Tuition-Free, Online IT Certificates at Edmonds Community College

[sanantone]

I feel like I'm going to be bringing this college hell, but IT/IS/CS students should jump on this. Through the Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program, Edmonds Community College has created PACE-IT programs that are tuition-free, competency-based, and online. PACE-IT stands for Progressive, Accelerated Certificates for Employment in Information Technology. You do, however, have to pay for fees which vary based on the number of credit hours in the program chosen. These fees range from just under $200 to just under $500 for 15 to 44-credit certificate programs. You also have to pay for any books, software, or certification exams required. The total cost for these programs range from just under $200 to over $1,000, but this is still a great deal for 15-44 quarter hours.
Edmonds Community College: PACE-IT Program

You first fill out a simple application for a PACE-IT program where you'll need to upload a resume or CV. They will later send you a link to take a Smarter Measurement Assessment which is supposed to gauge your potential for success in a distance learning program. It's supposed to take 1-2 hours, but it took me 30 minutes. 5-10 business days later, they will tell you if you've been accepted and give you instructions for applying for admission to Edmonds. You do not need to take the Accuplacer or any other placement test. I wanted to do the Ethical Hacker program, but did not meet the prerequisites. I'll be in the Web Developer program instead, which will help me fulfilling the programming requirement for TESC's BSBA in CIS.

Data Management Certificate 15 quarter hours (10 semester hours)
Prerequisite(s): At least one year of experience in a business analyst, IT or data management related role, or equivalent education in a related program of study.
$196.80

Introduction to Network Security Certificate 19 quarter hours (12.67 semester hours)
Prerequisite(s): A and Net certification or CIS 205 or CIS 125, 161, 163 and CIS 171, each with minimum grades of 2.5 or equivalent experience.
$620

Technology and Integration Support Certificate 44 quarter hours (29.33 semester hours)
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into a PACE-IT grant certificate.
$705-1,115

Web Developer Certificate 44 quarter hours (29.33 semester hours)
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into a PACE-IT grant certificate.
$660.24-825.24

Ethical Hacker Certificate 19 quarter hours (12.67 semester hours)
Prerequisite(s): Security certification or CIS 206 or CIS 201, 274 and 278 each with minimum grades of 2.5 or equivalent experience.
Total cost unknown, but the fees should be $237.28.

Edmonds Community College: Computer Information Systems - Course Descriptions

[Prloko]

I can see the GI Bill footing the remainder. I would highly recommend the veterans take a look into this!

[sanantone]

The application to the PACE-IT program is free, but the application to the college is $35. If you live in these states/territories, then you will not be allowed into the program because ECC does not have authorization to offer distance learning programs to them.

Alabama District of Columbia Minnesota
Alaska Indiana Puerto Rico
Arkansas Maryland Wyoming

[FilMor]

Think is possible to use the Pell Grant with this program?

[sanantone]

I do not know. Their next online information session is May 7th. You can also call or email them.
425.374.1680 | paceitonline@edcc.edu

[daWilt]

I'll be in the Web Developer program instead, which will help me fulfilling the programming requirement for TESC's BSBA in CIS.

So are you saying these certificate programs will transfer over to TESC as credit??

[sanantone]

So are you saying these certificate programs will transfer over to TESC as credit??

They are worth college credit and can be applied to one of ECC's associate's programs. They are a regionally accredited school, so their credits should transfer to most other schools.

[sanantone]

I'm starting my first course next week, and I only had to pay a little over $45. So, you don't have to pay all the fees at once; they charge as you go.

[daristotle]

Thanks for the heads up. I've applied to take the Web Development program.

[yb1]

I live in Maryland. is there anyway around this. this seems like a solid plan.

I have been looking to learn more about IT related courses.