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All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. Learn more
Overview
Launch a career in computer network design, maintenance or support through hands-on training in networking, troubleshooting, security and storage management and prepare for a career as a network technician, IT consultant or system support specialist.
The Network Technician (NT) program is an intensive 32-week certificate program designed to prepare you for the essential fields of computer networking, design, maintenance and support.
Technically focusing on Cisco, Microsoft, open-source technologies and operating systems, this program emphasizes key industry requirements such as security, storage management, virtualization and effective troubleshooting.
Through hands-on, practical assignments, you will gain experience solving technical problems and providing solutions on time and within scope. Upon completion, you will be prepared to challenge the CCNA certification exam. Additional self-study is usually required. The mandatory eight-week practicum solidifies the classroom experience and prepares you to launch into or continue your IT career.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Experience with computer hardware and/or operating and networking systems an asset.
This is an intensive program requiring a commitment of both time and energy; students who experience success are those who make their education a priority throughout the program.
Accreditation
By the end of the program, graduates will have the knowledge to challenge the Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) exams. With additional relevant work experience and additional exam preparation study, you would be prepared to challenge other relevant industry exams such as CompTIA A+, VMWare, EMC and Microsoft certifications.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Network Technician.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- network technician
- network analyst
- help desk analyst
- system support specialist
- IT consultant
Related careers include:
- network administrator
- web technician
$49,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $14,190
Year 1 (International): $22,159
Year 1: TBA
Year 1 (International): $21,263 (+fees TBD)
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2020 open Oct. 2, 2019, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2020 | Nov. 3, 2020 |
| Spring 2021 | May 17, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Nov. 1, 2021 |
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2020 start: applications open Oct. 2, 2019, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Spring and fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent, OR,
- A minimum of two years post-secondary education from a recognized university, institute or college.
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Due to the tight integration of the courses in the Network Technician (NT) program, credit for prior learning is not available.
Direct Entry: four step process
Please complete these steps to learn more about the program you have chosen and confirm that this is the right training for you for your chosen career path.
Step 1: Read the program information on the website and review this program presentation to learn more about student expectations during the program.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed.
Step 3: Apply for the program.
Step 4: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Previous computer operating systems, cloud technologies and/or networking experience gained through education, industry experience, industry certifications, or completion of online tutorial related to tutorial related to computer operating systems or networking is strongly recommended.
Communication during admissions
Email is the primary source of communication during the admissions process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add fast-track@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Ideal applicant
The ideal candidate for the Network Technician (NT) program is a motivated, mature learner with an interest in computer networking, who wants to specialize or to upgrade their existing skills. You are technically proficient and detail-oriented. Your approach to problem-solving is both creative and logical, depending on the circumstances. You work well as part of a team and enjoy interacting with others. You possess a good working knowledge of operating systems and computer hardware. You are probably the person your friends and family go to when they have computer problems.
Courses
Program outline
The courses listed are not shown in the instructional order. Due to the nature of the fast-track programs some courses may be modified or replaced.
This is a 32-week fast-track certificate offered over multiple semesters.
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Fall program start
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-239 | IT Essentials | 3.0 |
| CMPN-276 | Internetworks Level I | 3.0 |
| CPNT-208 | Data Storage and Management | 1.5 |
| NETT-270 | Linux Installation and Administration | 1.5 |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-277 | Internetworks Level II | 3.0 |
| CMPN-287 | Internetworks Level III | 3.0 |
| CMPN-288 | Internetworks Level IV | 3.0 |
| CPNT-211 | Virtualization | 1.5 |
| CPNT-223 | CCNA Security | 3.0 |
| CPLN-240 | Career Planning and Management | 1.5 |
| NETT-262 | Network Design and Implementation Project | 3.0 |
| NETT-275 | Microsoft Directory Services and Networking | 3.0 |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| NETT-350 | Network Technician Practicum | 3.0 |
Spring program start
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-239 | IT Essentials | 3.0 |
| CMPN-276 | Internetworks Level I | 3.0 |
| CMPN-277 | Internetworks Level II | 3.0 |
| CMPN-287 | Internetworks Level III | 3.0 |
| CMPN-288 | Internetworks Level IV | 3.0 |
| CPNT-208 | Data Storage and Management | 1.5 |
| CPNT-211 | Virtualization | 1.5 |
| CPLN-240 | Career Planning and Management | 1.5 |
| NETT-270 | Linux Installation and Administration | 1.5 |
| NETT-275 | Microsoft Directory Services and Networking | 3.0 |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPNT-223 | CCNA Security | 3.0 |
| NETT-262 | Network Design and Implementation Project | 3.0 |
| NETT-350 | Network Technician Practicum | 3.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Rocky Mountain College
- SAIT
To learn more, visit transfer options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12,968 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $14,190 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,846 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $22,159 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,263 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Fall 2020
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Email: fast-track@sait.ca
Academic chair
"Thank you for choosing the SAIT School of Information and Communications Technologies! As your academic chair for the Network Technician program, it’s my pleasure to welcome the newest members of our innovative learning community on behalf of the entire program. We look forward to seeing the impact you’ll make and to supporting your academic journey."
Karen Graham
Academic Chair