Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

floridafun

floridafun wrote: »

He I am new here. This thread is great.
I am planning on starting the BS IT Software program on July 1st( waiting till then so I can get Pell grants since it will be new FAFSA year) I have 66 college credits already. WGU has received all my transcripts already so I am just waiting to see what and how many will transfer in. My overall goal is to finish the degree in 2-3 terms. Hopefully most of my GE credits will transfer in so I wont need to bother with them. I will be taking the MTA 98 363 in a few weeks as my IT cert transfer requirement since I didnt get my AA.
So my question is, I saw the list of certs that you get by the time you complete the degree. Can anyone tell me specifically what courses Introduction to IT,IT Foundations, etc etc align with each cert? Since I haven't started I don't know specific course numbers at all yet.

• Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer
• Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• CIW Database Design Specialist
• CIW JavaScript Specialist

If anyone could help me out with this I would greatly appreciate it. I am very excited to get started. I am planning on studying for some of the basic certs over the next few months so I can hopefully knock out the certs as soon as I am enrolled.

Man so annoying. I asked my counselor this question and this was his response
[FONT=Times New Roman,serif][FONT=Calibri,sans-serif]As soon as the evaluation is complete, you will know. The evaluation, once it is complete, will detail and show you what you are looking for. I do not have that information to distribute. It is for internal use only. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,serif][FONT=Calibri,sans-serif] [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,serif]Kindest Regards,[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,serif][FONT=Calibri,sans-serif] [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,serif]Enrollment Counselor[/FONT]

nster

I forgot I could just attach files instead. Thanks mods for deleting the link at my request

Caiyenne

floridafun,

Here are the classes that correspond with the certs you listed:

Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer - C482 (6) Software I
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer - C195 (6) Software II - Advanced Java Concepts
CompTIA A+ - C393 (4) IT Foundations AND C394 (4) IT Applications
CompTIA Network+ - C480 (4) Networks
CompTIA Security+ - C178 (4) Network and Security - Applications
CIW Database Design Specialist - C170 (4) Data Management - Applications
CIW JavaScript Specialist - C298 (6) Web Programming

Nemowolf

Chiming in some info my mentor told me end of last year; All students are being forced into the new programs regardless of their desire to be in the updated program or not. He gave me the expected lines about it being a business and needing to make sure that they didnt have straggler students on old programs that would end up costing them money to keep contracts for resources, tests, books, etc. All students get moved into their new program on the start of their new term.

floridafun

Caiyenne wrote: »

floridafun,

Here are the classes that correspond with the certs you listed:

Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer - C482 (6) Software I
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer - C195 (6) Software II - Advanced Java Concepts
CompTIA A+ - C393 (4) IT Foundations AND C394 (4) IT Applications
CompTIA Network+ - C480 (4) Networks
CompTIA Security+ - C178 (4) Network and Security - Applications
CIW Database Design Specialist - C170 (4) Data Management - Applications
CIW JavaScript Specialist - C298 (6) Web Programming

Perfect thanks alot.
Anyone happen to have any idea how long you normally need to complete the software 1 & 2?

hurricane1091

C169 was denied. Class I was trying to fulfill it with apparently filled C173. Kind of BS if you ask me because C173 looks easier and mentions nothing about Java. I've taken Visual basic also, that should of filled that requirement I feel like. I can't wait until May though so I guess I accept.

GSXR750K2

nster wrote: »

Would anyone know if the exams taken for the MCSA matter for Transfer Credit? I'm thinking of doing 70-410 70-411 and 70-462 to get my MCSA Server 2012 and waive the database classes as well

They do. I went in with my MCSE 2012 and while they didn't give me anything for the 70-413 and 70-414 exams, the MCSA part counted for five different courses (this may have changed since last March). It's definitely worth it if you've had some practical experience with servers, for both your professional career and for attending WGU. I spent right at a month on the three MCSA exams (many years of experience), so less time than I would have spent on the five courses. It's a win-win...do it.

nster

Did your MCSE waive the A+ requirements or did you already have an A+? If MCSA doesn't waive it, I'm wondering if Server+ would.

oops I didn't word it correctly. What I meant was is there a difference between obtaining an MCSA 2012 with 410 411 412 vs obtaining it with another exam like 410 411 462 or 409 410 411. I was thinking of replacing the 412 by 462 to waive the database classes.

