Launch Your Career in IT Security and Administration (ITSA)

A lot went into the refresh of MyComputerCareer’s Information Technology Security & Administration (ITSA) program, and the questions are coming in fast. What changed? Why now? Are fewer certifications a good thing? We have answers.

What is the ITSA program?

ITSA is MyCC’s foundational IT training program, designed for students starting from zero. No prior IT experience required. It builds the core skills and certifications students need to enter the IT workforce with confidence in months, not years.

Why did MyCC decide to refresh the curriculum now?

The IT industry is changing, and the program needs to continually adapt. After a thorough review, the MyCC leadership team concluded the path to a successful IT career looks different in 2026 than it did just a few years ago. Employers want critical thinkers who can adapt, not just workers who passed a test. The refreshed curriculum builds toward that.

And the data supports this. Only 35% of Americans now say a college education is “very important,” down from 75% in 2010. At the same time, 93% of tech leaders say their teams lack the staff and skills to deliver on their top priorities this year. The workforce needs trained, work-ready IT professionals. That is what this update addresses.

What changed in the updated program?

The updated ITSA curriculum features four core certifications: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft AI-900 (AI Fundamentals), and Microsoft AZ-104 (Cloud Administration). These are the credentials employers seek most.

Students now begin with a new introductory course that builds foundational tech knowledge before certification prep starts. MyCC replaced pre-built, simulated lab environments with real-time, custom labs and virtual machines that place students in practical, hands-on scenarios. The goal is to develop critical thinking rather than completing tasks.

AI concepts and practice run through every course from day one, not as a standalone module but woven into how students learn. And every student builds a digital portfolio documenting their work and accomplishments throughout the program which will help them in the classroom and in the job search.

What student supports does the updated program include?

The curriculum changed. The support system didn’t. MyCC continues to provide every student with mentoring, tutoring, and academic counseling throughout the program. Soft skills development runs alongside technical training through the school’s Pathways program, covering the professional skills employers expect but most IT training programs overlook. Career readiness support begins well before graduation, with Career Services guiding students through resume development, interview prep, and the job search.

That combination of practical technical training and real human support is what separates MyCC from most IT training programs. A certification proves you know the material. The support system is what helps you earn it and land the job.

Isn’t going from more certifications to fewer a step backward?

The opposite. The previous curriculum front-loaded students with certifications, creating pressure before learners had time to build a real foundation. The four certifications in the updated program are the ones IT employers value and students will earn them after developing genuine foundational skills.

Darlene Cernoch, VP of Education at MyComputerCareer, puts it this way: “This is a very deliberate and strategic shift, not only providing the tools and support for learners to gain knowledge of technology and how it works, but becoming an independent thinker who is curious and ready for the next challenge.”

What does AI integration look like in practice?

AI runs through every course, not a single module. Students might use AI tools for resume development, build a bot that functions as a study tutor, create custom study guides, or practice real-world AI applications tied to IT roles. MyCC also deliberately avoids tying instruction to a single AI platform or model, which broadens students’ familiarity with the technology across the board.

What is the digital portfolio, and why does it matter?

Every student builds a portfolio throughout the program documenting their work and accomplishments. Certifications tell an employer what you know. A portfolio shows them what you can do and have done. In a competitive job market, that distinction is important.

How does the ITSA refresh affect the school’s advanced programs?

Students who pursue MyCC’s advanced cybersecurity programs, including the Cybersecurity Specialist (CSS) and Cybersecurity Engineer (CSE) tracks, benefit directly. The stronger foundation developed through the enhanced ITSA curriculum makes those advanced paths more accessible and more impactful.

When does the updated program go live?

Now. Here are some additional details.

Who is this program for?

Anyone who wants to break into IT and build a career from the ground up. MyComputerCareer’s programs welcome students with no prior IT background, and graduates come from every corner of the workforce, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and people returning to work after time away. If an IT career has been on your radar, this is one heck of an option.

Ready to see what the updated IT training program includes? Explore the details on our programs page https://www.mycomputercareer.edu/program/programs-information/.