One of the most rapidly growing and evolving segments of today's business world is that of information technology (IT). With the development of new technologies almost on a daily basis, the demand for new workers, and updated skills for those already in the industry increases constantly. Needless to say, workers with those skills are always readily available, and are in constant demand.

Because of the rapid transition in the skills necessary for many jobs, many of the leading companies in the IT industry, such as Microsoft, CISCO, Novell, and others have developed training and testing programs to better provide skilled workers for the businesses who ultimately use their products and provide their services. Along the same line, employers have begun to recognize that individuals with these certifications have an objectively proven level of skill in a specific area of expertise in a chosen profession. Employers feel that the certifications validate the worker's knowledge in the area, and provide a method by which the employer can assess a more "real-world" level of technical skill. These certifications also provide job competencies that are recognized not only locally, but also throughout the country and even the world.

To meet the ever-increasing demand for certified workers in Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College has created Workforce Certification Centers statewide. These centers for workforce certification offer the most up-to-date training and certification testing in:

• Microsoft - such as MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), and MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist)
• Comp TIA - such as A+ and Network+
• Cisco - such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator)

  Our current offered courses include:

• A+, Network+
• MICROSOFT MCSE, MOS
• CISCO CCNA

The Workforce Certification Centers are located on each campus of Ivy Tech Community College, Northwest Region: East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, and Valparaiso.

Select certification testing, licensing, and assessment are offered at each campus, including: CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), ACT Testing (ASWB, ADA, NMT, ASE), Certiport, Pearson Vue, LaserGrade, ICC, PSB, TEAS, etc.

For information about classes and testing, contact our office toll free at (866) IT-CENTR or for more information about the center, please contact the Workforce Certification Manager, Mark Lewers by email at mlewers@ivytech.edu or by phone 219-981-4442.