Students in information technology (IT) need realistic, hands-on experience to master IT skills. When students have the opportunity to train with a hands-on curriculum and prepare to certify in the IT field, they become more deeply engaged in both their education and their career path. This article discusses LabSim, an IT certification training curriculum used at National College in Youngstown, Ohio, which gives students hands-on experience through simulated labs that support lecture, videos, and written lessons. By completing this hands-on training, IT students have experienced greater success in their education, and some have obtained certifications that led to career opportunities. (Contains 3 figures.)