The reason I'm worried is that I remember an older transfer guideline specifying the 412 exam for one of the 6 credit classes

I'm really excited about WGU! My plan of action is to do most of the certs on my own and transferring them in before starting.

gex598

Just an update they put Database I CJV1 back in my degree plan but have not removed the two new data c170 c175 management classes yet. My mentor told me they would also work with me in regards to the c179 & c176 next term. I noticed that some of the new classes that were added should of been filled from my AS but they failed to review that before they dumped them on me. It seems like WGU didnt take into consideration the backlash that would occur when you start changing things.

floridafun

Can you request a specific mentor to make sure you get one that will let you take the classes in the order and speed that you want?

JamesKurtovich

Orientation will unlock tomorrow! I'm excited to get started.

To those doing the BSITS: How quickly were you able to get started on either the CCNA or Linux+? I'm eager to start knocking those certs out.

gex598

Assuming you have cleared all the prereqs the first slew of exams will be net+ security+ and what used to be CIW web design. After that its up to you, I requested the CCENT/CCNA after the first three with Linux+ behind that.

LordSevink wrote: »

Orientation will unlock tomorrow! I'm excited to get started.

To those doing the BSITS: How quickly were you able to get started on either the CCNA or Linux+? I'm eager to start knocking those certs out.

JamesKurtovich

gex598 wrote: »

Assuming you have cleared all the prereqs the first slew of exams will be net+ security+ and what used to be CIW web design. After that its up to you, I requested the CCENT/CCNA after the first three with Linux+ behind that.

I have the A+/Net+/Security+ knocked out and was able to get transfer credit.

GSXR750K2

nster wrote: »

Did your MCSE waive the A+ requirements or did you already have an A+? If MCSA doesn't waive it, I'm wondering if Server+ would.

oops I didn't word it correctly. What I meant was is there a difference between obtaining an MCSA 2012 with 410 411 412 vs obtaining it with another exam like 410 411 462 or 409 410 411. I was thinking of replacing the 412 by 462 to waive the database classes.

The reason I'm worried is that I remember an older transfer guideline specifying the 412 exam for one of the 6 credit classes

I'm really excited about WGU! My plan of action is to do most of the certs on my own and transferring them in before starting.

Sorry so late in replying back, decided to get away with the girl for a weekend after a 37-hour work day on Wed/Thurs from the epic debacle with Panda AV's signature push giving computers an autoimmune disease. We were fairly lucky from what I've been reading, we only had 27 machines and one low-priority server get the self-destructive update in two minutes before we took drastic measures to contain things.

Anyway, they only applied credit for the MCSA, so you won't get anything extra credit wise for going to the MCSE, but it's still worth it to do. In short, yes, the MCSE got me out of the two courses that require the A+ (IT Fund 2 and 3), which is good because mine was over 5 years old and was not relishing the idea of taking it again.

In long, the courses have changed since I started at WGU, but you can probably transpose the course names to their current equivalents. The MCSE gave me credit for:

- Win OS Fundamentals (MTA 98-349, no longer applies)
- OS I (Linux+ LX0-101 exam)
- OS II (Linux+ LX0-102 exam)
- IT Fundamentals II (A+ 220-801 exam)
- IT Fundamentals III (A+ 220-802 exam)

I found it almost hilarious that it didn't satisfy IT Fundamentals I and that I had to take that sad, little CIW exam for it.

-EDIT-

Don't know about the subbing thing. If they still give an MCSA Server 2012 when subbing in 462 then probably not, would need to be a SQL Server cert or similar I'd imagine. Best to call your enrollment guy to get good info.

Christian.

Could someone please let me know how many courses require you to go to a vue/prometic center for the the BS IT Security? I saw that you require to certify: CCNA, CCNA Sec, Comptia A+, Network+, Security+, Project+ and Linux+, but that's all?

I'm currently working and I want to have an idea on how many times I would have to go there. Thanks!

hurricane1091

I'm still waiting for Orientation to be accessible. I hope I make April 1st still. I was told on Friday to keep an eye on things as it could take 24 hours to become available. What exactly needs to happen here? Might give my enrollment counselor a ring tomorrow but I've never been able to actually get through to her, so it might not help.

gex598

Christian. wrote: »

Could someone please let me know how many courses require you to go to a vue/prometic center for the the BS IT Security? I saw that you require to certify: CCNA, CCNA Sec, Comptia A+, Network+, Security+, Project+ and Linux+, but that's all?

I'm currently working and I want to have an idea on how many times I would have to go there. Thanks!

Under the new program that would be it, but take note that CCNA is two test the CCENT and CCNA, as is the Linux+ and A+ WGU will not let you take them at the same time from what I've been told. So if that holds true it would be 10 trips if you pass each the first time.

GSXR750K2

hurricane1091 wrote: »

I'm still waiting for Orientation to be accessible. I hope I make April 1st still. I was told on Friday to keep an eye on things as it could take 24 hours to become available. What exactly needs to happen here? Might give my enrollment counselor a ring tomorrow but I've never been able to actually get through to her, so it might not help.

