Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many different places in Anchorage can I go to in order to finish my High school Diploma?

Surprisingly enough, Alaska Technology Learning Center is the only place in Anchorage that has a high school completion program. Although other places do offer other options, such as a G.E.D., AKTLC is the only place where you can actually finish high school if you dropped out. Remember that credits from the Anchorage School District are 100% transferable to AKTLC.

Q: Why are your computer classes 4-8 weeks long while other training providers classes are considerably shorter?

A: One reason is that you can enroll in an AKTLC computer course without the need to take prerequisite courses. Microsoft / Cisco official courseware requires sufficient duration to understand the product and technologies. We do not want you, our student, to just clear the exams, but to also understand the technologies with hands-on lab experience so that you can deliver the goods after certification.

Q: Why should I become certified during this economic slowdown?

A: In this economic slowdown and retrenchment, Network Administrators are vitally needed. Pursuing a career in Networking Technology is most beneficial and enduring.

Q: Do I have to go through course material before I come to class?

A: NO! You don't have to prepare anything before you join the class. During training we start from scratch so that you will understand everything you need from beginner's level to professional.

Q: Do you provide training outside of your location?

A: YES. AKTLC offers onsite training to clients that have to train more than 6 people in one session.

Q: Who are the trainers ?

A: Professional instructors with real-life experience train you for success. AKTLC's instructors are among the most highly regarded and knowledgeable in the industry. Certified in their areas of instruction, most have multiple professional certifications to their credit. Their exhaustive technical information and years of practical, real-world experience, combined with their dynamic presentation skills, make your learning experience as useful and productive as possible.

Q: Does AKTLC have its own testing center?

A: Yes. AKTLC is an Authorized Prometric Testing Center.

Q: Is there a shortage of Information Technology skilled workers?

A: Yes, there is a shortage of skilled Information Technology workers. This includes technical positions such as network engineers, network administrators, computer technicians, and software and computer programmers. A survey released by Information Technology Association of America showed that there are about 346,000 IT positions open and there are not enough qualified individuals to fill corporate needs.

The US Department of Commerce estimates 1.3 million Information Technology jobs will be created through 2006.

Q: What is the difference between a network administrator and a network engineer?

A: A network administrator is responsible for the entire network or networks within an organization. This includes all hardware such as servers, workstations, printers, faxes, and other equipment on the local area network. Network administrators are often responsible for vendor relations as well.
A network engineer is responsible for all aspects of local area network design, installation and configuration. Duties may include network architecture planning, network traffic analysis, and diagnostics. Additional duties typically include router installation and configuration for wide area networks.

Q: What work experience is required to be successful in the MCSE courses?
A: A person with any background can be successful in this type of program. Obviously, the more technical background one has the better; however, one's desire to learn and study is very important to his or her success. It is not required that someone be experienced as a network administrator; however, such experience and background is best suited.