The computer support industry is one of the fastest-growing fields, and there is every indication that this growth will continue. This course uniquely prepares you to work as a support specialist by focusing on the business needs of the customer, establishing credibility and trust, and handling the most difficult customer scenarios.
You'll learn about problem solving and troubleshooting, team dynamics, and interpersonal communication skills. You'll also get a broad overview of the back-office operations of a support center, and the common industry tools and technologies used in providing exceptional customer support.
This course also prepares for the Support Performance Tier-1 Support Specialist (SPC-T1SS) Certification exam at no additional cost, which is an organizational certification through SCInc., not an industry certification.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or newer.
- Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Windows Media Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to to take this course, although six months of support industry experience is recommended.
Eric Svendsen, Ph.D., is CEO of SCInc. He developed seminars and course materials for the first industry-accredited help desk certification. He has also consulting for hundreds of organizations. Svendsen is the author of several books, including "Presentation Skills and Accelerated Learning Techniques for Computer Trainers" and he regularly contributes to industry publications like Support Solutions magazine and LifeRaft magazine. More recently, he contributed to "A Guide to Computer User Support for Help Desk and Support Specialists, Third Edition."
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
Does this course prepare for a certification?
Yes, it prepares you for the Support Performance Tier-1 Support Specialist (SPC-T1SS) Certification exam at no additional cost, which is an organizational certification through SCInc., not an industry certification.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. Students will also have the option to sit for the Support Performance Tier-1 Support Specialist (SPC-T1SS) certfication exam at no additional cost
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.
The instructor was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I would recommend this course to others. Thank you to Dr. Svendsen!
- G.E., College of Staten Island, CYNY
I just wanted to give you a note of appreciation. I'm only partially through the course at this point, but so far I've enjoyed your lectures. You have a warm, confident, and authoritative style that instills a sense of confidence and learning. This is my first time doing an online course (I have a Bachelor's degree from a small liberal arts college in PA), and, for me at least, there's always a weariness about the quality and substance of any online course. But with your course at least, I feel that I'm getting good information from a knowledgeable, competent source!
- L.C., Harrisburg Area Community College
I have to admit, I was not at all enthralled with the thought of taking an online class. I have surprised myself (and my supervisor) on how much I am enjoying it. Again, thank you!
- C.M., Collin College
I liked that the instructor was very helpful and knowledgeable about the subject. I also enjoyed that the course was accessible to those with visual impairments. Because of this, I will recommend this course to those who are blind. Keep the course interface the way it is! Do Not change a thing.
- J.B., Linn-Benton Community College
The instructor was very competent and knowledgeable about the subject, backed up by years of experience in the field. I appreciated his warmth and accessibility as a speaker- he's not pretentious or condescending. Specifically, I appreciated his grasp of human nature. All too often, discussions about things of a conceptual nature turn abstract and academic, all that is taught are nice, clean theories that have little testing in the real world. The instructor teaches in a way that acknowledges that his students will be interacting with real-world, flesh-and-blood people, and that makes all the difference! The instructor is what makes this course so great.
- J.B., Harrisburg Area Community College
This program is very helpful for those who have full time jobs and are also parents. I like the fact that it's very easy to communicate with the instructor. This is my first time doing an online course and I must admit it was way better than I assumed it would be. I really enjoyed it! Some parts I took as a refresher and others were things that never crossed my mind.
- B.N., Southwest Tennessee Community College
The professor was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I would recommend this website and course to others. Thank you to Professor Svendsen.
- J.S., College of Staten Island, CUNY