I think mine came around within two weeks of my start date. If 1 April is your confirmed date then it should be showing up soon.

It's a procedural thing they have, so do all of the orientation junk before your start date if you can. It doesn't give you any units but it shows up as a "course" in your first term.

hurricane1091

GSXR750K2 wrote: »

I think mine came around within two weeks of my start date. If 1 April is your confirmed date then it should be showing up soon.

It's a procedural thing they have, so do all of the orientation junk before your start date if you can. It doesn't give you any units but it shows up as a "course" in your first term.

Thanks. I have a bill now so hoping financial aid goes through soon too.

JamesKurtovich

Do you guys know if the MTA is still being offered with the Security track? WGU sent me a booklet that has it listed and it even claims that every IT degree that WGU offers has a Microsoft certification.

False advertising or just a recent update?

GSXR750K2

LordSevink wrote: »

Do you guys know if the MTA is still being offered with the Security track? WGU sent me a booklet that has it listed and it even claims that every IT degree that WGU offers has a Microsoft certification.

False advertising or just a recent update?

I think all of the MTAs are getting/have been dropped. Just checked the Security track option at wgu.edu and it doesn't list a single MS or CIW cert anymore, only:

Cisco Certified Network Associate
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Linux+

I'd trust the program guide on the site, easier to update a PDF on the site than to destroy a lot of pre-printed (and paid for) brochures.

Elegyx

Sorry if this question has been answered already, but you know how the A+, Network+ and Security+ all have that 'CE' added on to it now? Is that what you get when you complete your program at WGU? Like not just the regular A+ or whatever but WITH the added CE? Thank you.

nster

CE just means continuous education. Those 3 certs are ce certs, while for example a cert like Server+ is not.

CompTIA Continuing Education Program

tahjzhuan

Elegyx wrote: »

Sorry if this question has been answered already, but you know how the A+, Network+ and Security+ all have that 'CE' added on to it now? Is that what you get when you complete your program at WGU? Like not just the regular A+ or whatever but WITH the added CE? Thank you.

I believe continuing education certs are all that's offered now instead of the old lifetime certs.

*Looks like CompTia is still offering some lifetime certs like Cloud Essentials for instance

nster

How does the renewal policy work? If I have a Security+ ce and a year later I get an MCSA, Does it renew the cert from the date I got the MCSA or does it renew it after the 3 years have passed?

If it is the latter, that means that I should probably do Security+ before completing an MCSA

JamesKurtovich

nster wrote: »

How does the renewal policy work? If I have a Security+ ce and a year later I get an MCSA, Does it renew the cert from the date I got the MCSA or does it renew it after the 3 years have passed?

If it is the latter, that means that I should probably do Security+ before completing an MCSA

It renews the day you "refresh" the cert with a higher-level cert.

I'm not sure if Microsoft or Cisco certs are capable of fulfilling the CEUs required. I hope they do (going for my CCNA at WGU). CompTIA Continuing Education Program

Check the General Certification forum for a thread with free CEUs. It contains links to webinars and online courses that will fulfill the requirements. You just need to log into your CompTIA account each year, accept their terms/policy, and pay the annual fee.

nster

you can see the certs that renew it here CE Program: Renewing Through Other Certifications

JamesKurtovich

nster wrote: »

you can see the certs that renew it here CE Program: Renewing Through Other Certifications

Nice! Looks like I'll be needing to get that CCNA Security knocked out to refresh the Security+ and it looks like the MCSA will do just fine. I'm surprised the CCNA R&S doesn't do anything for them -- I guess I can expect no security material (aside from the usual firewall stuff) on the ICND exams.

GSXR750K2

I think just the "core" certs from CompTIA are CE...A+, Net+, and Sec+. I pulled mine out of a drawer and the Project+ I got in November 2014 doesn't have a "this cert is valid through" date below the certified date like the A+ and Sec+ do (didn't have to take the Net+). I reality, the fact that you got them once will suffice for most employers, many of them don't even know that some CompTIA certs expire now (a buddy of mine just got a job and told them that his Net+ was expired and they didn't care, they liked that he had gotten it at some point).

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on keeping the CompTIA stuff current, in three years you should have surpassed the sum of knowledge gained from them...like a high school diploma, good for starting out, but eventually employers only care about that next level cert, a college degree.

GSXR750K2

Wonderful news...

My mentor just told me that "they" have flipped back and said C173 will NOT satisfy C169. Nice to find out after scoring 90% on the objective exam last night and expecting to be able to accelerate today.