Overview
The Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS) Associate Certificate is the first step in Computer Systems laddered credentials, offering an IT foundation. Become an expert end-user of a Windows PC, use MS Office, build websites with HTML, learn the fundamentals of programming with Python, and choose from electives. Start with just one course.
About the program
- Develop foundational Computing and Information Technology (IT) skills
- Learn to build websites
- Experience programming with Python
- 25 credits (split between required and elective courses)
- Choose from 11 elective courses to suit individual interests, or 3 specific electives for those who plan to ladder to CSC
- Enroll throughout the year to study course by course, nights and weekends, online or in person (Downtown or Burnaby campus)
- Ladder into a certificate, diploma, or degree
See the Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from ACIS.
Who should complete the ACIS Associate Certificate?
This program might be for you if you:
- Are interested in IT foundation skills before laddering into a diploma or degree
- Have other post-secondary education and want a broad introduction to Computing
- Want to explore the many roles within the dynamic Computing and IT sector
Please check the Entrance Requirements to ensure that ACIS is right for you.
What Applied Computer Information Systems grads can do
By earning your ACIS Associate Certificate, you’ll:
- Become an expert end-user of a Windows personal computer and proficient in typical MS Office applications.
- Be able to build web pages and websites by hand coding in HTML and CSS.
- Demonstrate programming concepts and move on to higher levels of software development.
- Have the option to ladder into the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC)
If you don’t want to continue your education with CSC and CST FLEX, you can also choose to increase your knowledge and deepen your skill set with:
Please note that ACIS is only an exit point if you have other post-secondary education or work experience.
Learn more about future opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
Entrance Requirements
Please complete COMP 1002 before submitting your ACIS program declaration.
Please Note: Students who are working toward or who have completed the Applied Computer Applications, ACA associate certificate will not be given approval for ACIS. This is due to the potential of significant elective topic duplication with: MS Windows, MS Office, Web Development and Business Communication.
Students completing only one (1) course per term and who plan to move on to the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC), should complete ACIS to prior to CSC, as each program has a five (5) year completion limit.
Important Notice for students on limited timelines
Prior to submitting a program declaration, those on limited timelines who require a program letter (e.g. with student loans or limited sponsorship) must first contact the department directly to receive a signed Course Planning Document, which they will be required to attach to their online declaration.
Otherwise students must first complete COMP 1002 before declaring ACIS.
Application processing
Applications are accepted during the following periods:
| Intake | Opening date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (January) | February 1st* | January 2nd* |
| Spring/Summer (April) | May 1st* | April 1st* |
| Fall (September) | October 1st* | September 1st* |
*or next business day
Intakes may fill before the deadline. If you are currently registered in a course or planning to start, submit your application early to secure your spot in the program.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Learn more about program declaration
Note: Please complete COMP 1002 before declaring your intent to complete this program.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR in Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) Computing relies on an assessment of the student on a course-by-course basis through formal exams. For more information, please email cstpts@bcit.ca.Costs & Supplies
Computing Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies, PTS) programs are course by course registration.
The current total cost of this program is under $ 5,000 depending on electives and if eBooks are chosen.
Students register and pay for available courses online, by clicking on the green block ‘Add to Cart’. Follow the directions to obtain a BCIT student number if you do not already have one.
Note: Please register early to avoid disappointment, our programming courses are very popular and several fill weeks in advance.
Since there are limited seats, students in declared programs will have the opportunity to register first. Students who have not completed the specific prerequisites will not be given the approval to register.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Please Note: Students continuing on to the the Applied Software Development (ASD) Associate Certificate, and or the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC), should leave COMP 1516 Programming Fundamentals Part 1 (Python) as the last course in ACIS.
A minimum of 70% in COMP 1516 is required in order to be able to declare ASD or CSC.
COMP 2501 Programming Fundamentals Part 2 (Java) should be completed in the term immediately following COMP 2501. Do not skip terms between COMP 1516 and COMP 2501 as the learning outcomes are built on top of the preceding course, Part 1.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| 1. Required Courses (13.0 credits): | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP 1002 | Applied Computer Concepts | 3.0 | |
| COMP 1516 | Programming Fundamentals Part 1 (Python) | 4.0 | |
| COMP 1850 | Web Design and Development with HTML | 3.0 | |
| COMP 2010 | MS Office Applications | 3.0 | |
Note: COMP 1002, COMP 1516, and COMP 1850 all count for credit in the Computer Systems Certificate, CSC. |
|||
| 2. Complete 12.0 credits from the following electives: | Credits | ||
| COMP 1288 | IT Project Management Fundamentals | 1.5 | |
| COMP 1114 | Mathematics for Computing | 4.0 | |
| COMP 1630 | Relational Database Design and SQL | 5.0 | |
| COMP 2156 | Introduction to Microsoft Power BI | 1.5 | |
| COMP 2252 | SAP Crystal Reports | 3.0 | |
| COMP 2256 | Introduction to Visual Analytics with Tableau | 3.0 | |
| COMP 2361 | Microsoft Word Advanced | 1.5 | |
| COMP 2362 | Microsoft Excel Advanced | 1.5 | |
| COMP 3156 | MS Power BI Optimization | 1.5 | |
| and/or one of the following: | |||
| COMM 1103 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | 3.0 | |
| or | |||
| COMM 1106 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication (With Language Development Component) | 3.0 | |
Note: COMP 1114, COMP 1630, and COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 all count for credit in the Computer Systems Certificate, CSC. If you plan to continue on with the laddered credentials to the certificate and the part-time Computer Systems Diploma, CST/PTS, then choose these courses as electives. We continue to add and update courses based on market need. Credit will only be granted for one course from each of the following sets of two courses:
|
|||
| Total Credits: | 25.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program structure & completion timeline
- ACIS consists of a minimum of 25 credits, selected from mandatory and elective courses.
- Designed for 1-2 courses per term (evenings & weekends).
- Typically completed in at least 5-7 terms due to prerequisites and scheduling.
- All courses must be completed within five years.
- Flexible Learning is not designed for students on funding timelines.
Prerequisites & admission requirements
- Each course has prerequisite knowledge requirements. Students must have the necessary background before enrolling.
- English & Math skills: Students must have Grade 12-level proficiency or equivalent.
Expected workload
A 12-week COMP course requires 12-15 hours per week, including:
- 3 hours of synchronous class time, with options for online or on campus
- 1-2 hours of asynchronous online work
- 8-12 hours of reading & homework
- COMP 1002 and COMP 1850 are also offered in a 6-week compressed format for those with some prior experience. These require double the workload (2 classes & twice the homework per week).
Fast-track study plan
- Taking 2 courses per term requires a commitment of 25+ hours per week.
Students choosing this path may:
- Complete ACIS first, then move on to Computer Systems Certificate (CSC).
- Skip ACIS and focus on CSC.
Recommended study plan for ACIS & CSC pathway
- Term 1: COMP 1002 and COMM 1103 or 1106
- Term 2: COMP 1850 and COMP 2010
- Term 3: COMP 1114 and COMP 1630
- Term 4: COMP 1516 and COMP 2132
- Subsequent terms: Complete ACIS or start CSC
Program declaration & course registration
- Students must declare ACIS after completing COMP 1002 to protect completed credits and secure priority registration for COMP 2000+ courses.
- All COMP 2000+ courses require department approval.
Computer requirements
To participate in COMP courses, students must have:
- A current-model PC desktop or laptop capable of running Windows 11
- A webcam and microphone
- High-speed internet access
Some courses use two-way audio/video and require group work outside of class. Students must be computer literate.
If you have questions, contact cstflex@bcit.ca.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Continue your education
BCIT offers part-time students the opportunity to complete a series of credential programs, ultimately leading to a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science. These first three credentials ladder towards the CST Diploma and the first two Associate Certificates, ASD & ACIS may be taken simultaneously. If you apply and qualify, you can earn the following credentials:
Program abandonment
Students approved for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program are expected to register and complete courses on a continuous basis.
A student that has not completed a course from their approved program of study over a period of three consecutive academic terms will be considered to have abandoned the program.
Throughout the duration of the program, a student is permitted a maximum of five academic terms where they are not required to register and complete a course from their approved program of study. Students who exceed the five term maximum will be considered to have abandoned the program.
Students who have abandoned their approved program of study and wish to be reinstated will be required to apply for program approval for a current credential. BCIT cannot guarantee that courses taken prior to this reapplication will be credited towards the current credential.
BCIT Policy 5103 - Student Evaluation [PDF] permits a maximum of three attempts to successfully complete each course within a credential.
Graduating & Jobs
Graduate outcome survey highlight
93% of grads were very satisfied or satisfied with their education in ACIS [PDF]
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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