Telecommunications Systems Technician (Telecommunications Networks Option)

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Overview

The Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunications Networks option is a two-year program that provides the skills to install, maintain and repair telecommunications infrastructure. This option emphasizes hands-on, practical training with equipment encountered in the wired telecommunications industry.

“Please note that the Telecommunication Systems Technician program is undergoing a major change process, which may lead to curriculum content changes, as well as a program name change starting fall 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Department Head Dave Hogg.”

The program

male working on some electronics on a blue desk

The Telecommunications Systems Technician program emphasizes hands-on, practical training with equipment typically encountered in industry.

Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunication Networks Option graduates install, maintain and repair telecommunications equipment. Through theoretical and practical study, this program will prepare you for a career in this exciting and dynamic industry.

Skills in the telecommunications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and data transfer equipment, if you enjoy the challenge of always learning something new, and if you want to be part of a growing industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunication Networks Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.

Why BCIT?

Great Faculty – Our instructors are committed to keeping their skills current, and are continuously upgrading their skills through advanced industry training, so that you will be ready to work on the latest equipment.

Excellent Labs – You will work on the latest equipment, studying the theory and practical aspects of telephone, data, radio frequency (RF) and fiber optics communications systems gives you job-ready, practical skills.

Fantastic Career Choices – Your BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting career as a technician – a technical expert who works in a team to solve problems and is relied upon to install, maintain and repair telecommunications equipment.

Degree Completion – With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.

Telecommunications Systems Technician options

A video providing insight on the education, employment opportunities and success in a great career choice:

Telecommunications Systems Technician Program at BCIT

Entrance Requirements

If you’re interested in a career as a Telecommunications Systems Technician, please review the program details, carefully check the entrance requirements, and then submit your application.

Spend-A-Day with us

Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.

If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.453.4089.

Application processing

Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).

Applications are considered for a specific intake; this program does not carry a wait list from year to year.

Entrance requirements

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.

English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (50%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (50%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (50%) from a recognized institution or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment (for applicants who have two years of education in an English-speaking country only)
Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Apply to program

To submit your application:

Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.

Apply Now

Learn more about how to apply

Scheduled Intakes

September each year.

*Scheduled intakes are subject to change

myCommunication

Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.

Advanced Placement

Conditions

You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:

Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.

Direct entry

If you are new to the program but have completed the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate, you may be eligible for direct entry to level 3 (September start).

BCIT accepts complete applications starting October 1st (or next business day).

Submit the following with your online application:

Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
Proof of completion of the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate, or an equivalent certificate from another recognized institution
Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF]

Ready to submit your application? Apply now.

Costs & Supplies

Find out how much you will need to complete your diploma in Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunication Networks Option!

The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program, and will assist you in developing a budget for your two years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.

Tuition fees

Please see the Full-Time Tuition & Fees pages for tuition fee amounts:

Books & supplies

$900 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!

Your hands on learning will take place in three well-equipped labs – the telephony lab, the data lab and the cabling lab. In the telephone lab, you will:

female working on some type of electronic panel

Study switch programming and VoIP using Nortel and Mitel switches and systems
Work in a group of two to four students to program and troubleshoot telephone systems
Learn to use specialized tooling for assembling connectors, fusion splicing and testing fibre optic cables

In the data lab, you will have your own workstation to study computer operating systems and data transfer. The lab has its own Ethernet local area network (LAN), a representative wide area network (WAN), CISCO routers for internet routing, and Alcatel bandwidth managers for system performance testing. In the cabling lab, all the latest industry tools used for cable terminations, cable installation and testing cabling systems are available.

Studying and learning in a small class (usually 16 students), you will develop close working relationships and lifelong friendships with your classmates.

