High school diploma with a minimum of 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2
IT Specialist Certificate
The IT Specialist Certificate Program provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the field of information technology. Delivered in an apprenticeship-style format, the program covers PC hardware configuration, operating systems, network communications, IT security, and professional practices. Students also complete integrated work placements in industry settings, applying classroom learning to solve real-world IT problems. The program emphasizes both technical and professional skills, including project management, teamwork, and career readiness.
Why Choose This Program:
- Aligned with industry-standard certifications including:
- CompTIA ITF+ (entire program)
- CompTIA A+ (COMSC 178)
- CompTIA Network+ (COMSC 176)
- CompTIA Security+ (ITSP 102)
- Significant hands-on training in labs and workplace settings
- Focus on career preparation and building a professional portfolio
- Exposure to emerging fields such as the Internet of Things (IoT)
What You’ll Learn
Gain foundational and hands-on skills in information technology through coursework and industry placements. Graduates of this program will be equipped to:
Develop expertise in:
- Computer hardware installation, configuration, and maintenance
- Networking and cybersecurity practices aligned with industry standards
- Troubleshooting IT systems and supporting business operations
- Project management, professional communication, and teamwork in IT settings
Career Opportunities
Graduates are well-prepared for technology careers and professional certification pathways. Potential roles include:
- IT Support Technician / Help Desk Analyst
- Network Technician / Junior Network Administrator
- Cybersecurity Support Specialist
- Computer Maintenance & Hardware Specialist
Admission Requirements
- Applicants without a high school diploma or English requirement are encouraged to apply
- Admission is based on:
- An interview with program staff, and
- The college entrance assessment
English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 86 (no section below 21)
- IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5 (no band below 5)
- CAEL: minimum score of 70
- MELAB: minimum score of 85
- Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 115
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 58
Program of Study
Term 1
Theory Block (Weeks 1-7)
- ITSP 100: IT Specialists at Work 1
- COMSC 178: Introduction to PC Hardware and Systems Configuration
- BUS 103: Office Applications
- CSTST 300: Operating Systems
- NWCS 311: IT Technicians’ Professional Practice
Apprenticeship Block (Weeks 8-14)
- ITSP 101: IT Specialists at Work 2 (Industry Placement)
Term 2
Theory Block (Weeks 1-7)
- COMSC 176: Data Communications & Networking
- ITSP 102: IT Security Foundations for Professionals
- ITSP 103: Computer Maintenance
- ITSP 104: Internet of Things
Apprenticeship Block (Weeks 8-14)
- ITSP 105: IT Specialists at Work 3 (Industry Placement)
Term 3
Theory and Apprenticeship (Weeks 1-6)
- BUS 294: Project Management
- ITSP 106: IT Specialists at Work 4 (Capstone Industry Placement)
* Work hours = students in apprenticeship-style work-integrated learning placements
Registration
You can register via Self-Service login, or by visiting or calling the Office of the Registrar at 780-791-4801.