Networking Certificate
Contact:
Brian McLachlin
Chairperson
Program Information:
E-mail: inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone: 403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
One Year Certificate
People are enabled by computer technology - from cellular phones to MP3 players to gaming systems and business applications. Technology is embedded in all aspects of our daily lives. Networking Certificate graduates support many of today's new technologies.
Related Careers
Career opportunities in the Information Technology (IT) field continue to grow and expand, both nationally and internationally. Networking Certificate graduates will be positioned to take advantage of this increased market demand for IT skills because they are well prepared with the knowledge-base and skill-sets necessary to successfully engage in an exciting IT career in either business or industrial environments. A career in IT will appeal to applicants who are looking for exciting, challenging, and well-compensated futures.
Types of positions:
Entry-level positions in:
- Desktop support - configuration, setup, maintenance, trouble shooting and updates (hardware)
- Network support - servers, Local Area Network maintenance
- IT Service Desk - providing support for hardware and software
With experience and proven ability, students may advance into specialized areas of technology. Many courses in the Networking Certificate program help to prepare students to write certification exams from the Microsoft Certified System Administrator credential, the Cisco Certified Network Administrator credential, and the following CompTIA exams: A+, Network+, Server+, and Wireless+.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Networking Certificate will possess the following skills and knowledge:
- Troubleshoot common software and hardware problems in a network environment
- Use online resources to identify solutions
- Participate in the implementation of projects individually and/or within a team environment
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot devices in a network
- Configure, maintain and troubleshoot routing protocols between routers
- Control network access firewalls and ACLs
- Provide common network Help Desk support
- Configure, maintain and repair desktop systems
- Manage a network environment using debugging tools and scripting
- Write structured software programs
- Practice industry standard codes of conduct
- Complete relevant documenation and activity reports
- Practice effective communication with clients including cultural sensitivity
- Identify and engage in learning activities that are responsive to the workplace.
Transfer Features
Graduates of the Networking program can complete the Network Systems Technology (NST) Diploma with one further year of full-time study. The NST Diploma can also be completed on a part-time basis.
Graduates of the Networking program are also eligible for advanced standing in many courses from the Software Developer Certificate. The Software Developer Certificate can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Graduates of the Software Developer Certificate program can complete the Computer Information Systems Diploma with one further year of full-time study.
Admission Requirements
A) Academic Requirements
High School Diploma with no mark below 50% in:
a. ELA 30-1
b. Mathematics 30 (Pure)
OR
50% in ELA 30-1 & 65% in Mathematics 30 (Applied) with either Physics 30 or Chemistry 30 or Science 30 with a minimum mark of 50%.
OR
Mature Student
You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum mark of 50% in Mathematics 30 (Pure)
OR
a minimum mark of 65% in Mathematics 30 (Applied) and either Chemistry 30 or Physics 30 or Science 30 with a minimum mark of 50%.
AND
B) Other Requirements
All Networking Certificate students must have a laptop computer that is using Microsoft Windows as the operating system. Please contact department Chair for minimum specifications.
Recommendations
Applicants are also expected to have working skill sets in at least the following areas of workstation management and operations through course work and/or industry experience:
- Word processing
- E-mail communications
- Internet research and download
- File and print management
- Basic operating systems literacy
Applicants requesting further information, skill assessment, and/or learning support courses (CMPT 083, 086, 087, or 089) should contact an academic advisor and/or the Information Technology Department Chairperson for assistance.
Communications Course Placement Testing
Students will be required to take a College placement test before registering in a written communications course. (Students with 60% or greater in English 30 will be exempted from this test.) Students who do not achieve a satisfactory mark in this test will be required to complete COMM 150 before they can register in the required course, COMM 250. Students should take the placement test early in the event preparatory work (COMM 150) is required. Students needing to do COMM 150 will have the opportunity to complete all the Communications requirements within the two year time frame.
Program Content
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3 (Spring Term)
Should a student posess any other course(s) and/or credentials not listed above for which they wish to have considered for advanced credit, please contact the Information Technology Department Chairperson.
Program Cost Estimates - 2009/2010
Graduation Requirements
You must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.