IT Support to Security
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From the help desk to the security team
A three-stage track that takes help-desk and junior IT staff from devices and operating systems to networking and security fundamentals. It follows the credential path defense contractors use to qualify technical support and system administration staff under DoD 8140.
The track at a glance
| Stage | Focus | You leave able to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Foundational | IT Fundamentals & CompTIA A+ Prep | Support users, devices and operating systems with a repeatable troubleshooting method. |
| 2 · Specialization | Networking & CompTIA Network+ Prep | Build, monitor and troubleshoot small and mid-size networks. |
| 3 · Certification | Security Fundamentals & CompTIA Security+ Prep | Apply core security controls and sit the Security+ exam. |
Stage 1 — IT Fundamentals & CompTIA A+ Prep
Hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, troubleshooting method, basic security and support procedures, and preparation for both CompTIA A+ exams (Core 1 and Core 2).
Stage 2 — Networking & CompTIA Network+ Prep
TCP/IP and subnetting, switching and routing basics, wireless, core network services, monitoring and troubleshooting, and preparation for the CompTIA Network+ exam.
Stage 3 — Security Fundamentals & CompTIA Security+ Prep
Threats and vulnerabilities, identity and access, secure architecture, hardening, incident response basics and governance, taught with examples from CUI and CMMC environments, plus preparation for the CompTIA Security+ exam.
DoD 8140 alignment
The certifications this track prepares for appear in the DoD 8140 qualification matrix as foundational qualification options for these DCWF work roles:
| Certification | Work roles (DCWF code) |
|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | 411 Technical Support Specialist, 451 System Administrator |
| CompTIA Network+ | 411 Technical Support Specialist, 441 Network Operations Specialist, 451 System Administrator |
| CompTIA Security+ | 411, 441 and 451, plus more than a dozen other cybersecurity, IT and enabler work roles |
Based on the DoD 8140 qualification matrix (version 2.1, effective 19 September 2025). The proficiency level a certification satisfies differs by work role, and your contract sets what applies, so we confirm it person by person in a Workforce Readiness Assessment. A certification covers foundational qualification only; resident (on-the-job) qualification and at least 20 hours a year of continuous professional development can also apply.
Roles you’ll be ready for
Technical Support Specialist, Network Operations Specialist and junior System Administrator.
About the exam preparation. VIS builds and teaches its own preparation material for the CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ exams. VIS is not a CompTIA or ISC2 training partner and this is not official courseware. Exam vouchers are bought separately from the certification body. CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ are trademarks of CompTIA.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this track for?
Help-desk, desktop support and junior IT staff on defense-contractor teams, and career changers with basic IT experience.
Is this official CompTIA training?
No. VIS builds and teaches its own exam-preparation material and is not a CompTIA training partner. Exam vouchers are bought separately from CompTIA.
Do I take all three stages?
Take stages individually or as the full-track bundle. People who already hold A+ often start at Stage 2.
How is it delivered?
Live-virtual, instructor-led cohorts. Cohorts run once minimum enrollment is met; next dates announced soon.
Start the track
Cohort-based and live-virtual. Join the next cohort.
Next cohort: dates announced soon
Live virtual, instructor-led
Per stage (one live-virtual cohort each):
Stage 1 · $499
Stage 2 · $499
Stage 3 · $499
Full track, all 3 stages: $1,299 — save $198, no code needed
10% off any single stage with FALL10. Teams of 3 or more: team pricing on request; private cohorts are quoted per cohort.
Cohorts run once a minimum number of participants enroll. If yours doesn’t fill, we move you to the next date or refund you in full.
RegisterRequest a QuoteTrack stages
Training a team?
Start with a Workforce Readiness Assessment: we map each person to a DCWF work role and recommend the right stage. Private team cohorts are available.