Business & Technology
IT Support Specialist
NOC-2282
Program Description
Are you interested in computers and technology? Do you help your friends and family with their tech support? Do you enjoy solving computer issues and want to start a career in IT? The IT Support Specialist program may be for you!
The nine month IT Support Specialist certificate program will prepare you to troubleshoot computer networking and software problems while providing excellent customer service. The IT Support Specialist Program is a full time program available at our Saskatoon Campus.
Successful completion of the IT Support Specialist Certificate will allow you to begin your career as a User Support Technician (NOC 2282) in the private or public sectors, with independent technical support companies, or as self-employed.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
One of the following or equivalent:
- Math: Workplace or Apprenticeship 30
- Math: Foundations 20
- Math: Pre-calculus 20
Mature Admission
- 21-years-of-age or older
- Academic assessment
Acceptance Policy
Strong preference is given to applicants who are Status First Nations, but SIIT programs are open to anyone.
English Language Benchmark
SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian/ Permanent Resident to apply.
To be admitted into this program you must be able to understand and communicate in English (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six – CLB6).
Courses
- ITHW 115 – Hardware
- ITNT 115 – Networking I
- ITSW 115 – Software
- ITOA 115 – Office Applications
- ITPC 115 – Professional Competencies
- ITNT 125 – Networking II
- ITVT 125 – Virtualization
- ITSE 125 – Security
- ITSU 125 – Support and Service Management
- ITWS 125 – Windows Server
- ITCL 125 – Capstone Lab
Tuition and Fees
| Tuition | Textbook | Compulsory Fees |
Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4,165 | $1,100 | $687 | $7,505 |
| Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change. *Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools. *Total amount does not include the required UPass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon students. |
|||
Additional Fees- U-Pass - Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes
| UPass | |
|---|---|
| $278.00 per year | The U-Pass is a City Transit bus pass for students that allow you to save on transportation costs. The U-Pass fee is provided at a reduced cost compared to a standard monthly City Transit pass and is mandatory for most SIIT students in Saskatoon and Regina. You may use the U-Pass as many times as you would like during the academic term. Students who meet certain requirements can opt-out of the U-Pass. Please contact the Admissions department for more information. |
| Please note: U-Pass fees are subject to change. | |
Funding
Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.
What to Expect
Day to Day
Delivery Method
- Primarily in-class and computer lab instruction. Courses are delivered as modules. Class runs Monday to Friday, 6 hours per day.
- 5-10 hours per week of independent (homework learning).
Work Integrated Learning
Students in the IT Support Specialist Program have the opportunity to complete a ten day work placement or student project.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate.
If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.
Graduation Requirements and Credential
You must maintain a GPA of 60% to graduate. Graduates will receive an IT Support Specialist Certificate and an SIIT Transcript.
Additional Licensing Required for Employment
Additional certification may lead to more employment opportunities. ITSS Students can challenge additional exams for industry certification:
- CompTia Security+ Certification
- ITIL Foundations
- MCSA 70-740 Certification
Career Path
Career Opportunities & Salaries
Graduates of this program can find employment as User Support Technicians (NOC 2282).
These technicians provide first-line technical support to computer users experiencing difficulties with computer hardware, computer applications, or communications software. They are employed by computer hardware manufacturers and retailers, software developers, in call centres and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. User Support Technicians can also be employed by independent technical support companies or be self-employed. These technicians are not always behind the scenes and often deal directly with the customer- offering tech solutions, advice, and training.
In Saskatchewan, the average annual salary for User Support Technicians is $65,000. (https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/hire-train-and-manage-employees/labour-market-information)
For assistance finding employment, please contact your local SIIT Career Centre.
Additional Post-Secondary Opportunities & Credit Transfer
To explore further education at SIIT, click here. You can also explore diploma or degree options at other colleges or universities.
If you have a specific program or career path in mind, it is a good idea to check the prerequisites required. Our Academic Advisors can help you plan for further education.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444