Kirkwood Community College (Kirkwood) partnered with Workcred, the Higher Learning Commission, and the League for Innovation in the Community College on the certification + degree (C+D) pathways project to align industry certifications with associate degree programs. Kirkwood focused on two IT programs—network and systems administration (NASA) and computer support specialist (CSS)—both of which emphasize customer service, networking, and hardware skills making them ideal candidates for integrating certifications into their curriculum. Along with Kirkwood’s strong regional reputation, with hundreds of alumni filling IT roles across Iowa, embedding industry certifications into IT degree programs allows students to earn nationally-recognized credentials that travel far beyond state borders. For many, this means a competitive edge in the workforce and a stronger foundation for continued career growth.
Why Certifications Matter
When embarking on this process, Kirkwood worked closely with its advisory councils, which include local employers, industry leaders, and regional decision-makers. Together, they identified four high-value certifications to embed into the NASA and CSS coursework:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA)
Each of these certifications was chosen because it offered tangible benefits to students:
- Job-ready validation: Employers instantly recognize these credentials as proof of skills.
- Marketability and earning potential: Certifications help students stand out in competitive job markets.
- Stackable pathways: Provides a building block for more advanced, specialized credentials in the future.
What We Learned from Students
The first year of work provided both excitement and unexpected challenges. At the time, Kirkwood did not yet have an onsite Pearson VUE testing center, and the closest site was 60 miles away. That meant students had to travel far to take the certification exams. To help, I volunteered to drive a van full of students to the testing site, a gesture that turned into a major learning experience.
The atmosphere on the way to the certification exams was tense. Students were visibly nervous, not just about the test itself but about the unknowns of the process. What would the center be like? How strict would the rules feel? Would the experience be intimidating?
On the way back, the conversations shifted. Students were relieved and more reflective, and that is when the most valuable insights emerged. They admitted that they were not only anxious about the content of the test but also about the experience of taking a certification exam. They wished they had been better prepared for the environment, not just the material.
That trip was an epiphany. Certifications are not “just another test.” For many students, they represented a brand-new type of professional milestone. Preparing them for the technical knowledge alone was not enough — they also need tools, strategies, and confidence to walk into a formal testing center ready to succeed.
From that first round of exams, three clear themes emerged from student feedback:
- Simulate the environment: The unfamiliarity of the testing center amplified stress. Students wanted to rehearse the experience so it would not feel foreign on exam day.
- Teach test-taking strategies: Exams require time pacing and quick decision-making. Knowing when to skip a tough question and circle back could make the difference between passing and failing.
- Address anxiety directly: Confidence grew dramatically after completing their first certification, but students wished they had the tools and experience earlier to help manage test-day nerves and stress.
Turning Feedback into Action
Faculty immediately used this feedback to turn certifications and exam preparation strategies into a core part of the Kirkwood IT student experience, supported by new resources and intentional design:
- Curriculum design included, where possible, aligning course content tocertification objectives.
- Practice tests and prep materials paired with discounted exam vouchers.
- Instructor-led preparation sessions taught by faculty who held the same certifications.
- Lab simulations that mirrored the testing environment, reducing the “fear of the unknown.”
- Resilience coaching to assist students in pacing themselves, managing stress, and addressing challenging moments.
The results were transformative. Students were not just memorizing facts from a book and hoping for the best — they were walking into the exam as if they had done it before. Many shared that the simulations and practice environments were game changers. By the time they sat for the actual test, they were not paralyzed by nerves; they were confident and prepared.
Added Perspective
This process did not just benefit students – faculty also gained a new perspective on certifications. As Kirkwood dug deeper into test simulations and preparation strategies, it became clear that not every instructor had personally gone through the certification process themselves, which sparked another change. Kirkwood invested in giving faculty the same opportunities to pursue certifications, complete certification exam preparation programs, and experience the testing process firsthand.
The impact was immediate. Faculty developed greater empathy for student concerns and a more practical understanding of how to prepare them. Faculty now can say, “I have been through this,” and gain an additional level of credibility. That shared experience made their coaching more authentic and effective, and created a culture of certification success that extended beyond the classroom.
Working with Students
Today, Kirkwood is proud to be an official Pearson VUE testing center, eliminating the need for 60-mile van rides and making certification exams far more accessible. But perhaps more importantly, the program was shaped with students, not just for them.
The program continues to evolve thanks to ongoing student feedback that helps faculty refine the preparation process, adjust curriculum, and expand resources to meet students’ needs each year. Student voices transformed certifications from a daunting hurdle into a celebrated milestone on their academic and professional journey.
Looking Ahead
As higher education continues to change, Kirkwood’s experience offers a clear roadmap for others:
- Listen to students: Their lived experiences highlight gaps no syllabus can predict.
- Partner with industry: Certifications must align with real workforce needs.
- Embed credentials into degrees: Students should not have to choose between academic progress and career readiness.
By following this model, colleges can prepare students not just for graduation day, but for lifelong success in fast-changing industries. And for community college students, certifications not only enhance their associate degree, but also gives them the skills to differentiate themselves from other job candidates.
Read More in the C+D Pathways Blog Series
Strengthening Partnerships Between Community Colleges and Certification Bodies
Certifications and Degrees: Lessons from a Pathways Pilot
Beyond the Degree: How Delta College is Shortening the Path to IT Careers with Industry Credentials
How Working with Students Shaped Certification Success at Kirkwood Community College