Overview
The Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS) Associate Certificate is the first step in Computer Systems laddered credentials, offering an IT foundation. Become an expert end-user of a Windows PC, use MS Office, build websites with HTML, learn the fundamentals of programming with Python, and choose from electives. Start with just one course.
About the program
- Develop foundational Computing and Information Technology (IT) skills
- Learn to build websites
- Experience programming with Python
- 25 credits (split between required and elective courses)
- Choose from 11 elective courses to suit individual interests, or 3 specific electives for those who plan to ladder to CSC
- Enroll throughout the year to study course by course, nights and weekends, online or in person (Downtown or Burnaby campus)
- Ladder into a certificate, diploma, or degree
See the Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from ACIS.
Who should complete the ACIS Associate Certificate?
This program might be for you if you:
- Are interested in IT foundation skills before laddering into a diploma or degree
- Have other post-secondary education and want a broad introduction to Computing
- Want to explore the many roles within the dynamic Computing and IT sector
Please check the Entrance Requirements to ensure that ACIS is right for you.
What Applied Computer Information Systems grads can do
By earning your ACIS Associate Certificate, you’ll:
- Become an expert end-user of a Windows personal computer and proficient in typical MS Office applications.
- Be able to build web pages and websites by hand coding in HTML and CSS.
- Demonstrate programming concepts and move on to higher levels of software development.
- Have the option to ladder into the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC)
If you don’t want to continue your education with CSC and CST FLEX, you can also choose to increase your knowledge and deepen your skill set with:
Please note that ACIS is only an exit point if you have other post-secondary education or work experience.
Learn more about future opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
Entrance Requirements
Please complete COMP 1002 before submitting your ACIS program declaration.
Please Note: Students who are working toward or who have completed the Applied Computer Applications, ACA associate certificate will not be given approval for ACIS. This is due to the potential of significant elective topic duplication with: MS Windows, MS Office, Web Development and Business Communication.
Students completing only one (1) course per term and who plan to move on to the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC), should complete ACIS to prior to CSC, as each program has a five (5) year completion limit.
Important Notice for students on limited timelines
Prior to submitting a program declaration, those on limited timelines who require a program letter (e.g. with student loans or limited sponsorship) must first contact the department directly to receive a signed Course Planning Document, which they will be required to attach to their online declaration.
Otherwise students must first complete COMP 1002 before declaring ACIS.
Application processing
This program is open to declarations beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
Declarations submitted for program intakes beginning April 1, 2025 or later will be evaluated using the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement below.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Learn more about program declaration
Note: Please complete COMP 1002 before declaring your intent to complete this program.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR in Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) Computing relies on an assessment of the student on a course-by-course basis through formal exams. For more information, please email cstpts@bcit.ca.Costs & Supplies
Computing Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies, PTS) programs are course by course registration.
The current total cost of this program is under $ 5,000 depending on electives and if eBooks are chosen.
Students register and pay for available courses online, by clicking on the green block ‘Add to Cart’. Follow the directions to obtain a BCIT student number if you do not already have one.
Note: Please register early to avoid disappointment, our programming courses are very popular and several fill weeks in advance.
Since there are limited seats, students in declared programs will have the opportunity to register first. Students who have not completed the specific prerequisites will not be given the approval to register.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Please Note: Students continuing on to the the Applied Software Development (ASD) Associate Certificate, and or the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC), should leave COMP 1516 Programming Fundamentals Part 1 (Python) as the last course in ACIS.
A minimum of 70% in COMP 1516 is required in order to be able to declare ASD or CSC.
COMP 2501 Programming Fundamentals Part 2 (Java) should be completed in the term immediately following COMP 2501. Do not skip terms between COMP 1516 and COMP 2501 as the learning outcomes are built on top of the preceding course, Part 1.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| 1. Required Courses (13.0 credits): | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP 1002 | Applied Computer Concepts | 3.0 | |
| COMP 1516 | Programming Fundamentals Part 1 (Python) | 4.0 | |
| COMP 1850 | Introduction to Web Development | 3.0 | |
| COMP 2010 | MS Office Applications | 3.0 | |
Note: COMP 1002, COMP 1516, and COMP 1850 all count for credit in the Computer Systems Certificate, CSC. |
|||
| 2. Complete 12.0 credits from the following electives: | Credits | ||
| COMP 1288 | IT Project Management Fundamentals | 1.5 | |
| COMP 1114 | Mathematics for Computing | 4.0 | |
| COMP 1630 | Relational Database Design and SQL | 5.0 | |
| COMP 2156 | Introduction to Microsoft Power BI | 1.5 | |
| COMP 2252 | SAP Crystal Reports | 3.0 | |
| COMP 2256 | Introduction to Visual Analytics with Tableau | 3.0 | |
| COMP 2361 | Microsoft Word Advanced | 1.5 | |
| COMP 2362 | Microsoft Excel Advanced | 1.5 | |
| COMP 3156 | MS Power BI Optimization | 1.5 | |
| and/or one of the following: | |||
| COMM 1103 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | 3.0 | |
| or | |||
| COMM 1106 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication (With Language Development Component) | 3.0 | |
Note: COMP 1114, COMP 1630, and COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 all count for credit in the Computer Systems Certificate, CSC. If you plan to continue on with the laddered credentials to the certificate and the part-time Computer Systems Diploma, CST/PTS, then choose these courses as electives. We continue to add and update courses based on market need. Credit will only be granted for one course from each of the following sets of two courses:
|
|||
| Total Credits: | 25.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
ACIS delivery was designed for 1-2 courses per term. Due to prerequisites and scheduling it is typically not possible to complete this part-time program in less than 3 terms, at night and on weekends.