Class hours

0800-1500, Monday through Friday

Program matrix

Term 1 (15 Weeks)			Credits
	TELX 1500	Technical Skills This course provides the required skills for the student to perform the tasks that will be encountered in the practical phases of the Telecommunication Systems Technician Program. Theoretical concepts as well as practical applications are included. Safety concerns for the electronics industry including Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) requirements are addressed. Training will be provided in the use of small hand tools used in the telecommunications industry concluding with the construction of a small electronics project. Math skills used by a technician will be studied in this course focusing on the trigonometric functions and logarithmic functions which apply in communications systems. Training will be given in basic report writing including graphing as related to electronics. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	8.0
	TELX 1505	DC Fundamentals This course provides the foundation required for the understanding of all electronic circuits, including basic electrical principles and components. The concepts of the basic quantities of charge, voltage, current, resistance, energy and power are developed. The student will use Ohm’s law, Kirchoff’s Voltage law and Kirchoff’s Current law to analyze series, parallel and series-parallel Direct Current (DC) circuits. Additional analysis tools such as Thevenin’s theorem and maximum power transfer are also covered. DC test equipment will be used for measurements. General troubleshooting strategies and techniques are introduced, with emphasis on methods used to isolate faults in an efficient and logical manner. Students will apply these principles to troubleshoot problems in series, parallel and series-parallel DC circuits. Electromagnetism is also introduced. Theory is reinforced with hands-on practice. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	12.0
	TELX 1510	AC Fundamentals This course provides the foundation required for the understanding of all electronic circuits with Alternating Current (AC) sources. The characteristics of various AC waveforms are discussed and measured. The concepts and calculations of reactive values are emphasized. The student will study the response to AC of various circuit configurations and apply this knowledge to the analysis of Resistor Capacitor (RC), RL, and RLC circuits. Various practical applications of circuit configurations are explored. Theory is reinforced with hands-on practice and exposure to troubleshooting techniques. Prerequisite(s): TELX 1505 course outline	10.0

Term 2 (20 Weeks)			Credits
	TELX 1550	Data Networks 1 Instruction will cover the fundamentals of LANs, routers, switches, router and switch programming, network standards, and terminology. Topics also include the OSI model, cabling, TCP/IP protocol suite including IP addressing and subnetting for both IPv4 and IPv6. A close look at Ethernet and the functionality of the Data-Link and Physical layers allows students to visualize and describe communication between computers and networks. Students will also learn valuable network troubleshooting techniques and concepts. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	TELX 2510	Electronic Circuits 1 This course is an introduction to semiconductor devices, including diodes, rectifiers, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, solid state switching devices and photosensitive devices. Theory of operations for these devices is studied. Applications of semiconductors as switches and amplifiers are explored. Students will build circuits, test and measure operating parameters, and utilize troubleshoot techniques to problem solve circuits. They will also learn to relate schematic diagrams to their physical circuit counterparts. Theory is reinforced with hands on practice in this course. Prerequisite(s): TELX 1510 course outline	8.0
	TELX 2515	Digital Fundamentals This course provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the student to install, maintain, and trouble-shoot circuits that contain digital logic devices. The Binary, Hexadecimal, and Decimal number systems are described, and techniques for converting from one system to another are introduced. Basic definitions and common elements of digital logic devices are introduced and explored. The digital logic devices covered include basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOR, NAND, XOR), logic functions, flip-flops, counters, shift registers, memories, and interfacing integrated circuits. Common representations of digital logic functions and circuits are introduced, including truth tables, waveform representations, schematics, symbols and Boolean expressions. Practical circuits that employ these devices are also studied. The lecture material is reinforced by a series of lab assignments that develop skills in designing and creating prototype circuits using common logic elements. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2610 course outline	8.0
	TELX 2520	Microcontroller Principles Through the use of illustrative projects the student will explore the programming and operation of the PIC series of microcontrollers. The course will include lectures on Flowcode software with exercises and laboratory experiments to reinforce the lecture material. General microcomputer architecture and hardware specific to the PIC series of microcontrollers is discussed and explored. The research, design, and construction of a student led project will form a portion of the final mark. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2515 course outline	6.0
	TELX 2550	Data Networks 2 This course provides insight into the architecture, components, and operations of routers and ethernet switches in a small routed network. Students learn how to configure routers and switches for more advanced functions. Topics include static and dynamic routing, virtual LANs (VLAN), virtual trunking, inter-VLAN routing, Network Address Translation (NAT), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), port security, standard access control lists, and device discovery protocols. Students work with both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting. Prerequisite(s): TELX 1550 course outline	6.0
	TELX 2610	Electronic Circuits 2 This course provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the student to install, maintain, and troubleshoot circuits which employ integrated semiconductor devices. The electronic devices covered are operational amplifiers, timers and voltage regulators. Practical circuits which employ these devices are also studied. Further training in soldering techniques for circuit boards is studied, including insertion and soldering of components, cleaning of soldered components and correct removal of soldered components. Theory is reinforced with hands on practice. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2510 course outline	6.0

