Computer Systems Technician
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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.
Program Details
Program Code
CTN2
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
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
- Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment;
- Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools;
- Implement and maintain secure computing environments;
- Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices;
- Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships;
- Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance;
- Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment;
- Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems;
- Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions;
- Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures;
- Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages;
- Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements;
- Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
Related Programs
Academic School
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
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
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:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- 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)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
Group 1 | ||||
| INFO-1280 | Network-Fundamentals | 5 | ||
| 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-1248 | Data Centre Infrastructure | 3 | ||
| 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-1297 | Databases for IT Systems | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to the fundamentals of relational databases using MariaDB and SQL Server. Students will learn how to maintain a database using basic SQL syntax, creating queries and stored procedures. Steps will be introduced to secure a database. | ||||
| INFO-1294 | Skills Prep | 3 | ||
| 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-1246 | Operating Systems-Windows 1 | 3 | ||
| 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. | ||||
| INFO-1296 | Linux & Mac OS Fundamentals | 3 | ||
| This course offers an introductory overview of the essential concepts and skills needed to work with macOS and Linux operating systems. Students will learn basic system navigation, file management, command-line usage, software installation, networking, and troubleshooting techniques, providing a strong foundation for further exploration in these environments. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*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.