Frequently Asked Questions

CompTIA Tech Career Academy FAQs

Admissions FAQs

Begin by filling out an online application. You will be redirected to our student information system to fill out an online application.

In order to be admitted to CompTIA Tech Career Academy, you must be:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Able to speak, read/write and understand the English language
  • Able to use a computer to navigate in the Windows environment 
  • Able to take an aptitude test and achieve the minimum acceptable score
  • Able to participate in an online interview
  • A high school graduate, GED holder, or have transcripts confirming higher-level degree(s) earned from an accredited institution
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Able to provide valid government-issued photo identification or drivers license

*When enrolling in our online programming, you must be able to learn in an online environment and have access to the internet and a reliable laptop or desktop computer with a current web browser and Microsoft Office software applications.

We have found that our most successful students are highly motivated to begin a career in tech and have the basic skills needed to master the topics we’re training on. But more than that, we are committed to bringing in women and men from all backgrounds, especially those populations that are historically under-represented in tech jobs.

No, you don’t need to have any prior tech work experience or tech courses to apply. We’ll start from scratch and teach you what you need to know.

No, CompTIA Tech Career Academy does not charge an application fee.

There are three assessments. The first is a timed 12-minute test. The second two have no time limit, but most applicants complete each within 10-20 minutes.

If you pass the assessments, we will schedule a virtual interview with you. During that session, one of our admissions advisors will get to know you a bit better by asking you about why you’re interested in applying to CompTIA Tech Career Academy, what you’re hoping to get out of the training experience, and what your career goals are. Knowing a bit more about who you are and why you’re applying helps us figure out whether you and CompTIA Tech Career Academy will be a good fit. Additionally, if you are seeking to enroll in the online program, you will be asked to confirm whether you have the appropriate hardware and software required for the program in order to learn in an online environment.

At this time, CompTIA Tech Career Academy is only open to United States citizens and those with authorization to work in the U.S.

For our online students, you'll need standard computer equipment (not a tablet or phone) with the minimum software recommendations for the program and online certification testing:

  • 64-bit Windows operating system (Windows 10 professional or above)
  • Intel i5 processor (or equivalent)
  • CPU with VT, VT-x or similar virtualization support
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 250 GB HDD or SDD
  • Microsoft Office 2016 or Office 365
  • Reliable Internet access (for instance, your Internet should allow you to easily watch a YouTube video)

For online testing, you'll also need:

  • Display resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color
  • Current web browser (Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11)
  • Webcam: minimum resolution of 640 x 480 @ 10 fps (internal or external)
  • Must have functional audio/speakers and microphone
  • High-speed internet access recommended (for optimal performance, a reliable and stable connection of 3 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up is required); wired versus wireless is recommended; tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited for exams

No one is too old to pursue a career in IT.  We accept students ages 18 and up. What matters most to many potential employers is not age, but a person’s ability to learn, adapt, and do good work. 

Once the virtual interview is completed and appropriate eligibility documentation has been provided, an Admissions Advisor will notify an applicant via email within 2 to 3 business days.

You can apply more than once. If you are not accepted into the current IT-Ready Technical Support Program, You can reapply after 30 days and our staff may consider you for future program sessions. Some applicants may pass the interview section, but if the current roster is already filled, the applicant may be offered a spot in a future program.

We’ll ask you to provide some supporting documents to verify your eligibility for admission:

  • You are at least 18 years old: driver’s license, state ID or birth certificate.
  • You meet educational requirements: high school diploma/transcripts, GED certificate or college transcripts.
  • You are a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.: depending on your status, one or more of the following is needed: birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, passport, green card, naturalization certificate and/or EAD/Employment Authorization Documentation.
  • Proof of Residency: Driver's License, Lease/Mortgage Documents, Utility Bill, etc.

