stage 4

Supplementing an IFSM major with entry-level IT certifications

As an IFSM major, you may be wondering what IT certifications might enhance your prospects in the job

market. As part of the Department of Defense Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program

(DoD 8570), the DoD has created a table of Approved Baseline Certifications.

Source: https://public.cyber.mil/cw/cwmp/dod-approved-8570-baseline-certifications/

Many of these are advanced, highly specialized, security certifications. However, there are three entry-

level certifications available through CompTIA (https://certification.comptia.org/home) that are

appropriate for IFSM majors.

CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are all on the Approved Baseline Certifications

list above. A+ and Network+ qualify at Information Assurance Technical (AIT) Level I, while Security+

qualifies at both Information Assurance Technical (AIT) Level II and Information Assurance Management

(AIM) Level I. According to the CompTIA website, these certifications are designed to be taken in order,

but this is not a requirement. Obviously prior work experience in information technology will be an

advantage, but there are no prerequisites in terms of employment to take the exams. The exams do

require specialized preparation, however, and it is possible to prepare for these certifications through

coursework at UMGC.

There are three courses in Computer Information Technology (CMIT) that are designed to prepare

students for these certifications. All three courses can also be applied towards a minor in cybersecurity.

The course catalog descriptions for these courses are provided below.

CMIT 202 Fundamentals of Computer Troubleshooting (3)

(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA A+ exams.) Prerequisite: IFSM 201. A thorough review of

computer hardware and software, with emphasis on the application of current and appropriate

computing safety and environmental practices. The goal is to evaluate, install, configure, maintain, and

trouble-shoot computer hardware components and operating systems.

CMIT 265 Fundamentals of Networking (3)

(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.) Prerequisite: IFSM 201. An

introduction to networking technologies for local area networks, wide area networks, and wireless

networks. The aim is to recognize the type of network design appropriate for a given scenario. Topics

include the OSI (open system interconnection) model, security, and networking protocols. Students may

receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIT 265 or CMIT 265M

CMIT 320 Network Security (3)

(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam.) Prerequisite: CMIT 265, CSIA 302, or

CompTIA Network+ certification. A study of the fundamental concepts of computer security and its

implementation. The aim is to assess and mitigate risk, evaluate, and select appropriate technologies,

and apply proper security safeguards.

What about the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam?

The PMP exam (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp), administered

by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is indeed the ‘gold standard’ of certifications in project

management. However, for individuals with either a high school diploma or an associate degree, there is

a five-year work experience requirement, including 7500 hours of direct experience managing projects.

Thus, the PMP certification is an advanced certification.

The Project Management Institute also administers an entry-level certification, the Certified Associate in

Project Management (CAPM) exam (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/certified-associate-

capm). This exam requires only 1500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project

management training. If you are currently working in project management and you are interested in

taking a first step towards the PMP, you might consider the CAPM exam.

While the IFSM project management course, IFSM 438, has objectives that overlap with CAPM and PMP,

the IFSM 438 course also contains learning objectives not on those exams. IFSM 438 was not designed

to provide a comprehensive preparation for either exam.