CIS – Computer Maintenance (Certificate)

Certificate | SC Program: CL.3429

The Computer Maintenance Certificate Program provides the exposure and training necessary to maintain and troubleshoot common PC computer systems. This program provides hands-on training in basic electronics, Operating System installation and maintenance, PC repair and computer management and prepares students for entry level jobs and is a pathway to the Information Technology Core Concepts Certificate and the Associate Degree Program in Information Systems - Systems Management, which has two areas of emphasis including Microsoft Server and CISCO Networking. The program prepares students to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

This is a locally approved certificate. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and application for completion of the certificate to Admissions and Records, the student will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate program is not approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office; therefore, completion of the certificate will not be listed on the student’s transcript.

Academic Plan

An academic plan shows all the courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. To make your personalized comprehensive education plan, please make an appointment with a counselor.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

7 Units Total

CIS 2

M 4

Introduction to Computer Science

CIS 2

Units 4

This course is designed as an introduction to computer programming and technology for those students planning on a career in the field of computer science or related disciplines. The students will design, code, debug, and test programs in languages such as Machine, Assembler, Java, C++, Visual Basic and/or Python as determined by the Shasta College CIS committee. Common business applications are used to examine a wide range of methods for processing data in the interactive mode. Computer history, hardware, software, processing, systems, programming languages, storage devices, careers, and impact on society will be explored to enable the student to become literate in the technical aspects of computing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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CIS 13

M 3

Desktop OS Configuration

CIS 13

Units 3

Advisory: CIS 2 with a grade of C or higher

Note:Students who enrolled in earlier versions of a Windows desktop operating system will be able to enroll in a more current version.

This course introduces students to desktop operating systems with an emphasis on installation, upgrading, configuration, user management, security, and troubleshooting. Students gain hands-on experience installing and upgrading systems, configuring devices and storage, managing users and security, Azure Active Directory (AD) integration, network connectivity, and applying troubleshooting strategies. This course aligns with Microsoft Windows Client certification objectives, strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provides a foundation for advanced study in desktop administration. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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Spring Semester, First Year

10 Units Total

CIS 14

M 3

Manage and Maintain Desktop Op Systems

CIS 14

Units 3

Advisory: CIS 13 with a grade of c or higher

Note: Students who enrolled in earlier versions of a Windows desktop operating system will be able to enroll in a more current version.

This course builds on foundational Windows desktop skills, teaching students to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows client systems in enterprise and hybrid environments. Students gain hands-on experience with monitoring, application deployment, security management, and remote support. This course aligns with Microsoft Windows Client certification objectives, strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provides a foundation for advanced study in desktop maintenance and administration. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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CIS 72

M 3

Fundamentals of Linux

CIS 72

Units 3

Fundamentals of Linux is an introductory and hands-on course for new users of the popular Linux operating system. Students will learn basic Linux systems administration skills using both command-line and graphical tools. Topics will include Linux installation and initialization, file system navigation and management, changing file permissions, the vi and emacs text editors, Bash, KDE, and GNOME shell features, process management, shell scripts, security, backup and recovery, printing, and basic networking, including clients and network services. This course prepares students for the Comptia Linux+ certification exam. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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CIS 90

M 4

A+ Cert Prep/Cisco IT Essentials I

CIS 90

Units 4

Advisory: CIS 2 with a grade of C or higher.

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for a career in IT support and computer maintenance. Designed to align with the CompTIA A+ certification objectives, it covers essential topics such as hardware components, system assembly, operating system installation and configuration, networking fundamentals, virtualization and cloud computing concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. Students will gain practical experience diagnosing and repairing hardware and software issues, securing devices, and applying industry best practices. The course also emphasizes professionalism, operational procedures, ethical considerations, and effective communication in IT support roles. Through hands-on labs and real-world troubleshooting scenarios, students will develop critical problem-solving skills essential for success in the field. Offered in in-person, hybrid, or online learning formats. Upon completion, students will be prepared to take the CompTIA A+ certification exams and pursue entry-level roles in IT support and technical services. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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Total Units

Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements: