Information on the alignment requirements for the Computer Support Specialist Program

CIP Code: 11.1006
CIP Name: Computer Support Specialist
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Includes instruction in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, security, cloud computing, computer hardware, the Internet, software applications, help desk concepts and problem solving, and principles of customer service.

Approval Status

The Computer Support Specialist Alignment was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents on August 26, 2021.  Colleges are granted a minimum of one year from the approval date to implement the alignment. Implementation due by Fall 2023.

State Business and Industry Committee Recommendation

The Business and Industry Committee identified the qualities and skills desired in employees and discussed potential advantages and disadvantages of several applicable industry credentials. As a starting point for individuals wanting to work in the field, the committee reached consensus on the CompTIA A+ credential for the Certificate A level. Due to the natural split for skills and program focus that includes networking, servers, and security, members recommended the next exit point as a Certificate B, after which graduates should be prepared to attain one of the following credentials: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Server+ or CompTIA Security+ credentials. Certificate C will prepare graduates to attain one additional CompTIA credential. Members agreed a final program exit point should be an AAS with a maximum of 64 credit hours. Individual programs could also have the option of adding vendor specific credentials.

Alignment Map

Click here (pdf)

Common Courses (6 credit hours)

Common Courses serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners.   These courses shall have the same title, credit hour allocation, and competencies.  Institutions may add additional competencies based on local demand.  The sequencing of common courses is determined by the institution.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (competencies follow current exam objectives) 3 credit hours 
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (competencies follow current exam objectives) 3 credit hours 

Agreed Upon Computer Support Specialist Courses (9-12 credit hours)

Institutions may utilize existing course titles listed for courses that adhere to the agreed upon course length and competencies for the agreed upon Computer Support Specialist courses.

Network+ 6 credit hours 
Server+ 6 credit hours 
Security+ 3 credit hours 
Cloud+ 3 credit hours

Support Courses (3 credit hours)

Institutions may utilize existing like courses which adhere to the agreed upon course lengths and competencies.

Introduction to Computer and Applications 3 credit hours (pdf)

To learn where this program is available in Kansas, visit the Kansas Career Technical Education Program Search.