Overview
Delivery Mode: ONLINE
- This program will be delivered online during COVID-19.
- Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.
Using a personal computer in an office environment typically requires proficiency in using a Windows PC, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, reporting tools and an understanding of IT security.
ACA was designed for those who want an expert level understanding of using a Windows 10 PC and the most current versions of MS Office.
This hands-on program from BCIT Computing provides expert level training starting with COMP 1002 -Applied Computer Concepts.
Students are shown how to set-up and configure a Windows 10 PC, manage files on a network, protect data and keep the system updated.
Participants then proceed to MS Word or Excel then PowerPoint, followed by an Introduction to Web Development and IT Security.
Elective options include; MS Access Fundamentals, IT Project Management, Crystal Reports, plus an Introduction to Business and Technical Communication.
Graduates of the ACA Associate Certificate may also choose to continue on to the Applied Web Development, AWD Associate Certificate.
ACA provides highly skilled Windows PC end-users
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Program Entry:
BC High School Grade 12 English or equivalent knowledge.
Students in this program are required to have English reading, writing and speaking skills.
Specific prerequisites or equivalent knowledge are required for each course.
Please Note: COMP 1002 – Applied Computer Concepts is the starting point for those looking to become computer literate PC power users. This comprehensive course is core to this credential and a prerequisite for any of the higher level COMP courses, including all of the MS Office application courses.
Complete COMP 1002 before declaring in this program.
ACA is a stand-alone program with a focus on MS Office. Students completing ACIS will not be approved in ACA due to topic duplication with MS Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Web Development and Business Communication. Those planning to move on the CSC and CST/PTS Diploma should complete ACIS and not ACA.
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Program declaration
Declaring your 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.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Use your knowledge and skills learned outside recognized programs - including on-the-job experience, or self study - to gain exemption for specific courses. PLAR relies on an assessment of the student, on a course-by-course basis via an exam, for the course being challenged, if available. For more information on PLAR exams, please email the department: cstpts@bcit.ca
- Go back Overview
- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
All Computing Part-time Studies programs are course by course registration.
Course tuition and textbooks for this program will cost approximately $4,000 depending on electives chosen. Specific textbooks are required, some COMP courses also have lower cost eBook options.
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.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
NOTE:
Not all PTS courses are offered every term.
COMP 2252 will only be offered in the January and September terms.
COMP 2384 will be offered once a year in the spring term.
New elective: COMP 1370 Microsoft Access Fundamentals
Please register early to avoid disappointment, some courses fill weeks in advance.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required courses (16.0 credits): | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
COMP 1002 | Applied Computer Concepts | 3.0 | |
COMP 2369 | Microsoft Word | 3.0 | |
COMP 2364 | Microsoft Excel | 3.0 | |
COMP 2384 | Microsoft PowerPoint | 1.0 | |
COMP 1850 | Introduction to Web Development | 3.0 | |
COMP 3704 | Applied IT Security Fundamentals | 3.0 | |
Complete a minimum of 6.0 credits from the following list of electives: | Credits | ||
COMP 2252 | Crystal Reports | 3.0 | |
COMP 1288 | IT Project Management Fundamentals | 1.5 | |
COMP 1370 | Microsoft Access Fundamentals | 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 | |
Total Credits: | 22.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
*Note: You may not claim duplicate credits for the same courses/topics, for different versions of the same subject, applications or the operating system.
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.
- Go back Costs & Supplies
- Next up Program Details
Program Details
Computer hardware and Internet requirements
COMP courses are now conducted entirely online until further notice. Students must provide a current model PC desktop or laptop with a webcam, microphone and have high-speed internet access. Courses will be delivered in real-time and may use two-way audio and video as well as group work.
Students must be computer literate and be able to log in during regular scheduled class hours in order to participate and complete each COMP course. Please contact the department via email: cstpts@bcit.ca if you have any questions.
Please Note: Students planning to work toward the CSC and CST/PTS Diploma must complete ACIS and not ACA.
A minimum of 22 credits must be chosen from the ‘Required and Elective’ sections below. All courses must be completed successfully within a five-year period. We constantly update our curriculum to reflect market trends in the industry.
Our MS Office “COMP” courses are delivered by certified by Microsoft subject matter experts who use real world examples with hands-on exercises and significant homework.
Our credit courses are typically 12 lessons each, most courses are 12 or 6 weeks long with some as short as 2 weeks.
WARNING: Compressed 6 week courses are twice as much work in half the time. Attendance in every lesson is mandatory, missing even one day places students at risk for failure. Miss 2 days and you will have missed over 33% of the 6 week compressed course and you will have exceeded the 20% allowable.
Please Read:
The intensive 2 week 3 credit COMP courses are not suited for most students as these sections include the same content as a 12 week course. Students are in class for 3.5 hours every day and must allocate 3.5+ hours per day for labs and homework. It is unwise to attempt a two-week section if you have other course requirements. Attendance every day is mandatory.
Program abandonment
Students approved for a 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.
- Go back Courses
- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
ACA graduates surveyed were 100% satisfied with their education.
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 2018-2020 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2017-2019 graduates and for Degree 2015-2017 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.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
The ACA associate certificate program was developed in conjunction with subject matter experts by Kevin Cudihee, Program Head for BCIT Computing PTS and Industry Training.
Required courses were developed and delivered by: Fraser Robertson, Diana Gerrard, Kim Huie, Julie Neibel, Joanne Atha, and Farshad Abasi.
Elective courses were developed by Andre Coetzee, Cathy Michitsch and the Communication Department.
Administrative support is provided by Joanne Atha.
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
- Next up Contact Us
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
- Go Back Contact Us
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.