IT Specialist Certification
Getting Started
To support your preparation, candidates may request GMetrix practice exams for each certification. Additional supplemental learning resources are provided throughout this page, including LearnKey training (available for all certifications), LinkedIn Learning, and other resources where available.
While some supplemental resources require a paid subscription or purchase, LinkedIn Learning is available at no cost to the SMU community through our campus license.
Artificial Intelligence
Candidates for this exam are AI enabled learners and are prepared for the professional use of AI by understanding how AI can be used to solve problems.
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Cloud Computing
Candidates for this exam will be able to identify and describe end solutions that leverage cloud technologies, considerations that span across solutions and the "art of the possible" in utilizing cloud to develop solutions.
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Computational Thinking
Candidates for this exam decompose problems, collect and analyze data, recognize patterns in data, represent data through abstractions, and automate solutions by using algorithmic thinking.
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Cybersecurity
Candidates for this exam are starting their journey in the cybersecurity field. This exam assesses their understanding of key security paradigms, terminology, and mindset. Successful candidates will have a keen awareness of the importance of security and the threats to a business when security procedures are not followed. They are willing to teach others about security concerns. They are developing the investigative and implementation skills necessary to succeed in the field and have an aptitude and desire to learn more.
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Data Analytics
Candidates for this exam are seeking to prove introductory knowledge of how to responsibly manipulate, analyze, and communicate findings of data analysis.
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Databases
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate foundational knowledge of how to design and query relational databases, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or Oracle.
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Device Configuration and Management
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate foundational skills in, and a basic knowledge of, Windows devices and mobility.
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HTML and CSS
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate that they can structure a webpage using HTML elements and create and apply styles using CSS.
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HTML5 Application Development
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate their ability to use HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript to build responsive web applications that will run on a variety of touch-enabled devices, including PCs, tablets, and phones.
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Java
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate that they can recognize, write, and debug Java code that will logically solve a problem.
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JavaScript
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate that they can recognize, write, and debug JavaScript code that will logically solve a problem.
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Networking
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate foundational networking knowledge and skills, including TCP/IP, networking services, networking topologies, and troubleshooting in wired and wireless environments.
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Network Security
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate foundational security knowledge and skills, including an understanding of core security principles operating system security, network and device security, and secure computing practices.
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Python
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate that they can recognize, write, and debug Python code that will logically solve a problem.
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Software Development
Candidates for this exam will demonstrate core software development skills, including object-oriented programming, web applications, and databases. Candidates are expected to have some experience with C# and ANSI SQL.