Kim Harris Training Manager Certifications Offered IC³ Certification   Certiport Center New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Dayton Location Fairborn, Ohio

In her own words: "The IC³ certification provides proof that our employees have acquired global knowledge of computers and the Internet."

Saving IT Support Resources by Giving Back to Employees

BACKGROUND
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers is the number one computer training network in the world, with over 225 locations in more than 28 countries. New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Dayton is a franchise of New Horizons Worldwide Inc. Founded in 1993, the Dayton franchise offers businesses and individuals more than 150 applications courses and 75 technical training courses.

PROCESS
New Horizons in Dayton was the leader in a Certiport contest designed to promote IC³ certification among all authorized testing centers’ training staff. Since the promotion ended, New Horizons has maintained the certification as a condition of continuing employment for the sales team and instructors. This has made a significant contribution to savings in IT staff resources.

CERTIFICATION SOLUTION
“IC³ was a perfect fit for us", said Brad West, General Manager of New Horizons in Dayton. “We wanted a way to verify that our incoming staff actually had the skills to prove they were computer literate. In return, they receive a certification to add to their list of credentials. It’s a win-win situation."

RESULT
IC³ has helped New Horizons save IT resources by cutting down on IT support requests. According to West, “Our IT staff used to get requests from staff for simple operational issues such as basic Windows functions. The IC³ certification assures us that our staff can address issues such as these on their own, allowing the technical staff to use their time more productively for more critical IT needs." West adds that having the staff IC³ certified also makes them better prepared to address customer inquiries about the certification process. Account executives can use their own experience as a reference point for questions from customers regarding skill level, exam experience, etc.

The experience of taking the IC³ certification exam was well received by New Horizons employees. “I feel that I have received a concrete benefit from our training efforts", says Kim Harris, Training Manager. “The IC³ certification provides proof that our employees have acquired global knowledge of computers and the Internet."

West also believes that the IC³ certification has had an impact on employee retention. He feels that providing a lifetime certification has helped send a clear message that New Horizons is willing to make an investment in the employees. He concludes, “IC³ will be a long-term program for our center. The ability to validate our employees’ skill level and save time and money in operational resources is something we can’t give up. "