A male IT Academy student (left) and a female IT Academy student (right) hover over an opened PC. The female student has a small tool in her hand and is working inside of the computer.

SVHEC’s IT Academy has opened registration for its spring 2025 courses. The following classes will be offered starting in January 2025:

  • IT Fundamentals+–in-person or online
  • CompTIA Data+
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • Intro to Computer Programming–in-person or online

Classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate working adults, and feature hands-on labs so students learn by doing. CompTIA Data+ and IT Fundamentals+ are open to individuals with no prerequisites, while CompTIA A+, Intro to Computer Programming and CompTIA Network+ are open to experienced IT professionals or students who have completed prerequisite courses.

CompTIA Data+ equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyze, interpret, and present data. This course empowers individuals to make data-driven decisions in real time, enhancing their impact within their organizations. By understanding data and leveraging these skills, professionals in roles ranging from executive administration and finance to program management and marketing can significantly improve their decision-making capabilities, driving better outcomes for their teams and organizations.

Data+ students will learn data concepts and environments, develop data mining skills, and learn to apply appropriate statistical methods. Students will also be introduced to data governance and quality control and will gain skills in data visualization so they can better translate data into reports, dashboards, and other graphical representations.

CompTIA Data+ will meet on Mondays from 5:30pm-8:30pm, January 6th-April 21st, and prepares students to sit for the related certification exam. No prerequisites are required, but students need to be fully proficient in Microsoft Excel to be successful in the course.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ is a 10-week course that serves as an entry point for individuals considering an IT career pathway. This class introduces students to a broad range of IT concepts and terminology while exploring career options in the field. Upon completion, students will have the foundational skills required to advance to the CompTIA A+ certification course.
IT Fundamentals+ will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm, February 17th-April 30th, and prepares students to sit for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ certification. This class may be taken in-person or online and no prerequisites are required.

Intro to Computer Programming class and instructor Jacob Cook

CompTIA A+ and Intro to Computer Programming will begin on January 6th and CompTIA Network+ will begin on January 7th.  These courses are open to experienced IT professionals or students who have completed prerequisite courses.

CompTIA A+ prepares students to enter the workforce in entry-level IT positions like IT Specialist or Datacenter Technician.This is an in-person class due to the emphasis on hands-on labs using real equipment, and is open to individuals who have passed IT Fundamentals+ or who have relevant IT work experience.

Intro to Computer Programming introduces students to basic concepts of programming  using Python. Students will learn the fundamentals of programming through instruction reinforced with hands-on skills practice. The course may be taken in-person or online and is open to individuals who have passed IT Fundamentals+ or with permission of the instructor.  Students will test for the PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification.

CompTIA Network+ teaches the technical skills needed to securely set up, support, troubleshoot and secure the essential networks that businesses rely on. Topics include basic networking concepts including services, physical connections, topologies, and cloud connectivity. This is an in-person class and is open to individuals who have previously passed the CompTIA A+ course or have relevant work experience.

The IT Academy offers two enrollment options: enroll through Southside Virginia Community College and earn credits towards a certificate or degree, or enroll as a non-credit workforce student.  To learn more about each option and to begin the enrollment process, contact SVHEC’s Office of Learner Success & Engagement at 434-572-5566 or email .

Ready to Register? Contact SVHEC’s Office of Learner Success & Engagement (OLSE) at 434-572-5566 or email .