequence is repeated in the 2nd Quarter so that students are prepared for content offered in the 3rd Quarter. While the program is targeted for new and entry-level students, the courses in each quarter continue to build on your body of knowledge and skills learned in previous quarters.

It should also be mentioned that the courses within each quarter are modularized. This means that if you need to repeat a section of the quarter, you can, in order to ensure that your skills and knowlegde levels are adequate for the next quarter. This structure also offers graduate students or more experienced students to take refesher courses as the program content is updated each year. So, if you graduated in 2002 and need to learn the 2003 versions of Windows and Red Hat operating system software, this option is available.

Question: What kind of jobs can we get after your course?

The jobs found by our graduates vary widely. Some work as software testers, some as computer support specialists, or repair technicians, and others as network administrators. The field of Information Technology is very broad. You are encouraged to research the types of jobs available in the IT field at the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Question: Who employs CNT graduates, and where are they located?

The instructors of the CNT program, as well as RTC career counselors and RTC academic advisors, work constantly to make new connections with businesses in the Puget Sound area, in order to provide employment opportunities to graduating students. Most employers are located in the Seattle and Tacoma, WA areas. However, several have locations in other cities and states. You can view a short List of Employers here. These employers have employed graduates of the CNT program during the period of 2000 - 2008.

Question: Is there a contact page or web site of former students?

Presently, we are developing an Alumni Association in partnership with the Renton Technical College Student Success Center, so that graduate students can be listed and maintain updated information about their career progress. Currently, enrolled students or graduates can sign-up to have job opportunities e-mailed to them as they become available from businesses.

Question: What percentage of our grade do our final exams count as?

Generally, there is one comprehensive final exam for each course during the 2nd quarter. Each final may be up to 20% of the final grade.

Question: How important is certification (A+, Network +, MCSA, MCSE, Linux +, RHCE, RHCT, etc.)?

It depends. If you are new to a field and are willing to spend some time gaining some experience along with a certification, then the certification can help testify to your potential abilities. If you are a veteran in a specific field, a certification or degree conveys that you are committed to your profession. Depending on what an employer is looking for, a certification may or may not be a deciding factor, however, it certainly can lend some credibility when paired with experience. The issue of certification is an on-going discussion. Its value varies depending on the job market, etc. You may read additional articles on this issue by doing a word search for "certification" at libraries or web sites such as TechRepublic.com.