Telecommunications
Career Pathway
From Zero to Telecom Certified — No Experience Required — Free
A step-by-step program for complete beginners. Start with IT and networking fundamentals through Cisco NetAcad, then advance through telecom-specific technologies — voice, wireless, broadband, and 5G — leading to industry-recognized telecommunications certifications.
Program Structure
Your Path to Telecom Certification
No prior tech experience needed. Every student starts at Phase 1 with Cisco NetAcad fundamentals. From there, you’ll build through networking, voice, wireless, and broadband technologies — culminating in industry telecom certifications.
Computer Hardware Basics
- PC components & mobile devices
- Storage devices & peripherals
- Basic troubleshooting
- IT safety practices
Operating Systems Basics
- Windows & Linux fundamentals
- File management & user accounts
- OS troubleshooting
- Virtualization intro
Networking Basics
- Network models (OSI & TCP/IP)
- IP addressing & subnetting
- Network devices & protocols
- Wireless networking basics
- Network media: copper & fiber
Networking Devices & Initial Configuration
- Router & switch configuration
- VLANs & basic routing
- WAN technologies overview
- Network security fundamentals
- Connectivity testing & troubleshooting
Voice & Unified Communications
- PSTN & VoIP fundamentals
- SIP & call routing protocols
- PBX systems & call managers
- Cisco Unified Communications overview
- Quality of Service (QoS) for voice
Wireless & Broadband Technologies
- Wi-Fi standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Cellular networks: 4G LTE & 5G
- Broadband delivery: DSL, cable, fiber
- RF fundamentals & signal propagation
- Wireless network design & security
Outside Plant (OSP) & Network Infrastructure
- OSP design & aerial/underground plant
- Fiber optic cabling & termination
- Splicing & testing fiber (OTDR)
- Cable TV & broadband distribution
- Safety & NEC/OSHA compliance
5G & Telecom Certification Prep
- 5G architecture: RAN, core & transport
- Network slicing & edge computing
- Telecom operations & NOC procedures
- SLA management & service assurance
- CompTIA Network+ / CTNS exam prep
Recommended Add-On Courses
CompTIA Network+ or CTNS (Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist)
The goal of this pathway. After completing all four phases, students are prepared to sit for the CompTIA Network+ exam — one of the most widely recognized networking credentials — or the CTNS (Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist) credential from the Telecommunications Certification Organization (TCO), validating professional-level telecom knowledge. We Are One Foundation covers the cost for eligible students.
Estimated Timeline
Built Around Your Schedule
Whether you’re studying full-time or balancing work and family, this pathway works for you. Both tracks lead to the same destination — telecom certification.
Full-time student
15–20 hours per week
Part-time student
8–10 hours per week
Career Outcomes
Jobs You Can Land
Telecom is the backbone of every phone call, internet connection, and 5G network in America. With billions being invested in broadband expansion nationwide, skilled telecom technicians are urgently needed.
During Program
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Telecom Field Technician
- Cable Installer & Splicer
- Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Tech
- Network Support Technician
After Certification
- Telecommunications Specialist
- NOC Engineer
- 5G Field Engineer
- VoIP / UC Systems Administrator
- Broadband Network Technician
Ready to Connect the World
as a Telecom Professional?
Training and certification are free for eligible veterans and underserved community members nationwide. No experience required — we start from the very beginning.