Tuition FAQs

The total cost of the IT-Ready Technical Support program is $8,500.00. The cost of the program includes tuition, instruction, program content, a CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Core 1 examination voucher, and a CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Core 2 examination voucher (and one retake voucher for each examination, if necessary).

Students enrolled in the IT-Ready Technical Support program will need access to a computer, internet access, Microsoft Office software, a webcam, and a current web browser. If the student does not already have access to this equipment and software, it is estimated that this will add $569.99 to the cost of the program, bringing the total cost to $9,069.991.

1 Note for residents of Texas: this amount is rounded to a total cost of $9,070.00.

Tuition for the IT-Ready Technical Support (online) program is $8,120.00.

Yes, the total cost of the program will include two other fees: program content and certification exam voucher fees.

Program Content

The content fee for the IT-Ready Technical Support (online) program is $120.00. This fee includes access to the Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. within the LMS students will be able to access CompTIA CertMaster Practice (CMP), CertMaster Learn (CML), and CertMaster Labs content. Additionally, the CMP and CML software hosts electronic versions of The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Self‐Paced Study Guide for 220‐1101 and The Official CompTIA A+ Core 2 Self‐Paced Study Guide for 220‐1102.

Certification Exam Voucher Fees

Students will receive vouchers for the two sections of the CompTIA A+ certification examination. Students will receive one voucher and one retake voucher for the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Core 1 examination and the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Core 2 examination. The $260.00 voucher fee covers the cost of the examination vouchers that will be issued to students. Students must register their own accounts and schedule their own exam with Pearson VUE (https://home.pearsonvue.com/).


100% of your total tuition payment will be due 14 days before the program begins, unless you have made other arrangements such as the CompTIA Tech Career Academy payment plan or a CompTIA Institutional Student Loan.

Yes. You may make payments in two installments: 50% of the net balance is due 14 days before the program begins, and the remaining net balance is due five (5) days after the program begins. There is no service fee charged for making payments this way.

Once the account is past due, you will be placed on an academic hold and will not be able to attend the program, register for future program, receive transcripts, or receive the CompTIA A+ certification until the tuition and fees are paid in full. 

Tuition and fee refunds will depend on a number of factors, including what state you live in and how far along in the program you are. For more details, contact our Financial Assistance staff or review the cancellation and refund policy in the course catalog.

Financial Assistance FAQs

During your online application, you may request to apply for institutional financial assistance. If you opt for financial assistance review, you will need to provide financial documentation to verify your household annual gross income. Types of documentation which are accepted include current pay stubs, recent tax documents and any public assistance documentation. These documents will be requested once you have completed your admissions process and have been offered a seat in the program.

CTCA's external sponsors, which may include federal and non-federal government agencies, as well as industry, foundation and other funders, help to support our students. Qualifications for aid can vary depending on the funding organization’s requirements, but generally, students must be able to demonstrate financial need and/or be part of a historically underrepresented population such as women, people of color, or veterans.

CompTIA Grants are also available to students who qualify for at least one of the following categories:

· $1,000: Individuals who have been historically under-represented in the tech industry (Black/African American, Latinx, Native Americans and women), as noted by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

· $1,000: U.S. Armed Forces Active Duty/Veteran status, and/or their spouses.

· Partial tuition/fees amount (50%): Annual income above 200% but below 300% of the federal poverty threshold.

· Full tuition/fees amount: Annual income below 200% of the federal poverty threshold.

Grants may be stackable — allowing for two or more grants to be combined up to the full tuition cost of the program. If a student requests financial assistance during the admissions process and they qualify for a full or partial grant, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain documentation required for the award 14 days prior to the start of class.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with authorization to work in the U.S. Applicants must meet all other eligibility requirements for enrollment into the program. Eligible applicants who have requested financial assistance will be required to provide certain documents (e.g., W-2 forms, pay stubs, public assistance documentation) to continue with the financial assistance process. The grants do not have any monetary value and CTCA can only apply the grant to students’ accounts for tuition/fees charges incurred.

