BPCC offers new certifications to Barksdale Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Airmen looking to earn certifications in computer technology can sign up now for courses beginning next month at the education center on base.

Bossier Parish Community College will be offering different certifications to Barksdale members Feb. 9, March 7 and April 9. Certificates will range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, allowing everyone who is a part of Team Barksdale to take advantage of the courses.

"Our goal is to help as many people as we can get these certifications," said Eddie Horton, Barksdale BPCC representative and program faculty chair. "We are eager to train Airmen, spouses, family and friends. A lot of people don't realize how important basic computer certifications are."

Horton emphasized resumes appear better to an employer when a computer certificate is listed.

"It could make the difference between getting hired for that dream job or not," he said.

BPCC will be offering courses for CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Security +, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and CompTIA A+.

"Every Airman is eligible to receive tuition assistance for one certificate from an accredited school, one time throughout their Air Force career," said Alex Vega, Barksdale Education Office education services specialist.

Beginners out there looking to boost their resume would be suited best for the CompTIA A+ course, Horton said. This course ensures technical understanding of computer technology, networking and security, and communication skills and professionalism.

According to the BPCC website, the CISSP course is most beneficial for someone planning to build a career in information computer security. The classes will cover critical topics for professionals who develop policies and procedures in information security.

CompTIA Security+ teaches network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management and cryptography.

The final course currently offered at the education center is the CompTIA Network+ course. It is designed to cover network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security.

Horton also mentioned that BPCC could bring additional courses to Barksdale if there is enough interest for them.

To find out more information about enrollment or to discover the additional courses BPCC has to offer, contact Horton at 402-0179 or ehorton@bpcc.edu.