Program Overview

If you’re interested in embarking on an in-demand, technology career and want to learn what it takes to provide enterprise-level front-line support, enrol in Fanshawe’s Computer Systems Technician IT program. This diploma will help develop your skills in order to manage and support users while supporting and liaising with other members of an IS team.
PGWP
Yes
CIP Code
15.1202

Program Details

Program Code
CTN2
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks

Canadian Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 January
London
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed

International Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 January
London
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed

Your Learning Experience

Computer Systems Technician diploma will provide you with intermediate knowledge and experience to support a multivendor environment, including:

  • Operating systems such as Windows and Linux
  • Networking - switching, routing, WAN, wireless, VoIP 
  • Security - firewalls, securing networks and operating systems
  • Webservers 
  • Database servers
  • Service desk management
  • Disaster recovery strategies

 

In addition to your newly acquired technical skillset, you’ll have the opportunity to gain excellent communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills through a variety of learning experiences that our IT courses provide. These combined skill sets are in demand and necessary to support the complex, multi-vendor information systems of today.

 

Upon successfully completing the Computer Systems Technician IT program, graduates will have the knowledge to explore several industry certifications, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and others offered for Linux.

 

The Computer Systems Technician program is a two-year accredited Ontario College Diploma program that provides comprehensive training for students wishing to work in the high-demand areas of client, server, application, network and security support. This program provides students with the ability to think critically, solve problems and acquire new skills quickly.

 

Under the guidance of expert faculty, combined with the use of leading-edge labs, the program emphasizes the configuration, troubleshooting and support, as well as the hands-on support of networking, security, VoIP, workstation and operating systems technologies.

 

Instruction in communication and interpersonal skills prepare the student to effectively interact with all levels of users in both oral and written mediums.

Click here for information about laptop requirements for this program.

 

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Computer Systems Technician program will be able to provide front-line systems and network technical support to a variety of industries. Many career opportunities can be explored, including:

  • computer system technician
  • systems analyst
  • network analyst
  • technical analyst
  • help/service desk analyst
  • call centre support
  • field service technician

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduate employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Computer Systems Technician program:

Desktop Technician

Support the deployment, decommission and asset tracking of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Computer Support Specialist

Install, configure and update hardware and software, as well as fix any issues related to the equipment.

Network and Systems Administrator

Deploy, maintain, optimize and troubleshoot networks and systems.

Program Progression

Fall Intake 

Fall Winter Summer
Start Level 1 Level 2 Break
Level 3 Level 4 -

Winter Intake 

Winter Summer Fall
Start Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Level 4 - -

Summer Intake

Summer  Fall Winter
Start Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Break Level 4  

 

 

 

“This program definitely helps you prepare for the workforce. The professors are very knowledgeable in their fields, which is why I would recommend this program.”

Chris Mattalo
Computer Systems Technician, 2014; Information Technology, Sault Area Hospital
Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment;
  2. Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools;
  3. Implement and maintain secure computing environments;
  4. Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices;
  5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships;
  6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance;
  7. Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment;
  8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems;
  9. Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions;
  10. Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures;
  11. Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages;
  12. Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements;
  13. Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

 

IT Program Coordinators:

Jonathan van den Boogaart
Michael McNorgan
 

Academic Advisor:

Cynthia Lessard

 

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following courses:

- Grade 12 English (C or U)

- Grade 11 or 12 Math (C, M or U)

Students who do not meet the admission requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

  • A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements. 
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
  • A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
  • Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation

Recommended Academic Preparation

  • Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
  • Grade 11 and Grade 12 Computer Engineering Technology (M)
  • Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science (U)
  • Grade 12 Computer Science (U) 
  • Grade 11 Information and Communication Technology: The Digital Environment (O)
  • Grade 12 Information and Communication Technology: Multimedia Solutions (C)
  • Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE): Business or Technical Mathematics course and Computer Skills course
Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements

Post-Admission Requirements

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:

Group 1
BUSI-1156Strategies for Success1
This course presents and helps to develop some of the skills required to achieve academic and career success. Areas of focus include college resources, study skills, time management, academic integrity and calculating Grade Point Averages, among other skills.
INFO-1280Network-Fundamentals5
This course is part of the Cisco Network Academy and introduces the architecture, functions, components, and models of networks. IP addressing, Ethernet, media, and operations fundamentals are introduced. By the end of the course, students perform basic router and switch configurations to build simple local area networks (LAN).
INFO-1248Data Centre Infrastructure3
This is an introductory course in data centre design and operations. Using theoretical and practical approaches, students will explore concepts such as equipment organization, power management, cooling, cabling and safety issues. In addition, students will learn fundamentals about physical server functionality.
INFO-1291Database-Fundamentals3
This course is an introduction to the basics of working with relational databases and database servers. Students will learn database server administration and the Structured Query Language using Microsoft SQL Server.
INFO-1294Skills Prep3
Students learn the function and interoperability of several Microsoft applications used to create a variety of technical and non-technical documents. Students will also learn basic computer fundamentals such as file and folder management, end-user navigating operating systems, entering and analyzing data.
INFO-1246Operating Systems-Windows 13
MCSA Certification preparation course - This is an introductory course focusing on configuring and maintaining Windows client operating systems. Using theoretical and practical approaches to install and upgrade the operating system, as well as to manage drivers, applications, network connections, resource access, create backups and use different recovery methods.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$7,692.49
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$24,607.30
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions