April 3, 2002

MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS AND ALUMNI ELIGIBLE FOR 10% DISCOUNT IN COMPUTER CERTIFICATION TRAINING AT LEOMINSTER CAMPUS

(LEOMINSTER)--MWCC students and alumni who are interested in computer certification training this summer are eligible for a 10% discount at the Leominster Campus and Corporate Training Center. An Open House will be held, Tues., May 14, at 5:00 p.m. "This is a great opportunity for students and alumni to make themselves marketable in today’s competitive work environment," said Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel M. Asquino.

Classes in A+, Microsoft Certified Professional, and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, and Cisco are all available:

1. A+ - This is a program that certifies the competency of entry-level computer service technicians. More information can be obtained from the web site of the industry organization that sponsors the A+ examination: www.comptia.com.
2. Microsoft Certified Professional — Two classes are offered, both of which should be taken to adequately prepare for the MCP exam: MS Windows 2000 Network and Operating Systems Essentials and Implementing MS Windows 2000 Professional and Server.
3. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator - This is the newest certification offered by Microsoft and is designed for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and systems environments based on MS Windows 2000 platforms. Training consists of 3 core classes and 1 elective, which can be Network+ and A+. This certification is particularly attractive (especially when compared against the 7-class Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) because it allows people with A+ and Network+ certifications to take only the 3 core classes. An excellent option for students is to obtain certification in A+, Network+ (offered in self-study format), and Microsoft Certified Professional (based upon the two classes we offer). The student then needs to only take one remaining class, Managing a MS Windows 2000 Network Environment, to be prepared to take the MCSA examination.
4. Cisco — MWCC is designated as a CCNP Academy and able to offer semesters I — VIII of Cisco training. Semesters I — IV provides students with skills needed to design, build and maintain small to medium-size networks, and leads to the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) examination. Semesters V — VIII lead to the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) examination. Semesters I-IV will be offered this summer. Semester V will be offered this fall. Semesters VI-VIII will follow.

As a VUE testing site, students can take certification examinations at the Leominster campus. Information concerning prices and scheduling can be obtained by accessing www.vue.com.