Overview
The Network Administrator Technician (NAT) Associate Certificate provides students with an introduction to the field of computer networking. This program provides a foundation of knowledge that allows students to explore opportunities in IT and after exposure in the industry, students are encouraged to move towards a specific concentration.
About the program
The Network Administrator Technician program consists of four courses that provide a solid foundation for an entry-level position in the information technology (IT) industry. Theory is combined with hands-on activities to introduce students to networking concepts and hardware. The Information Technology (IT) sector has many career paths and areas of expertise.
Students are required to complete four courses which total 24 credits. The courses can be taken in any order provided students meet the prerequisite for each course. A pass mark of 50% is required for each course.
Completion of industry certifications does not preclude any of the courses and course exemption is not provided for industry certifications. Students are encouraged to write associated industry certifications after completing the courses but this is not a requirement of the program.
Program Completion Deadline: Students are expected to complete the full program within three years from the time of enrolment.
Who it’s for
This program is ideal for individuals in an organization looking to assume some responsibility for Network Administration.
What grads can do
Students completing this program will have hands-on knowledge of network operating systems, the underlying communication protocols, and the supporting hardware. Network Administrator Technicians, under guidance of more senior administrators, may be responsible for setting up servers, workstations and peripherals. They may install and maintain the network hardware and software; ensure network connectivity, perform equipment and software upgrades, ensure data integrity, and implement basic network security.
Entrance Requirements
Register today for Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies) courses.
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 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
Recommended for success
- Work experience: current work experience and knowledge of computers in the workplace from a user perspective.
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.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CITX 1110 | A+ Hardware Technician | 6.0 | |
| CITX 1160 | Cisco CCNA Level 1 | 6.0 | |
| CITX 2200 | Microsoft Server Level 1 | 6.0 | |
| CITX 2210 | Linux Essentials | 6.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 24.0 | ||
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
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
A pathway into full-time studies allows graduates of the Network Administrator Technician (NAT) Associate Certificate to obtain advanced credit in the Computer Information Systems Administration (CISA) diploma program. Candidates must take the following additional courses:
- a programming fundamentals course endorsed by the CISA program (e.g. CITX 1142 or COMP 1516), and
- a database fundamentals course endorsed by the CISA program (e.g. COMP 1630)
NAT Associate Certificate graduates who have successfully completed the above two courses, and meet the CISA entrance requirements, are eligible to apply for direct entry into Level 2 of the CISA program.
Note: Final acceptance is subject to available space. Entrance requirements are subject to change.
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.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Patrick Duffey
Department Head
Tel: 604-432-8262
Email: patrick_duffey@bcit.ca
Staff
Roger Gale, BSc, MBA
Interim Associate Dean
Tel: 604-432-8976
Email: Roger_Gale@bcit.ca
Katie Howard
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8237
Email: khoward18@bcit.ca
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.