PATHWAY CONNECTION

Essex County College (ECC) reviewed 3 CompTIA industry credentials and evaluated each for college credit. The industry credentials are the following certifications: (1) IT Fundamentals ITF+, (2) A+ Core I, and (3) A+ Core II. Students who successfully attain these industry credentials by passing all corresponding professional examinations earn 7 college credits toward 2 courses mapped to 4 degree programs and 2 academic certificate programs at ECC. With these stackable industry credentials, students earn college credits toward academic certificate and degree programs and are equipped with the necessary skills to enter the technology workforce. 

Middlesex College (MC) reviewed 3 CompTIA industry credentials, evaluated each for college credit, and embedded them into existing MC courses. The industry credentials are the following certifications: (1) CompTIA Network+, (2) CompTIA Security+, and (3) Oracle Java SE 8 Certified Associate. Faculty mapped course topics and skills to the professional examinations for the industry credentials and revised college courses to better align with the industry certification content.  

Students who successfully attain these industry credentials by passing all corresponding professional examinations earn 3 or 4 college credits toward an Associate of Science in Computer Science degree program at MC. With these stackable industry credentials, students earn college credits toward a degree and are equipped with the necessary skills to enter the technology workforce.