Business & Economy

UWF to offer IT certification, further enhancing industry-readiness for graduates

The University of West Florida is offering complimentary vouchers for Information Technology (IT) certification exams and practice exams to eligible seniors in IT programs during the Spring 2013 semester.

The goal of the pilot program is to enable students in selected IT programs the ability to earn industry-related certifications before they graduate, making them more marketable to employers in the IT industry.

“Through this program, the University of West Florida will help reduce the current disconnect between Florida’s education system and the realities of our knowledge-based economy,” said Senate President Don Gaetz. “These industry-relevant certifications provide west Florida students with the marketable, necessary skills to fill scores of thousands of open jobs in our state. I applaud the University of West Florida for offering its students this valuable opportunity and in turn working toward a more dynamic and relevant Florida workforce.”

This program is the first of several initiatives at UWF in order to utilize the $3.75 million STEM Information Technology Performance Funding that was approved by the Florida Board of Governors in January. These funds will be used to support the university’s retention efforts and increase technology degree-based graduates, in addition to helping expand Florida’s national position in the technology employment and business climate.

“Our community is poised for growth in the IT sector, and the University’s commitment to further enhance its graduates to be workforce ready through the funding of certifications is highly commendable,” said Jennifer Allen McFarren, Director of Workforce Development at the Greater Pensacola Chamber.

Qualifying students can request a voucher and exam on the UWF Continuing Education website, continuinged.uwf.edu/FreeIT. The deadline for voucher requests is April 17, and all exams must be completed by Friday, May 3.

Vouchers and exams are available to students in the following areas of study:

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Support Technician on Windows 7
  • Oracle Certified Java Programmer
  • Oracle Certified Java Associate
  • Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

For additional information about the IT performance initiative, visit continuinged.uwf.edu/FreeIT.