CompTIA A+ and Security+ Certifications: CS

CompTIA A+ and Security+ Certifications: CS

Certificate of Specialization | 9 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Program Website

Academic Advising

Program Description:

CompTIA A+ and Security+ Certifications prepares students for the two required exams (hardware and software) that make up the CompTIA A+ certification and the one required exam in the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley, Forest Park and Meramec. 

Related Programs. The Computer and Information Technology Department offers an associate and certificates in the following areas:

CompTIA A+ Certification, Certificate of Specialization

IT Help Desk/End User Support, Certificate of Specialization

Network Security Engineering, Associate in Applied Science

Network Engineering, Certificate of Specialization

Financial Aid.  This Certificate of Specialization is not eligible for financial aid. However, courses within the certificate may be eligible if taken as part of a financial aid eligible program. Please see an advisor for more information.

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

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

  1. document computer-based problems and resolution.
  2. troubleshoot computer problems.
  3. perform user needs analysis and assessment.
  4. configure end-user computer systems.
  5. apply security settings based on enterprise policies and procedures.
  6. prepare for the CompTIA A+ hardware certification exam.
  7. prepare for the CompTIA A+ software certification exam.
  8. prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

Program Requirements
IS 130Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware)3
IT 102Desktop Software Support - CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Software)3
IS 237Fundamentals of Information Assurance/Security - CompTIA Security+3
Total Credit Hours9

Full-Time Academic Plan 

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
IT 102 Desktop Software Support - CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Software)3Reading ProficiencyUsually offered 8-week hybrid format. Take first 8 weeks.
IS 130 Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware)3Reading ProficiencyUsually offered 8-week hybrid format. Take first 8 weeks.
IS 237 Fundamentals of Information Assurance/Security - CompTIA Security+3IT 102 or IS 229 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyUsually offered 8-week hybrid format. Take second 8 weeks. IS 237 has a prerequisite of IT 102 or IS 229. Students in this program must take IT 102.
Credit Hours9
Total Credit Hours9

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.