Contributing writer

The 2013 fall semester marked the first time the new accelerated CISCO certified Network Associates (CCNA) Certificate was offered through CCIT, which allowed students to complete 12 credit hours of computer networking courses in just 16 weeks, as well as prepare them to sit for the industry-wide CCNA exam. The new intensive blended format meets 3 days a week at the EpiCenter campus which is located at 58^th St. North and Ulmerton Road. The program gives students more hands-on lab time than the standard eight week course over that same time period. The accelerated course was developed by the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) department, to meet the needs of Tampa Bay High Tech Technology (HITT) grant students, who are striving to get back to work after only one semester of classes.

 The results of the first cohort were impressive, with 80% of the cohort completing the program successfully and 77% of those completing the program sitting for the CCNA exam. Of this group, 86% passed the CCNA exam on their first attempt, with 100% passing within two attempts. Eighty-five percent  of the overall test scores ranged over 950 which surpasses the  passing score for the CCNA or ICND 1&2 exams which is 825) with one student, Vivian Ruiz, achieving a perfect score of 1000.

 Many cohort students have already found employment or landed interviews with major local companies like Tech Data, American Computer Telecom, and NetWolves. Cohort member Chris Kelly sums up an optimistic outlook on his future employment, “My employment seeking process has moved to the point (just this week) where we’ve talked on the phone and prospective employers are now scheduling on-site interviews.  I’m seeing a positive upswing in the number of advertised opportunities but I also see that recruiters have confidence in the St. Petersburg College (SPC) CCNA credential above the industry certification. That’s great news for me!”

 We’re proud to congratulate the first HITT cohort on their great success in the program and look forward to more success stories as the program continues. The second cohort is already underway at the EpiCenter campus.