Computer Networking Technician

Program Overview

Computer networking technicians are called “network mechanics” because of their ability to solve problems in all kinds of network environments. Since just about every business depends on computer networks, computer networking technicians can find job opportunities in every sector. Your job might involve IT infrastructure support and service, information systems, network or systems administration.

It’s a career that calls for good analytical and organizational skills. Strong communication skills are also important, because you’ll be the go-to person when people need help resolving network issues.

Computer Networking Technician is an intensive certificate program that will help you launch a career in less than a year. The program is available full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina campus. You’ll learn the fundamentals of information technology (IT) with an emphasis on a hands-on approach to installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing computer networking systems and equipment.

Over nine months, you’ll study IT specialties, including:

desktop support
server infrastructure
network infrastructure
Linux
VoIP
security

Equipment is provided for onsite lab learning, including Cisco routers and switches, VoIP phones, desktop PCs and small business servers. You’ll have the opportunity to build complex networked computer systems to further your knowledge of working systems.

Designed with Industry Input

Leading industry representatives volunteer their time and input on our program advisory committee to ensure that your training is in tune with evolving trends and demands in the workplace.

Cisco Regional Academy

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the Cisco Regional Academy for Saskatchewan. The big advantage for you is that most of your courses are designed around industry-recognized certifications. Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Computer Networking Technician program will prepare you to:

write the exam for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation; and
write other industry-recognized exams for Cisco, CompTIA and Microsoft certifications.

Personal study is recommended before you write any industry certification exam.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Computer networking technicians work in computer-related support positions in just about every sector. Graduates are working in network administration, computer programming, hardware, applications and systems analysis and design. You might start your career as an IT analyst, help desk analyst, system support specialist, systems administrator, network support or network administrator.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Desktop Support	User Support Technicians (2282)	$42,000 - $103,500
IT Network Technician	Computer Network Technicians (2281)	$44,500 - $89,700
Network Analyst	Computer Network Technicians (2281)	$44,500 - $89,700

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 33 weeks

Locations

Regina

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Effective for September 2018: Grade 12 with Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or Foundations of Math 20 or Pre-Calculus 20*
English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

Math A30

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

75 Arithmetic
60 Elementary Algebra
75 Reading
75 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$7,400

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CNET 101

CISCO Network Associate 1

You will be introduced to the Cisco Networking Academy Program networking field. CNET 101 is the first of four courses that lead to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation. You will learn to design and configure a network based upon the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) framework.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Equivalent Course(s): CNET 101CE, CNET 181
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CNET 102

CISCO Network Associate 2

You will focus on initial router configuration, routing table management, routing protocol configuration and variable-length subnet mask (VLSM). You will learn how to configure a router, manage routing tables and configure various routing protocols. CNET 102 is the second of four courses that lead to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Prerequisites(s): CNET 101(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): CNET 102CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CNET 106

A+ Cisco IT Essentials 1

Your studies will focus on identifying, installing and troubleshooting computer hardware and software components. You will become familiar with maintenance procedures. In a lab setting you will install, setup and troubleshoot printers and basic networks. Your studies will help prepare you to challenge the CompTIA A+ exam as well as one elective.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Equivalent Course(s): CNET 106CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

COAP 118

Microsoft Windows

You will become familiar with Windows features, managing a file system, storage, basic user groups, profiles, policies, system utilities, system tuning and monitoring. You will gain practical experience using security, access control, remote access service, application support, registry, boot-up sequence, and troubleshooting. You will learn how to install network protocols, printers and support devices. The course will help you prepare to write the Microsoft Windows certification exam.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 75.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 118CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CSRV 100

Microsoft Windows Server 1

You will study curriculum associated with the first of three exams required for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate exam (MCSA). You will validate the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a core Windows Server Infrastructure into an existing enterprise environment. The three MCSA exams collectively validate the skills and knowledge necessary for implementing, managing, maintaining, and provisioning services and infrastructure in a Windows Server environment. This Microsoft course is mapped to the current Administering Windows Server exam skills, including the recent objectives.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CNET 103

CISCO Network Associate 3

You will focus on advanced IP addressing techniques (Variable Length Subnet Masking - VLSM), command-line interface configuration of switches, Ethernet switching, Virtual LANs (VLANs), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). You will apply concepts from CNET 101 (Cisco Network Associate 1) and CNET 102 (Cisco Network Associate 2) to a network. You will be able to explain how a particular strategy is employed and the reasons for selecting a particular strategy. CNET 103 is the third of four courses that lead to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 75.0
Prerequisites(s): CNET 102
Equivalent Course(s): CNET 103CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CNET 104

CISCO Network Associate 4

You will focus on advanced IP addressing techniques including Network Address Translation (NAT), Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP), WAN technology and terminology, Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), frame relay and network management. You will also receive experience in the application and configuration of Access Control Lists (ACLs) as a form of security. After completing CNET 104, you will prepare for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation exam.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 75.0
Prerequisites(s): CNET 103(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): CNET 104CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CNET 108

IP Telephony Call Manager Express

You will be introduced to the packet switch voice communication networking field using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Your studies will help prepare you to write the CISCO Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) designation.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 75.0
Prerequisites(s): CNET 104(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COAP 104

Security+

You will become familiar with general Windows security concepts. You will identify the different methods of attack on the network, best methods of communication, infrastructure, cryptography and planning (hardware and software). You will learn how to use risk identification management as a preplanning tool for future growth and configuration. After completing COAP 104, you will be prepared to write the CompTIA Security+ exam.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

COOS 101

LINUX+

Your studies will focus on describing, installing, configuring and administering Linux operating system workstations and servers. You will use troubleshooting practices to diagnose hardware and software problems and maintain the Linux network system. The course will help you prepare to write the CompTIA Linux+ exam.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CSRV 101

Microsoft Windows Server 2

You will study curriculum associated with the second of three exams required for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate exam (MCSA). You will validate the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a Windows Server Infrastructure into an existing enterprise environment. The three MCSA exams collectively validate the skills and knowledge necessary for implementing, managing, maintaining, and provisioning services and infrastructure in a Windows Server environment. This Microsoft course content is mapped to the current Administering Windows Server exam skills, including the recent objectives.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Prerequisites(s): CSRV 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CSRV 102

Microsoft Windows Server 3

You will study the curriculum associated with the third of three exams required for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate exam (MCSA). You will validate the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a Windows Server Infrastructure into an existing enterprise environment. The three MCSA exams collectively validate the skills and knowledge necessary for implementing, managing, maintaining, and provisioning services and infrastructure in a Windows Server environment. This Microsoft course content is mapped to the current Administering Windows Server exam skills, including the recent objectives.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Prerequisites(s): CSRV 101(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TCOM 105

Communications for Technicians

You will learn and practice written, oral and interpersonal communication for the workplace. You will apply these skills as team members and in short presentations. You will also develop effective job search strategies.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127, TCOM 102, TCOM 105CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships