Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The Google IT Support Certificate Program is a partnership between EPL and Google to provide professional training on how to work in entry level tech support. This training was developed from training Google provides its own employees. You will earn a Certification, backed by Google, that will let employers know you have the skills and knowledge to start an IT career (similar to the CompTIA A+).
You CAN earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate by yourself! The certificate can be taken online at Coursera but requires independent self-study online and a paid subscription to Coursera ($65 per month). This may be a good choice for those with the IT or study skills to complete the course by themselves, or for those who are not selected for the EPL and Google program.
The EPL and Google program studies the same online certificate, but provides the benefit of instruction from a learning facilitator, one-on-one support and peer-to-peer group learning sessions. Thanks to funding from Google, Coursera subscription fees and instruction costs are covered and participation is completely free. However, only 50 spots are available to applicants selected on the basis of necessary skills, need and commitment.
The 2020 GISC program will start March 2020 and finish November 2020. Applications will open Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 and will close January 31st 2020. Final selections will be made by Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.
For more information watch the Global TV Interview, visit the Grow With Google Website, or watch the Course Intro Video.
The program is designed to be part-time study, allowing you to continue full-time work if necessary. The program will last 8 months.
Courses
There are five courses, each six weeks long, with buffer weeks in between to catch up and take breaks. The five courses are:
- Intro to IT (Troubleshooting, Binary, Hardware, Ticketing Systems, Customer Service)
- Computer Networking (Networking Technology, OSI 5 Layer Model, Subnets, DNS, TCP/IP)
- Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, Command Line)
- System Administration (Sysadmin, Active Directory, Servers)
- IT Security (Threat Modelling, Network Hardening, Disaster Recovery)
Online Course Content
The course content is delivered online through interactive videos and written notes. Assignments include multiple choice quizzes, written assignments, and hands-on simulations of IT work on remote Windows and Linux systems via Qwiklabs. Weekly Learning Circles take a “flipped classroom” approach where we collaborate peer-to-peer and review the weeks content and assignments, or have extra learning activities and special events.
In-Person Learning Circles
Each week, you will have to attend one two-hour, in-person “Learning Circle” and complete up to eight hours of online coursework independently at home. Learning Circles will be hosted at the new Stanley Milner Library downtown (note that parking is limited/paid but transit and LRT access is direct). There are three choices for Learning Circle times and each week you must attend ONE.
Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m OR Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. OR Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, T5J 2V4
Please Note - Due to construction, first sessions will be held at EPL Strathcona Branch
Participation in the Google IT Support Certificate program does not guarantee a job. It is up to the candidates to find employment. Currently, the program does not offer any work experience or job placement support. However, there are several hiring partners like Walmart Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, Google Canada, Shopify, CompuVision and the City of Edmonton who have agreed to recognize the certification as qualification for IT support positions.
Audit the Course on Coursera
To be eligible to apply for the 2020 GISC program you must AUDIT (preview) the course. There are three reasons for this. First, it demonstrates that you have the computer skills to sign up and navigate an online course. Second, it gives you a good idea of the course before you make a commitment. Last is that it actually gives you a headstart, as you will keep your progress if you are selected for the program or decide to take it independently.
DO NOT START THE 7 DAY FREE TRIAL - NO CREDIT CARD INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO AUDIT
Instructions to Audit: Go to Course 1 - Technical Support Fundamentals then do the following steps:
Or watch the detailed video instructions.
GISC 2020 Applications are closed
Google IT Support Certificate via Coursera. Public applications for the 2020 GISC program closed January 31st 2020. Selection will be made February 2020, with the program starting March 1st. Thank you for your interest in the EPL GISC program.
You may still take the certification independently, seperately from the EPL program (65$ a month) on Coursera.
You may find other free educational opportunties from EPL, including premium access to LinkedIn Learning and free GALE college courses at epl.ca/learn.
