"During my practicum, I was able to put the skills I learned at CDI to use and gain valuable experience in the field that led to a position with my employer. I am currently working as a Support Analyst with the federal government. I have a very rewarding career now doing what I love. I would absolutely recommend the program to anyone that wants a career in the IT field.” - Bryan B., CDI College Graduate

The information technology industry needs skilled Computer Support Technicians to troubleshoot software and hardware issues. CDI's Computer Support Technician diploma program teaches students the technical skills necessary to service computer systems and the customer service skills to assist computer users.

Students receive hands-on training on industry-standard software, and learn fundamental networking skills, hardware installation and configuration, system support and optimization, Windows operating system, MS Office applications, and help desk techniques.

Students will be supported in their job search after graduation through CDI's Employment Services department. The department teaches graduates resume writing techniques as well as job search and interviewing skills.

This program is 24 weeks in length.

Job Opportunities
  • Computer Technicians
  • Technical Support Specialists
  • Help Desk Analyst
  • First-level Help Desk Troubleshooter

Program Courses

The program outline below is for British Columbia. Click here to see the outlines for Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.

Code Course Name Hours
  • SSSE Student Success Strategies 25

    • This course will introduce students to skills and concepts that will help them achieve personal, academic, and career success.
  • ICAE Introduction to Office Applications 75

    • This course gives the student an introduction to documentation, report writing, spreadsheets, and presentations using the computer software applications that are commonly used today in the human services field. It covers the basic use of the Windows operating system and Internet software, the text editing and document formatting capabilities of Microsoft Word as well as Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and Microsoft PowerPoint presentation software.
  • PC1E Managing and Maintaining PCs: A+ Part 1 50

    • This course is the first of two courses that cover the general installation, maintenance and management of computer hardware and software resources. This first course focuses on the hardware resources that make up a computer system course align to the CompTIA A+ learning objectives. Students will learn about the operation of microcomputer systems, the various hardware components that makeup a computer system and how to troubleshoot common hardware problems.
  • PC2E Managing and Maintaining PCs: A+ Part 2 50

    • This course is the second of two consecutive courses that align to the CompTIA A+ certification requirements. This course focuses on the software installation, configuration and troubleshooting as well as system security. Students will gain an understanding of the various network models, standards and protocols. Students will install, configure and troubleshoot operating system software as well as application software packages. Finally the course will explore security issues involving software installations.
  • NWPE Network+ 75

    • The Network+ course will provide students with an introduction to the theory of networks. Students will learn basic networking concepts relating to the types of networks, general networking components, specialized hardware and software associated with networks, and how to set up and configure networks. Students will also learn about network security, wireless networks as well as Voice over IP network capabilities.
  • PI1E Phase 1 Integration Project 25

    • This course integrates material covered in previous courses. Students will look at the complete setup and configuration of a PC and network hardware and software. They will also learn how to troubleshoot the PC and network environment.
  • WN7E Configuring a Windows Client Operating System 75

    • This course explores the features and capabilities of a Windows operating system. Students will install and configure a Windows based operating system. Students will explore system requirements, user and system management and administration, networking and remote access services. The course will also explore how the operating system will interoperate with other operating systems. Students will learn the concepts of system security as they apply to the operating system as well as disaster protection, recovery and troubleshooting. The final part of this course will explore the operating system support for software applications as well as the optimization of the operating system.
  • HDUE Help Desk and User Support 60

    • This course is designed to provide realistic exposure and experience for the student in troubleshooting MS Office applications and using industry standard help desk software to manage support requests.
  • PSKE Professional Skills 25

    • This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.
  • CESE Career and Employment Strategies 25

    • This course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview.
  • PR1 Practicum 100

    • This program includes a practicum component which consists of 100 hours of work at a job site. The practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the business organization does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum.