Network Technician

IT certification training in Tampa — Build, connect, and secure.

A live, instructor-led IT certification training program in Tampa Bay that takes you from digital literacy to certified IT professional in 350 hours . Earn three CompTIA certifications — A+, Network+, and Security+ — plus business applications proficiency, with real instructors who have practical IT experience. Built for career changers, job seekers, and anyone ready to launch a career in information technology.

• Live online — not pre-recorded videos
• Career planning & job strategizing with a certified career coach
• Workforce grant, VR & VA funding accepted

Taught by CompTIA Certified instructors with 31+ years of real-world IT experience.

Recognized & aligned with

Florida DOE Licensed CIE #5237 since 2014

100% Certified Woman-Owned Small Business 100% Certified Woman-Owned Small Business

Based in Tampa Bay Lutz, FL · serving since 2014

Microsoft Education Partner Authorized training provider

Local Workforce Partnerships CareerSource & community aligned

01 / The Transformation

From "where do I even start"
to working in IT.

Most people stuck outside the IT field aren't lacking intelligence — they're lacking a structured path. However, that changes with 350 hours of IT certification training in Tampa at Access Computer Training.

Where you are now

Stuck outside the IT industry

• Watching random YouTube tutorials and hoping it adds up to a job
• Not sure if you should start with hardware, networking, or security
• No instructor to ask when concepts don't click
• Self-paced courses you start and never finish
• Job applications going unanswered — no certifications, no structure

Equipped for IT careers

3 CompTIA Certifications A+, Network+, and Security+ — stacked in the right order

Business Software Skills Microsoft 365, AI tools, and professional digital literacy

Hands-On Skills Hardware, networking, troubleshooting, and security fundamentals

Career-Ready Résumé, LinkedIn, and interview prep ready for Tampa employers

Confidence to Apply Ready for Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, and Network Technician roles

Real jobs. Real salaries.
Real paths in Tampa Bay.

IT isn't one career — it's a family of them. As a result, this program prepares you for three distinct entry-level paths so you can choose the role that fits how you think. Additionally, salary ranges below reflect Tampa, FL public job-market data for entry-level to mid-career roles.

01 / SUPPORT IT Ops

Help Desk Technician

Desktop Support · Tier 1–2

Help Desk Technicians are the first point of contact when something breaks. In this role, you'll troubleshoot hardware and software issues, set up equipment, manage user accounts, and keep business operations running — the backbone of every IT department.

Tampa, FL salary range

$40K $66K / year

• Hardware & software troubleshooting
• User account management & support
• Ticketing systems & documentation

IT Support Specialist

Technical Support · User Support

IT Support Specialists handle complex technical problems, maintain systems, deploy software, and support end users across the organization. As a result, they bridge the gap between users and infrastructure — keeping people productive and systems consistently healthy.

Tampa, FL salary range

$55K $85K / year

• System administration & maintenance
• Security awareness & best practices

Network Technician

Network Technicians install, configure, and maintain network infrastructure — routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems. Because connectivity is critical to every business, this role is in consistent demand and provides a clear path into network administration.

Tampa, FL salary range

$50K $80K / year

• Network configuration & management
• Router, switch, and firewall setup
• Wireless & WAN troubleshooting
• Network security fundamentals

Salary ranges reflect publicly available Tampa, FL data for entry-level to mid-career roles (ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Salary.com — 2026). Actual compensation varies by employer, experience, security clearance, and additional skills. Certification does not guarantee employment.

04 / The Pathway

Literacy > Hardware > Networking > Security.

Four tracks taught in the order that actually builds career-ready skills. No guesswork, no jumping ahead.

1 Business Applications Digital Literacy MS 365 138 hrs

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, AI tools (Copilot & ChatGPT), file management, and career strategizing.

PC hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and IT support fundamentals.

Network configuration, management, troubleshooting, and infrastructure security.

Cybersecurity fundamentals, threat awareness, risk management, and secure network design.

How this compares
to other IT certification training in Tampa.

Most IT training options in Tampa fall into two camps: video subscriptions or multi-year degree programs. Here's where ACT fits.

Option A Self-paced video courses

Time to job-ready How quickly you can apply 12+ months avg. ~9 months (350 hrs) 2–4 years

Live instructor support Real humans, not just videos Forums only CompTIA Certified instructors Mixed quality

Industry certifications What employers actually look for Pay separately 3 exam vouchers + retake assurance Optional

Business software skills Microsoft 365, AI, digital literacy Not included 138 hours included Varies

Career coaching Résumé, interview, job search None Certified career coach Generic career center

Class size Personal attention 1,000s of strangers Max 12 students 100+ per lecture

Workforce grant / VR / VA funding Workforce funding eligible Not eligible All accepted Pell only

Workforce grant, VR, and VA funding may be available depending on your employment status and county — we'll confirm your eligibility on your strategy call.

