Hardware & Software System Requirements

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Enrollment Deadline - March 4, 2024

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CIAT Hardware & Software System 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

If you do not have access to a personal computer of your own, you have three options to pursue prior to the start of your program: 

  1. Purchase a personal computer (many retailers will provide student discounts with proof of enrollment).
  2. Enroll in the CIAT Loaner Laptop program for a $50 monthly fee.
  3. Apply for a Financial Hardship Waiver to receive financial assistance with a loaner laptop. Learn More.

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

     

     

    Your Equipment - FAQ:

    Macs are not compatible with many hands-on virtual labs and related coursework.

    For our IT Certificate and Degree programs, a Windows Operating System is required.

    • Computer Technician Certificate
    • Cloud Administration Certificate
    • Computer Information Systems Certificate
    • Networking Technician Certificate
    • Cisco CCNA Certificate
    • Cisco CCNA-CCNP Certificate
    • Associate of Applied Science Degree in Software Development
    • Associate of Applied Science in Degree in Computer Information Systems
    • Applied Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Systems

    Chromebooks, Android Tablets, Android phones, iPad tablets, and iPhones are not sufficient to successfully complete your coursework and virtual labs, however many students use them as a great secondary resource for reading or extra studying on the go.

    CIAT does not provide laptops intended for purchase. You can purchase new or high quality refurbished computers online at many popular retailers including Best Buy, Amazon.com, eBay, NewEgg.com, and Walmart.com.

    Don’t forget to ask about student discounts! Many retailers offer student discounts with proof enrollment (student ID or school email address). 

    CIAT provides loaner laptop computers for temporary use during a student’s program for an affordable monthly fee.

    Learn more about how the CIAT Loaner Laptop program works, rental fees, financial hardship waiver options, pickup and delivery options for on-campus and online students, and more. 

    Apply Now

    If you’re having trouble identifying the processor your computer might have, then click the link to read more about how to find it. This Intel guide shows you three different options on how to identify the processor.

    The “4 Ways to Check CPU Speed” guide provided to you by Wikihow, demonstrates a step-by-step process on how to identify your CPU speed. This guide allows you to check your CPU speed for both Mac and PC users.

    Random Access Memory is getting faster and better overtime. The more RAM you have available the more you can do at a faster pace. The less RAM you have available, the slower your computer will run. Howtogeek step-by-step guide shows you how to check  the RAM capacity on your computer, and how to speed up a slow computer.

    Questions?

    Reach out today and one of our knowledgeable Admissions Advisors will be happy to answer any questions you have about CIAT.

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    2022 BEST CYBERSECURITY PROGRAMS

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    EC Council, the world's largest cybersecurity technical certification organization, awarded CIAT the Circle of Excellence Award two years in a row for our Certified Ethical Hacker certification training courses and career-ready curriculum.

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    We believe you deserve an education worthy of your service. CIAT welcomes military veterans, active duty service members, and spouses using the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), Active Duty Tuition Assistance, and MyCAA.

    FULLY ACCREDITED

    We have high standards and we believe you should too. CIAT has proudly earned accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

    2021 Best Cybersecurity Programs

    2021 BEST CYBERSECURITY PROGRAMS

    CIAT has been awarded top ranking status in Intelligent.com’s Best Cybersecurity Program review, highlighted as “Best For Industry Certifications”. Evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.

    2018 Academic Circle of Excellence award badge

    CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

    EC Council, the world's largest cybersecurity technical certification organization, awarded CIAT the Circle of Excellence Award two years in a row for our Certified Ethical Hacker certification training courses and career-ready curriculum.

    Military Friendly School '21-'22 logo

    MILITARY-FRIENDLY

    We believe you deserve an education worthy of your service. CIAT welcomes military veterans, active duty service members, and spouses using the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), Active Duty Tuition Assistance, and MyCAA.

    Fully Accredited School

    FULLY ACCREDITED

    We have high standards and we believe you should too. CIAT has proudly earned accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Request an appointment with one of our IT expert Admissions Advisors for personalized guidance on building your education plan. You’ll be able to book an appointment instantly for a time that fits your schedule. 

    Enrollment Deadline - July 24, 2023!

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