Term 3 (15 Weeks)			Credits
	TELX 2500	Telephony Essentials In this course, the major elements of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) are introduced. The components of the PSTN are examined, including outside plant, switching and trunks. The process of setting up a voice circuit across the network is detailed. The conversion of an analog voice signal to a digital equivalent using the Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) process is discussed. The North American Digital Hierarchy for digital communications networks is examined with a focus on the T-1 standard. The creation of a T-1 digital bit stream from multiple independent analog sources utilizing Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is explored. The components of a digital information transport system are introduced. Local and remote testing and troubleshooting techniques are implemented and evaluated. Signal measurements, conditioning and loss calculations are performed. Safe use of telecom industrial tools is introduced. Prerequisite(s): Completion of First Year Courses course outline	6.0
	TELX 2625	Structured Cabling This course introduces the installation and test practices associated with telecommunications cabling. The curriculum is centered on the Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronics Industry Association (TIA/EIA) standards for commercial buildings. The course provides hands-on training for common cable termination systems. Students will use cable scanners to certify and analyze cable performance. This course also introduces Structured Cable System (SCS) infrastructure design and advanced cabling techniques. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2500 course outline	10.0
	TELX 2630	Command Line Interfacing This course prepares students to use the Command Line Interface (CLI) to remotely program and diagnose faults on telecommunications equipment. The course introduces computer Operating Systems that support the Command Line Interface (CLI). Topics include navigation, system recovery and system optimization of Windows and Linux Operating Systems. Students will automate tasks by creating custom scripts. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2500 course outline	4.0
	TELX 3500	Telephony Networks This course introduces the applications, concepts and implementation of VoIP (voice over IP) networks. The operation of a VoIP will be compared and contrasted with that of traditional telephony networks. A VoIP telephony system will be configured on a PC connected to a VoIP switch. Troubleshooting with a network protocol analyzer will be introduced. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones will be introduced and utilized in the configured PBX. WAN networks and bandwidth considerations will be discussed with reference to the CODECs necessary for implementation. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2500 course outline	4.0
	TELX 3550	Data Networks 3 This course introduces technologies that allow networks to scale, it describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a large and complex networks. A review of switching technologies including VLANs, and inter-VLAN routing provides the foundation to explore spanning-tree and link-aggregation. A review of IPv4 and IPv6 routing fundamentals provides the foundation to explore Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing (EIGRP) and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocols. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, EIGRP, STP, and VTP in both IPv4 and IPv6 Networks. Included is a review of managing IOS images, configuration files and licensing. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2550 course outline	6.0