05 / What's Included

Everything you need to finish
— ALL included.

No surprise add-ons. No upsells. Everything below is part of your IT certification training program enrollment.

350 Hours of Live Instruction

Live, instructor-led online classes on Microsoft Teams. Ask questions in real time. No pre-recorded shortcuts.

3 Exam Vouchers + Retake Assurance

Exam vouchers for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ — each with retake assurance included so you can test with confidence.

Recorded Sessions

Every live class recorded. Rewatch difficult topics, reinforce learning, or catch up if you miss a session.

Hands-On Practice Labs

Practice labs, quizzes, and exam prep tools that build real skills — not just exam memorization.

Individual mentoring by appointment. Stuck on something? Book time with your instructor and work through it.

Career Planning & Job Strategy

Career planning and job strategizing with a certified career coach — résumé reviews, LinkedIn optimization, interview prep, and salary negotiation.

Your IT certification training in Tampa is taught by real practitioners.

When you choose IT certification training in Tampa at ACT, your instructors aren't full-time content creators. Instead, they hold advanced certifications and bring real-world experience into every class — from enterprise IT infrastructure to business software.

IT & Cybersecurity Instructor

Network administration & information security

Craig brings extensive professional experience in information technology, cybersecurity operations, network administration, and systems support across defense, public sector, and private industry environments. He has served in progressive roles from IT Support Technician and Network Administrator to IT Manager and senior security leadership — establishing security operations and incident response teams, supporting in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities, and authoring governance policies aligned with ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, NIST, and ITIL .

Active Certifications

CISSP Premier security credential

Defense+ Public & private sector experience

"I built ACT because the typical path into IT — self-paced videos and untested certs — doesn't actually prepare students for Tampa employers. This program does. We cap classes at 12, hire instructors who've done the work, and stay involved until you're working ."

350 hours, four tracks,
taught in the right order.

Click any track below to see exactly what you'll learn. Every IT module is aligned to CompTIA's current exam objectives.

01 Business Applications — Digital Literacy Microsoft 365, AI & Career Tools · 138 hours · Track 1 of 4 138 hrs

Build strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, file management, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and career strategizing . The digital literacy foundation every IT career starts from.

M1 File & Document Management M2 Microsoft Word — Interface & Business Documents M3 Microsoft Word — Reports, Tables & Mail Merge M4 Microsoft Word — Graphical Content & AI Tools M5 Microsoft Excel — Fundamentals & Data Entry M6 Microsoft Excel — Formulas, Functions & VLOOKUP M7 Microsoft Excel — Charts, Pivot Tables & AI M8 Microsoft PowerPoint — Presentations & Design M9 Microsoft Outlook — Email, Calendar & Tasks M10 Microsoft Copilot & ChatGPT for the Workplace M11 Career Strategizing — Résumé, LinkedIn & Interview Prep

02 CompTIA A+ — Hardware & Support 220-1101 & 220-1102 · 92 hours · Track 2 of 4 92 hrs

Build job-ready skills in hardware installation, operating systems, networking fundamentals, mobile devices, troubleshooting, security basics, and operational procedures . The certification every IT career is built on.

M1 Hardware — Motherboards, CPUs, RAM & Storage M2 Hardware — Peripherals, Connectors & Custom PCs M3 Mobile Devices — Configuration & Troubleshooting M4 Networking — IP Addressing, Protocols & Devices M5 Networking — SOHO Configuration & Troubleshooting M6 Virtualization & Cloud Computing M7 Operating Systems — Windows, macOS & Linux M8 OS Administration & System Optimization M9 Software Troubleshooting & Malware Removal M10 Security — Threats, Authentication & Best Practices M11 Operational Procedures & Professionalism M12 Final Review & Practice Exam

03 CompTIA Network+ — Networking N10-009 · 60 hours · Track 3 of 4 60 hrs

Develop the practical network technician skill set — network design, configuration, management, troubleshooting, and security . The foundation for any infrastructure or networking career.

M1 Computer Networking Fundamentals M2 The OSI Reference Model M3 Network Components & Devices M4 Ethernet Technology & Cabling M5 IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses M6 Routing IP Packets M7 Wide Area Networks (WANs) M8 Wireless Technologies & Security M9 Command-Line Tools & Network Management M10 Network Optimization & Best Practices M11 Network Security — Firewalls, VPNs & IDS M12 Network Troubleshooting — Part 1 M13 Network Troubleshooting — Part 2 M14 Final Preparation — Overview & Q&A M15 Final Exam Preparation & Study Resources

04 CompTIA Security+ — Security Fundamentals SY0-701 · 60 hours · Track 4 of 4 60 hrs

Build foundational cybersecurity skills — threat identification, risk management, secure network defense, identity & access management, incident response, and compliance . The security certification employers look for.

M1 Social Engineering & Human-Based Attacks M2 Indicators of Compromise & Network Attacks M3 Vulnerabilities, Assessments & Pen Testing M4 Enterprise Security & Secure Development M5 Authentication, Authorization & Access Control M6 Cybersecurity Resilience & Redundancy M7 Physical Security, Cryptography & PKI M8 Secure Protocols & Network Defense M9 Wireless, Mobile & Cloud Security M10 Identity & Access Management (IAM) M11 Incident Response & Mitigation M12 Digital Forensics & Evidence Handling M13 Security Policies, Frameworks & Risk M14 Privacy, Compliance & Data Protection M15 Final Review & Practice Exam

We'd rather have an honest conversation now than enroll someone who isn't ready.

This is for you if…

You want a structured pathway from digital literacy to IT certifications

Live instruction from real practitioners matters more to you than pre-recorded videos

You're committed to 350 hours of training over several months

A career change into IT is the goal — whether you're new to the field or returning

You're based in or near Tampa Bay (online works statewide)

Workforce grant, VR, or VA funding is something you want to explore

This isn't for you if…

Self-paced video with no schedule or accountability is what you're after

You expect to be job-ready in 4 weeks — that's not realistic for this field

A+, Network+ and Security+ are already on your resume — you need advanced training

You want a 4-year degree — a college program is the better path

You're not willing to do the practice work between sessions

Common Questions

IT certification training Tampa — your questions answered.

If you have a question that isn't here, ask us on your free strategy call.

How long does the whole program take?

The IT Career Prep pathway is 350 clock hours total , taught across four tracks (Business Applications, A+, Network+, Security+). Specifically, most students complete the full pathway over roughly 9 months depending on cohort timing and schedule.

Each individual track runs on its own cohort cycle, with new cohorts scheduled regularly. Moreover, you can enroll in tracks individually if you'd rather space them out.

Do I need prior IT experience to enroll?

No — this program is designed for complete beginners . Specifically, the Business Applications track builds your digital literacy first, and then A+ teaches you hardware and support from the ground up. However, you should be comfortable with basic Windows PC use and Internet browsing .

If you already have strong computer skills and want to skip the Business Applications track, check out our IT Network & Security Professional program which starts directly with A+. In that case, we'll help you figure out the right fit on your free strategy call .

Is this online, in-person, or hybrid?

Classes are delivered live online (synchronous) on Microsoft Teams. Therefore, you attend scheduled sessions in real time, ask questions, and get guided instruction — just like a classroom.

Additionally, all live sessions are recorded for 24/7 review . However, VA-benefit students have separate in-person attendance requirements per federal guidelines.

What equipment do I need?

You'll need a Windows PC, reliable Internet, and ideally dual monitors . Before Day 1 we run a mandatory onboarding session to install required software and walk you through Microsoft Teams and the learning platform.

Can I use workforce grant, VR, or VA funding?

Access Computer Training works directly with workforce grant programs, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), VA Education Benefits (including Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Chapter 31), and CareerSource .

Eligibility depends on your employment status and county, so on your strategy call we'll walk through exactly what you may qualify for.

What if I don't pass a CompTIA exam?

Your program includes retake assurance with each exam voucher . Additionally, you'll have continued access to your instructor for targeted prep, as well as the recorded class sessions for review.

Does ACT guarantee job placement?

No legitimate training provider guarantees employment. However, what we provide is career planning and job strategizing — résumé writing, LinkedIn optimization, mock interviews, and Tampa-area job search strategies — all included with a certified career coach.

What's the difference between IT Career Prep and IT Network & Security Professional?

IT Career Prep (350 hours) includes the Business Applications track, which builds digital literacy and Microsoft 365 proficiency before moving into the CompTIA certifications. This option is ideal for people who are completely new to computers and IT.

IT Network & Security Professional (212 hours) , on the other hand, skips Business Applications and goes directly into A+, Network+, and Security+. That program works better for people who already have strong computer skills and want to focus entirely on IT certifications. We'll help you decide which fits best on your strategy call.

Free 15-Minute Strategy Call

Let's find out if IT
is the right career for you.

On a free 15-minute call, we'll learn about your goals and experience. From there, we'll help you understand which training path makes sense, what support is included, and whether you may qualify for funding. Ultimately, the goal is clarity on your next step — not pressure to enroll.

Take our 2-minute quiz and we'll match your interests and experience to the right IT path — from help desk to networking to security.