Is This Program for You?

Do you enjoy working with computers and have the communication skills to explain things clearly, both orally and in writing? Do you enjoy problem solving and have the patience to troubleshoot all sorts of challenges? The Computer Support Technician program may provide the opportunity you need to launch a great career.

Students entering the IT-Computer Support Technician program should:

• Possess an analytical and creative ability.
• Like to solve problems and be persistent.
• Be able to think logically.
• Have good basic reading and math skills.
• Have good oral and written communication skills.

Program Basics

• One-year technical diploma.
• In person and online classes.
• High school articulation courses accepted.
• Financial aid available.
• Classes start in August.

Cost of Attendance (COA) 23-24

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

Based on Wisconsin Residents.

Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

Admission and Program Requirements

• Submit Application
• To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
• Admissions Preference Policy

  Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until January 1, 2024:

  1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
  2. Non-District State Residents
  3. Out-of-State Residents

Helpful Academic Background

• Good math abilities
• Good communication and writing abilities
• Keyboarding

Program Fees

• This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
• Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
• Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

• Provide entry level end user support
• Manage operating systems and application software
• Support information technology hardware
• Provide basic network support for existing network installations

Career opportunities exist in all areas of the country. Graduates with this one-year technical diploma are trained on the major objectives covered by the CompTIA A+ certification which is an industry-recognized credential. Graduates are able to provide hardware and software technology support for any business.

Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

Credit for Prior Learning

Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

IT-Computer Support Technician Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
10-103-106	Beginning Microsoft Excel
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-103-111	Beginning Microsoft Access
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-103-118	Intermediate Microsoft Excel
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-150-115	Principles of Information Security
	CompTIA Security+
10-150-126	Premises Cabling Technician
	FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
10-150-130	Linux Essentials
	LPI Linux Essentials
10-154-101	Comp TIA A+ Essentials
	CompTIA A+ Certified
10-154-106	Comp TIA A+ Practical Applications
	CompTIA A+ Certified
10-620-156	Fiber Optic Cabling Technician
	FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
10-801-136	English Composition 1
	CLEP Test - College Composition
10-801-196	Oral/Interpersonal Communication