Term 4 (20 Weeks)			Credits
	TELX 3515	Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Techniques This course introduces Radio Frequency (RF) communications as it relates to the telecommunications industry. The generation and reception of Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM) and Phase Modulation (PM) analog signals are examined leading to digital modulation techniques. Basic radio/radio system testing and troubleshooting will be performed. Data communications applications such as Wireless LAN and Cellular Telephony are introduced. Concepts related to transmission of the RF signal within cables and the causes of transmission impairment are explored. Free space propagation of an RF signal as an Electromagnetic (E/M) field is examined. The practical component of this course will include forward and reflected power measurements, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) minimization and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) fault location techniques for transmission line systems. The properties of RF signals radiated by an antenna system will also be explored. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2500 course outline	8.0
	TELX 3520	Professional Skills This course will provide students with the skills to prepare for the workplace. The course will initially focus on cover letters, resumes, job interview techniques and presentation skills. Workplace appearance, communications, conduct, ethics, and safety will be examined. Training in effective customer relations and conflict resolution will be provided. The fundamentals of teams and supervisory skills in the areas of motivation, leadership, and training are introduced. Prerequisite(s): Completion of First Year Courses course outline	4.0
	TELX 3525	Structured Cabling Systems 2 This course introduces the application, installation, testing and maintenance of fibre optic communications systems. The theory portion of the course covers the basic concepts of light transmission, optical glass, connectors, splicing, as well as cable construction, handling and installation. Key Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) techniques are also examined. The practical portion of the course covers the techniques used in assembling fibre optic connectors, splicing optical fibres and testing a fibre optic link. This course also introduces the design requirements of a fibre optic infrastructure and advanced cabling techniques for optical fibre systems. A fibre optic power budget will be performed. Students will use Single-mode (SM) fusion splicers, Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) and cable scanners. Prerequisite(s): TELX 2625 course outline	8.0
	TELX 4500	Telephony Systems This course focuses on the advanced features of a VoIP PBX. Initial setup and licensing will be discussed and performed. An enterprise-level VoIP PBX will be discussed and implemented. Topics include DHCP, VLANs, WAN networks, as well as user services and features. SIP and T1 trunking, and Automatic Route selection are discussed in-depth and implemented in the lab. Voice Mail and auto-attendant features are designed and configured. Emergency Services Management will be thoroughly examined both in theory and in the lab. The concepts of system clustering and resiliency will be discussed and demonstrated in the lab. Prerequisite(s): TELX 3500 course outline	8.0
	TELX 4505	Telecom Systems Integration This course covers the installation and maintenance procedures for an advanced wide area communication system. The practical operation of a digital network and its role in the telecommunications infrastructure are discussed. A national telecommunications network will be designed and created in a lab environment. Programming and testing of voice and data circuits are examined through theoretical and practical exercises. Disaster recovery planning, system troubleshooting and restoration of services will be performed on the test network. Team building and communication skills between the teams will be emphasized to ensure the orderly build and turn up of these networks. Prerequisite(s): TELX 4500 course outline	6.0
	TELX 4560	Managing Connected Devices Sensing devices, sometimes with their own processing ability, communicate with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks, are described as the Internet of Things (IoT). This course examines the role of a telecommunication systems technician in managing IoT devices. The practical installation, operation and troubleshooting of IoT digital devices, their wireless and wired/fiber-optic connections to networks and their role in telecommunications/digital infrastructure are discussed. Current and prospective IoT technologies will be discussed, and service providers will be surveyed. IoT networks will be designed and created in a lab environment where installation, programming and maintenance procedures will be practiced. Programming and testing of IoT devices will be covered via theoretical and practical exercises. Team building and communication skills between the teams and other stakeholders will be emphasized to ensure the orderly installation, configuration, and maintenance of IoT devices and networks. Prerequisite(s): 60% in TELX 3550 course outline	6.0

Total Credits:			140.0

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

Students in the Telecommunications Systems Technician program learn the theory, standards, measurement instruments, test equipment and standard practices of the telecommunications industry. As a student in the program you will learn to:

Install, program, configure, maintain and repair telephone switches and systems
Install, administer, maintain and diagnose faults in data transmission systems
Install, test and repair fibre optic and high-speed local area network (LAN) cables Maintain, evaluate the performance of, and troubleshoot radio frequency (RF) communication systems
Use industry standard tools and test equipment
Understand digital cellular communication systems
Communicate effectively with customers

Program length

Two years, full-time

Grading

The student must achieve a minimum of 60% in each course in order to complete the program.

