Student Resources

Hardware & Software Systems Requirements

Every student is required to have a personal computer to successfully complete their coursework. To support your career readiness, the hardware and software requirements are designed to mimic equipment that you are likely to use in the workforce. Successful completion of coursework, virtual labs, certification exams, and coding assignments require a personal computer that meets the minimum hardware and software requirements outlined.

Minimum Specifications:​

     

    ITEM DEFINITION RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATION
    Hardware The physical computer on which you will perform the tasks for the courses.
    • PC Laptop, Notebook, or Desktop with USB, Ethernet ports, & 100GB of free hard drive space
    • Macs, Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, or mobile devices are NOT supported
    Processor (CPU) The CPU is the brain of the computer where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.
    • Intel i5 or better
    • AMD A12 or better
    Operating System (OS) The operating system manages all the software and hardware on the computer and is a platform for applications like Microsoft Office, Cisco Packet Tracer, etc. 
    • 64-bit Microsoft Windows 10 or newer (Mac OS and Linux are not supported)
    RAM (Memory) Random Access Memory (RAM) is the main memory in a computer and provides the temporary data storage place that a computer needs run. 
    • 8 GB or higher
    Browsers A web browser is a software application for accessing the information on the internet. These browser versions are recommended for accessing your CIAT coursework.
    • Chrome 83 or newer
    • Firefox 78 or newer
    • Edge 83 or newer

     

     

    Student Resources
    Contact Us

    California Institution

    401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950

    New Mexico Institution

    1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110

    Phone

    (877) 559-3621

    California Institute of Applied Technology Logo
    Get Started
    For Students
    Information
    California Institution
    New Mexico Institution

    © 2025 California Institute of Applied Technology | info@ciat.edu | (877) 559 - 3621 | Privacy Policy

    California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality