Develop your IT career with in-demand IT certificates at NO COST to you! Global Lynx, in partnership with the State of Ohio, is able to provide Ohioans with free IT training in certified credentials required for in-demand information technology jobs. The IMAP program will serve both underemployed and unemployed professionals looking to earn credentials or switch careers. Our courses are online, live, and instructor-led by experienced IT consultants. Along with free tuition, an exam will also be provided for each course to take the industry-accepted certification examination. Fill out the form below to get started today!
The IMAP grant was created by the State of Ohio to provide opportunities for low-income, partially unemployed, or fully unemployed Ohioans to participate in a training program and receive a microcredential at NO COST. Some IT experience is preferred for our course offerings, but not required.
Gain both technical and managerial skills with our approved IMAP courses:
If you are currently unemployed, underemployed, a recent graduate, or looking to make a career change, fill out our application to see if you are eligible today!
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| Course | Description | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Certified Ethical Hacker | is the world’s most advanced certified ethical hacking course, covering 20 of the most current security domains any IT pro will need to know when bullet-proofing the information security of their organization. This EC-Council accredited course provides advanced tools and techniques used by hackers and information security professionals. | 40 hours |
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CompTIA Network+ | is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring and managing networks. Jobs like network field technician and junior network administrator use the skills validated by CompTIA Network+ certification. Companies like Apple, Best Buy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ricoh, the United States Department of Defense and Verizon all look for CompTIA Network+ certification in hiring. | 40 hours |
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CompTIA Security+ | is an international, vendor-neutral certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue IT security careers. Security+ emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional is better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of issues. It focuses on the latest trends and techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management and intrusion detection. | 40 hours |
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DevOps Foundation | provides understanding of basic DevOps concepts (how DevOps is used to improve communication, collaboration and integration between software developers and IT operations professionals). | 16 hours |
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ITIL 4 Foundation | provides perspective of the whole IT picture, not just hardware. It teaches several IT process lifecycles, (ie. change management, problem management, incident management, etc.). | 20 hours |
A: Our courses are all live, online, and instructor-led, so a working computer with web cam and internet connection is required. Attendance is also required. Our courses will take place anywhere from 4-8 hours per day for up to two weeks, so time commitment is essential.
A: The certifications offered through the IMAP program are the most relevant ones being sought by organizations in the marketplace. Having one or more of these certifications can definitely help you find a new or a better job. We recommend that you do research in your area, as markets around the state can have higher demand.
A: Absolutely nothing. The IMAP program is fully funded by the Government. All you have to do is to take the class and do your best on it to get certified.
A: There are no formal requirements. However, we strongly recommend that you have a solid IT background. Extensive experience is not necessary.
A: Some foundational courses may help you get a better understanding of IT, but you might need more than that to start a career in IT coming from a different field. Some other courses are very technical and do require an IT background.
A: Unfortunately not. This program is for either unemployed or underemployed people only.
A: Unfortunately not. This program is for Ohio residents only.
A: Yes. You are entitled to take any number of courses in the IMAP program, as long as they are relevant to your background and goals.
A: Yes. We expect your commitment to responsibly attend the full course, spend time studying on your own and prepare for taking the certification exam.
A: The IMAP program covers only one exam attempt. If you fail your exam on the first try, you can take a subsequent attempt by covering the actual cost of the certification exam.