Program delivery

In person: This program is delivered on campus.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Graduating & Jobs

Explore the exceptional career opportunities as a Telecommunications Systems Technician!

What’s in it for you?

A rewarding job as a Technician

Your BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting career as a technician – a technical expert who works in a team to solve problems and is relied upon to install, maintain and repair electronic equipment.

An edge in the job market

A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. The Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunications Networks Option program enjoys strong support with local industry. Telecom companies know that grads of the BCIT program have both theoretical knowledge and up-to-date practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing them for their work.

A great future awaits you when you complete your education and training as a Telecommunications Systems Technician. You will have a real edge in the job market working for a broad range of excellent employers.

An edge in the job market

The job market for telecommunication technicians is strong. As a graduate of the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunications Networks Option program, you will have opportunities with large and small companies in a variety of roles. While most graduates start out in a very technical role, there are many opportunities to move into technical sales or managerial roles. With a few years of work experience under your belt, you may be ready to start your own business.

Some of the many employers of BCIT Telecommunications Systems Technician graduates include:

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 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 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.

Telecommunications Systems Technician (Telecommunications Networks Option)

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

A team of committed educators, staff and industry advisors work hard to help make students successful in their Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunications Network Option program.

instructor shows male student something on a shelf

Jim Boulter – Retired instructor, Telecommunications Technician Program says:

“I am grateful that I can give back something to an industry which has provided me with so much satisfaction over the years. I received my initial training at BCIT, and now I am helping the future leaders in this technology.”

Faculty

Dave Hogg, DiplT, PID, MA, AScT
Department Head
Tel: 604-432-8223
Email: dave_hogg@bcit.ca

Rick Davidson, DipIT, PID, MEd, AScT
Tel: 604-431-4949
Email: rdavidson2@bcit.ca

Mike Lowe
Tel: 604-412-7464
Email: mlowe16@bcit.ca

Blair Thompson-Jendrysek, DipIT, PID
Tel: 604-456-8157
Email: blair_thompson@bcit.ca

Gareth Williams
Tel: 604-432-8458
Email: gareth_williams@bcit.ca

Len Worley, DipIT, PID, MEd
Tel: 604-412-7528
Email: leonard_worley@bcit.ca

Staff

Paul Morrison, BEng, AScT
Interim Associate Dean
Tel: 604-451-7075
Email: paul_morrison@bcit.ca

Mary-Anne Pangan
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-456-8052
Email: maryanne_pangan@bcit.ca

Advisory committee

Huck Baldwin
Manager-Field Operations, BC & Networks Operations BC, Bell

Jeff Brown
Director of Operations-Western Canada, Zayo Fibre Solutions Infrastructure Engineering & Operations

Doug Halket
Technical Services Manager, NATG

Jason Krause
General Manager, OSP, OBS, Greenfield Build, Wireless, Ledcor Technical Services

Colin Leyh
Field Services Supervisor, Shaw Communications

Quincy Mittertreiner
Retired, Formerly NEC Canada, Inc

Contact Us

Spend-A-Day with us

Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.

If you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.453.4089.

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.

Telecommunications Systems Technician (Telecommunications Networks Option)

Overview

The program

Why BCIT?

Telecommunications Systems Technician options

Entrance Requirements

Spend-A-Day with us

Application processing

Entrance requirements

International applicants

Apply to program

Apply Now

Scheduled Intakes

myCommunication

Advanced Placement

Conditions

Direct entry

Costs & Supplies

Find out how much you will need to complete your diploma in Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunication Networks Option!

Tuition fees

Books & supplies

Financial assistance

Courses

Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!

Class hours

Program matrix

Transfer credit

Program Details

Program length

Grading

Program delivery

Program location

Graduating & Jobs

What’s in it for you?

A rewarding job as a Technician

An edge in the job market

An edge in the job market

Graduate employment outcomes

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Faculty

Staff

Advisory committee

Contact Us

Spend-A-Day with us

Questions or comments?

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