The CompTIA Grants are subject to availability. To date, the CompTIA Grants have been fully funded. In the event there are insufficient funds to meet all eligible awards, funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. Those seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply early to get the earliest possible notification.


Yes. Grants may be stackable depending on sponsor requirements — allowing for two or more grants to be combined up to the full cost of the program.  Any applicable external sponsor or third-party funding must be applied to your tuition and fees before any CompTIA Grants may be applied.

The CompTIA Grants are subject to availability. To date, the CompTIA Grants have been fully funded. In the event there are insufficient funds to meet all eligible awards, funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. Those seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply early to get the earliest possible notification.


We strive to process your application for institutional financial assistance as quickly as possible. Once you have submitted the application for financial assistance, you will receive an email from a Financial Assistance Advisor. It is important to communicate with your Financial Assistance Advisor as a review of your financial documentation is conducted. You’ll be notified of your eligibility for grants as soon as the review is complete.

The CompTIA Grants are subject to availability. To date, the CompTIA Grants have been fully funded. In the event there are insufficient funds to meet all eligible awards, funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. Those seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply early to get the earliest possible notification.

 

We offer CompTIA Institutional Student loans to students enrolled at CompTIA Tech Career Academy. We are partnered with UNISA, a servicer to offer these institutional student loans.

 

 

For students who may not qualify for grants, we offer low-interest CompTIA Institutional Student Loans (“CompTIA Loan(s)”) to help students manage the cost of the program. We are partnered with UNISA to service the CompTIA Loans.

CompTIA Loans are available to students enrolled at CompTIA Tech Career Academy. The CompTIA Loans are applicable to tuition and fee charges only.

The CompTIA Loan details are as follows:

  • The repayment period for loans up to and including the amount of $2,500 is 48 months.
  • The repayment period for loans over $2,500 is 60 months.
  • The in-school interest rate is zero; the student does not accrue interest on the loan while they are attending the program.
  • The out-of-school annual interest rate is 2%.
  • The in-school payment amount is $10 per month, to commence on the 1st of the month after the program starts.
  • Loan payments are due on the 1st of each month for in-school and out-of-school payments. Payments are made directly to UNISA using the UNISA portal.
  • The out-of-school minimum payment amount will be itemized on the Private Education Loan Final Approval Form, Estimated Repayment Schedule, or a minimum of $10 per month.
  • Students that sign up for an auto repayment plan will receive a non-cash reduction of 5% on each payment received. After two consecutive declined payments, the non-cash reduction will no longer be offered. 
  • UNISA will be responsible for reporting the loan status to Experian credit bureau monthly when in repayment to help build a positive credit history.
  • If a student experiences financial hardship such as the loss of a job within two years of leaving a CTCA program, then the student may request a six-month forbearance on the loan where interest accrual and payment collections are delayed. The student is responsible for providing any applicable documentation of the financial hardship upon request.
  • If a student obtains a Leave of Absence (“LOA”) from the program and they have a CompTIA Loan, the financial status of the student will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Financial Assistance team in order to determine if the CompTIA Loan will be put on hold or cancelled. If the CompTIA Loan put on hold, in-school monthly payments will cease until the student returns to the program. Once the student returns to the program from an approved LOA, the in-school payment of $10 will be due on the 1st of the month after the program starts. If the CompTIA Loan is cancelled, the student would need to reapply for the loan to return to the program.
  • Students will be charged a $5 monthly fee for each missed payment.
  • Students will be charged a fee of $5 for each returned payment, due to either insufficient funds or returned check or ACH payment. If the student’s credit/debit card declines payment, there is no fee for a decline. If a student’s credit/debit card auto-pay declines, there is no fee for that decline. After two consecutive declined payments, the non-cash reduction will no longer be offered.
  • The student must agree to and abide by all UNISA requirements in servicing the CompTIA Loan, including the student loan application, approval, self-certification, entrance counseling, promissory note, final disclosure and exit counseling.

If you obtain a LOA from the program, your financial status will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our Financial Assistance team in order to determine if the CompTIA grant may be deferred to a later program, or if the student may need to reapply for a CompTIA Grant. If you have a CompTIA Loan, your loan is put on hold, ceasing in-school monthly payments until you return to the program. Once the student returns to the program from an approved LOA, the CompTIA Loan in-school payment of $10 will be due on the 1st of the month after the program starts.

Students may obtain a 6-month hold on their CompTIA Loan where monthly interest accrual and collection are delayed if the student experiences financial hardship such as the loss of employment within two years of leaving the program. . Students must provide applicable documentation of financial hardship to our Financial Assistance team.

Loan payments are due on the 1st of each month for in-school and out-of-school payments

Students will be charged a $5 monthly fee for each missed payment.

Students that sign up for auto-repayment plan will receive a non-cash reduction of 5% on each payment received. After two consecutive declined payments, the non-cash reduction will no longer be offered.

Students will be charged a $20 fee for each returned payment, due to either insufficient funds or returned check or ACH payment. If the student’s credit/debit card declines payment, there is no fee for a decline. If a student’s credit/debit card auto pay declines, there is no fee for that decline.

At this time you cannot use your 529 College Savings Plan to fund tuition.

Yes, we accept other third-party funding to manage the cost of the program:

Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act funding (“WIOA”)
WIOA provides financial assistance to unemployed persons and those who meet federal low-income guidelines for the purpose of job training. CTCA appears on Eligible Training Provider Lists (“ETPL”) with multiple WIOA agencies. We urge you to contact your local WIOA agency to confirm that CTCA is on the applicable ETPL, and to determine if you qualify for a grant.

Student employer tuition vouchers, tuition billing authorizations, etc.
Contact our Financial Assistance staff to confirm whether certain third-party funding is acceptable to be applied to tuition and fees.

The loan servicer, UNISA will be responsible for reporting the loan status to Experian credit bureau monthly when the loan is in repayment to help the student build a positive credit history.

IT-Ready Technical Support FAQs

In our IT-Ready Technical Support program, we assess, train, and certify adults in tech careers in as little as 16 weeks. Our program prepares student for both technical and employability skills for entry-level tech careers. We work with you one-on-one all the way through the program, from admissions to employment assistance.

  • Online Campuses are 16 weeks in length and run three hours a day online, 9 a.m. to Noon CT or from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT.

In our Online Campus, the program is 16 weeks long. It is held Monday through Friday, running 9 a.m. to Noon CT or 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT. Students are required to be on time every day; The program allows only one absence and three tardies. 

Online Campus classes have an instructor and up to 35 students. The instructor shares material in a lecture format, but leaves plenty of time for questions, group projects, one-on-one attention, and hands-on or virtual labs. You'll have 10-minute breaks throughout the class day.

For our online students, you'll need standard computer equipment (not a tablet or phone) with the minimum software recommendations for class and online certification testing:

  • 64-bit Windows operating system (Windows 10 professional or above)
  • Intel i5 processor (or equivalent)
  • CPU with VT, VT-x or similar virtualization support
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 250 GB HDD or SDD
  • Microsoft Office 2016 or Office 365
  • Reliable Internet access (for instance, your Internet should allow you to easily watch a YouTube video)

For online testing, you'll also need:

  • Display resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color
  • Current web browser (Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11)
  • Webcam: minimum resolution of 640 x 480 @ 10 fps (internal or external)
  • Must have functional audio/speakers and microphone
  • High-speed internet access recommended (for optimal performance, a reliable and stable connection of 3 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up is required); wired versus wireless is recommended; tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited for exams

You learn skills such as building a computer from parts, installing software, troubleshooting problems and setting up and managing networks: 

  • Security: Supporting and securing access to data by properly using authentication, access control and encryption for an organization. 
  • Networking: Applying core concepts and protocols and subnet mask to set up and support wired and wireless networks.
  • Operating Systems: Working with mobile, server and traditional operating systems ranging from Android and iOS to Windows and Linux.
  • IT Operations: Using the basics of virtualization, cloud computing, desktop imaging and deployment to support today’s IT infrastructures.
  • Troubleshooting: Following and using decision trees for diagnosing, resolving and documenting common hardware and software issues across a variety of devices.
  • Technical Support: Applying principles of customer service to help resolve IT issues.

You also learn softer professional skills such as communication, customer service and job interviewing.  The program covers these entry-level IT principles and skills, all of which are tested in the final week of class when students sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

 

The A+ certification exam is offered by CompTIA, a non-profit trade association and the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications in the world. CompTIA A+ serves as the blueprint for up-to-date skills needed for entry-level IT support and operations positions. It validates understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business and certifies the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures. The first part of the exam covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues. The second part covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, the fundamentals of cloud computing and operational procedures.

Graduates may move into entry-level tech support roles, such as computer support specialists, building and maintaining a business’ IT environment, and assisting its internal and external customers. We work with graduates to connect them with potential employment opportunities.

*What’s important to remember is that when it comes to IT careers, the place at which you start is not the place at which you end. The IT industry offers opportunity for growth once you “get your foot in the door,” so to speak. Your desire to learn and your ambition to succeed professionally can take you great places!

As a licensed school, we cannot guarantee job placement. No reputable school can! But we have dedicated staff members who work with local employers to connect students to jobs. After students graduate, they may apply for the jobs our partners offer.

Graduates of the IT-Ready Technical Support program are not issued academic credits that can be transferred to other academic institutions. CompTIA Tech Career Academy does not accept academic credits issued by other academic institutions, since the IT-Ready Technical Support program is designed as a one-course program.

Student Experience FAQs

Our program is rigorous and requires each student to take ownership of his or her success — reflecting the personal responsibility necessary for you to secure and keep a professional job. The instructor shares material in a lecture format, but leaves plenty of time for questions, group projects, and one-on-one attention.

Not quite. Your time at CompTIA Tech Career Academy will have three stages.

  • Enroll in our 16-week online Campuses.
  • Second, you will have up to 14 days after the end of class to pass the CompTIA A+ certification examinations.
  • Third, a job search phase begins when you pass your exams and ends when you land a job. For example, in some cases if a graduate is not showing up for job interviews—CompTIA Tech Career Academy may no longer support your search. But for most Alumni, we’re with you until you land a job or tell us you don’t need us anymore.

Our online campus typically has 35 students. 

The online campus program will begin at either 9:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. CT. You will be expected to be logged in and ready to work by that time, so you’ll want to arrive a few minutes early. Class ends at Noon for the morning class and 9:00 p.m. for the evening class. You'll be enrolled in either the morning or evening session and cannot bounce between the two. You'll receive two 10-minute breaks during each three-hour session.

For our online students, you'll need standard computer equipment (not a tablet or phone) with the minimum software recommendations for class and online certification testing:

  • 64-bit Windows operating system (Windows 10 professional or above)
  • Intel i5 processor (or equivalent)
  • CPU with VT, VT-x or similar virtualization support
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 250 GB HDD or SDD
  • Microsoft Office 2016 or Office 365
  • Reliable Internet access, (for instance, your Internet should allow you to easily watch a YouTube video)

For online testing, you'll also need:

  • Display resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color
  • Current web browser (Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11)
  • Webcam: minimum resolution of 640 x 480 @ 10 fps (internal or external)
  • Must have functional audio/speakers and microphone
  • High-speed internet access recommended (for optimal performance, a reliable and stable connection of 3 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up is required); wired versus wireless is recommended; tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited for exams

 

Students must dress as they would in an employment setting in “business casual” attire.

There is regular reading homework assigned most days of this program.

Your Instructor will be able to answer questions during class time, and can also arrange for additional assistance as needed.

The program allows three absences and three tardies. After that, you will be withdrawn from the program.

Yes. You won’t be listening to a lecture all day. You’ll have many opportunities to engage in projects and assignments with your classmates.

You must take and pass both CompTIA A+ exams within 14 days of completing your training. But don’t worry! If you don’t pass on the first try, a free retake is available, included in your tuition payment.

No. When the time comes, you will take your exams at a test center convenient to you. You’ll be responsible for setting up your exams at a time that works for you.

A free retake voucher is included in your tuition, if needed. You'll have 14 days to pass the exams. If you don't pass, then you don't graduate or receive career services.

As a licensed school, we cannot guarantee job placement. No reputable school can! But we have dedicated staff members who work with local employers to connect students to jobs. After students graduate from the IT-Ready Technical Support Program, they may apply for the jobs our partners offer.

Yes! You’ll actually create your resume step by step while you are enrolled in the IT-Ready Technical Support Program. 

Employer FAQs

Our mission is to unlock people’s potential by helping them launch and grow their careers in information technology. Our parent organization, Creating IT Futures, developed CompTIA Tech Career Academy to exclusively offer our successful IT-Ready Technical Support program. This program helps individuals, who are under-represented in the tech industry prepare for, secure and be successful in tech careers. Originally launched in the Twin Cities in 2012, the program has supplied, dedicated, and diversified candidates to employers for their entry-level tech jobs. CompTIA Tech Career Academy allows Creating IT Futures to introduce the program to a larger audience.

In the IT-Ready Technical Support Program, we assess, train, certify and place adults in tech careers. The program prepares students with technical skills for entry-level tech careers. Students work virtually Monday through Friday. Additionally, students have recommended educational activities to complete online to boost their learning retention. We work with students one-on-one all the way through the program, from recruitment to employment.

IT-Ready Technical Support graduates have learned:

  • Security: Supporting and securing access to data by properly using authentication, access control and encryption for an organization.
  • Networking: Applying core concepts, protocols and subnet mask to set up and support wired and wireless networks.
  • Operating Systems: Working with mobile, server and traditional operating systems ranging from Android and iOS to Windows and Linux.
  • IT Operations: Using the basics of virtualization, cloud computing, desktop imaging and deployment to support today’s IT infrastructures.
  • Troubleshooting: Following and using decision trees for diagnosing, resolving and documenting common hardware and software issues across a variety of devices.
  • Technical Support: Applying principles of customer service to help resolve IT issues.

All IT-Ready Technical Support graduates learn employability skills such as conflict management, teamwork,critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.

IT-Ready Technical Support graduates train and test for the CompTIA A+ certification.  

CompTIA Tech Career Academy applicants are pre-screened and vetted with online assessments that test for workplace personality traits. This online assessment also tests for learning, communication and problem-solving skills. Applicants who pass the online assessments are given a virtual interview with an Admissions Advisor.

Students pay CompTIA Tech Career Academy directly for their training, but many qualifying students receive grants to offset costs. Some of our grants, underwritten by financial donations from our partners, can pay up to 100% of the costs of the students’ tuition. Additionally, there is a payment plan option and we have also partnered with UNISA to offer a student loan option.

Our graduates are local to your business or virtual, if an option. Employers interview graduates to decide which one fits best with their company’s culture. Employers will make offers directly to the graduates they choose. Our graduates’ ability to show up on time for the length of their training shows their resolve and allows us to make a good match with an employer. CompTIA Tech Career Academy does not receive any fees, commissions or percentage of the worker’s pay.

We strive to make sure every student is ready to start their career in tech, this includes the interview process. Employers can help by giving information interviews, participating in mock job interviews, and being a panelist on educational webinars for students. To get started, contact us and we’ll connect you to our Regional Career Services Manager in your area.