Note: Flexible Learning was not designed for full-time delivery or for those on funding timelines.
This program may be completed with a minimum of 25 credits* chosen from the Mandatory and Electives. All courses must be completed successfully within a five-year period.
*BCIT curriculum may be modified in accordance with market trends in the industry.
Prerequisites:
Each course has prerequisite knowledge. Be sure that you have the required knowledge and skills before enrolling in any course. You are also expected to have an excellent command of English and Math at a BC High School Grade 12 level, or equivalent.
Workload:
Most Flexible learning students are working adults who are completing one (1) course per term. The total average time commitment for a 12-week COMP course is 12+ hours per week. Typically 3 hours asynchronous in class, 1 hour asynchronous online and 8+ hours of reading and homework per week.
Note: the 6-week compressed sections have 2 classes and twice the homework per week.
Fast Track:
The workload associated with two (2) courses per term can easily equate to 25+ hours work per week.
Some students who can commit to 2 courses per term have options:
- They may complete ACIS and then move on to CSC.
- They may skip ACIS and focus on Computer Systems Certificate (CSC) with a specific course plan. Please see the CSC Program Details page for more information.
Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS) in 4 terms.
Plan for students moving on to CSC after ACIS.
Term 1: COMP 1002 and COMM 110x, then declare ACIS after COMP 1002 has been completed.
Term 2: COMP 1850 and COMP 2010
Term 3: COMP 1114 and COMP 1630
Term 4: COMP 1516 complete ACIS and start CSC, then apply to graduate and declare ASD or CSC.
Courses and programs may change without notice.
In order to protect completed credits, students must formally declare their program as soon as the initial requirement (COMP 1002) are completed.
Program Declaration:
You should declare your program sooner than later.
Note: Students who do not declare a program will not have registration priority for the COMP 2000 and higher-level courses. Seats are offered first to those students who have declared their program.
There is a registration schedule preview on the Friday prior to Term Registration Open.
All COMP 2000 and higher-level courses require Computing Department approval via email.
Applied Software Development (ASD) by itself is aimed at an audience with prior programming education or related work experience. Students only completing one (1) course per term should start with ACIS and leave COMP 1516 to the end of the ACIS program.
Please Note: Students who cannot achieve 70% or higher should repeat COMP 1516 prior to COMP 2501.
Computer hardware and Internet requirements
Students must provide a current model PC desktop or laptop with a webcam, microphone and have high-speed internet access. COMP courses may use two-way audio and video as well as group work outside of class.
Participants must be computer literate in order to participate and complete each COMP course. Please contact the department if you have any questions.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Continue your education
BCIT offers part-time students the opportunity to complete a series of credential programs, ultimately leading to a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science. These first three credentials ladder towards the CST Diploma and the first two Associate Certificates, ASD & ACIS may be taken simultaneously. If you apply and qualify, you can earn the following credentials:
Program abandonment
Students approved for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program are expected to register and complete courses on a continuous basis.
A student that has not completed a course from their approved program of study over a period of three consecutive academic terms will be considered to have abandoned the program.
Throughout the duration of the program, a student is permitted a maximum of five academic terms where they are not required to register and complete a course from their approved program of study. Students who exceed the five term maximum will be considered to have abandoned the program.
Students who have abandoned their approved program of study and wish to be reinstated will be required to apply for program approval for a current credential. BCIT cannot guarantee that courses taken prior to this reapplication will be credited towards the current credential.
BCIT Policy 5103 - Student Evaluation [PDF] permits a maximum of three attempts to successfully complete each course within a credential.
Graduating & Jobs
Graduate outcome survey highlight
95% of grads were very satisfied or satisfied with their education in ACIS [PDF]
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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