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UMBC CCTC Focuses on Technology Education in Baltimore/DC Area UMBC, with its reputation as a national leader in technology education and a strong history of workforce development, has established the UMBC Computer Certification Training Center (UMBC CCTC) to train technology workers in the Baltimore/Washington business corridor. The Center opened its brand-new facility in January 2001, in the Windsor Mill area off I-695 and Liberty Road in Baltimore County. To date, 500+ students have participated in programs ranging from the entry-level A+ Computer Technician Certification, to the advanced Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Certified Internet Webmaster certifications. UMBC CCTC is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a Prosoft/CIW-Authorized Training Provider, a VUE Authorized Testing Center and a proud CompTia Partner. Formed in October 2000 as a separate operating business, UMBC CCTC is a significant expansion of the University's July 1999 start-up of a more modest computer training initiative. UMBC CCTC's separate business structure enables the University to continue operating existing programs in a more flexible structure, without the bureaucratic restrictions of State human resource and procurement policies. The University raised $1.6 million in capital, sufficient to fund the finest state-of-the-art technical training facility in the region, critical in providing cutting-edge experience through high-end equipment, and low student-to-computer ratios within the classroom. UMBC CCTC differentiates itself in the training market by using industry experts as instructors, in lieu of full-time instructors that may be more affordable, but less in tune with the latest advances in technology. CCTC also packages their instructor-led training programs to include all of the resources necessary to complete the certification process (to include exam fees, simulation exam licenses, some software licenses, audit/retake privileges, lab access, etc). With a mission grounded in economic development, in lieu of large profit margins, the operation can focus on the quality of programming for which the University is nationally reputed. CCTC's core is instructor-led certification courses, with an increasing number of online options for clients interested in self-paced learning mechanisms that emphasize convenience. A partnership with Magellan University was recently announced, introducing the first online/web-based courses for self-motivated students that bring some industry experience to the certification process. This new suite of programs added titles like SAIR Linux and MCSE Upgrade to the existing certification options. However, the CCTC's educational philosophy will remain rooted in the benefit of hands-on learning, as the optimal method for learning and mastering what is commonly referred to as "dirty-hands technology". The current Windsor Mill facility is going to serve as the hub around which a satellite of additional instructional facilities will emerge to provide convenient training options for the region. Early expansion targets include Montgomery County, Harford County, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore. A technology partnership with Comcast was announced in March 2001, with CCTC among the first to utilize the high-bandwidth commercial Internet solutions that the cable giant is just beginning to roll out to industry. Some of our current training clients include Genuity, Comcast, Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), Maryland General Assembly, Verizon, Thomson-Prometric, Baltimore County and Logicon.
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