Diploma Program
This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.
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Distance (Online)
Median Wage
$31 /hour
*Jobbank.gc.ca; 2026
The Network Systems Administrator with AI program prepares students for the evolving IT landscape by combining essential networking and systems administration skills with the practical use of AI. Through hands-on technical training, students learn how to support secure, reliable computer networks while using AI tools to improve troubleshooting, research, documentation, and day-to-day IT workflows.
The program also prepares students to write certification exams for Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+, Network+, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
This program is delivered online through Distance format, in both synchronous and asynchronous modes.
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This program is approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of British Columbia.
Student Success Strategies [SSS4]
This course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and study strategies needed to support effective learning and a positive educational experience. It explores learning theories and their application to individual study methods, helping students develop approaches that are both effective and efficient. Key topics include study habits, note-taking, goal setting, values, time management, task prioritization, and stress management through learner-centered activities. The course also introduces fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including its applications, limitations, and ethical, social, and moral implications. In addition, students will start a series of financial training modules to develop financial literacy skills related to budgeting, saving, credit, and debt and gain practical money management skills to effectively manage their financial well-being.
IT Fundamentals [CA-ITF4]
This course focuses on the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by end-users and entry-level IT professionals.
Students will learn to use the features and functions of common operating systems and establishing network connectivity. The course will explore common software applications and their pose, security, and web browsing best practices. By the end of this course students will have gained foundational knowledge in IT concepts and terminology, IT infrastructure, applications, and software development, database fundamentals, and security.In addition, students will be introduced to core artificial
intelligence (AI) concepts, including the definition, evolution, and categories of AI and its real-world applications. They will explore how AI is applied in business environments to improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and support collaborative teamwork. Students will experiment with basic prompt engineering techniques, examine common generative AI tools, and discuss AI-related ethical and privacy considerations in cybersecurity and digital communication. By the end of this
course, students will have developed foundational proficiency in IT concepts and terminology, IT infrastructure, software development, databases, and security—alongside an introductory understanding of how AI technologies intersect with modern IT systems and workplace productivity.
Managing and Maintaining PCs: A+ Part 1 [BC-PC14]
Many IT professionals are required to repair and maintain personal computers as part of their regular duties. Consequently, individuals possessing these abilities are widely sought after by employers in the industry. With this in mind, the Managing and Maintaining PC’s: Part 1 course introduces you to the hardware components that make up the typical personal computer (PC) as well as networking devices, laptop computers and printers. It also covers the topic of developing and using an
organized approach to solving computer hardware problems by an IT technician. It is designed to align to CompTIA’s A+ 220-1201 Exam Certification objectives. To reflect a modern approach to maintenance and repair of PC’s, this course also introduces the responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a tool for research, diagnosis and finding effective solutions for computer hardware problems. Students will explore the capabilities and limitations of AI technologies in recognizing various issues in computer repair, and will analyze the solutions offered by IT in terms of validity, accuracy and adequacy in a given situation
Managing and Maintaining PCs: A+ Part 2 with AI Help Desk [BC-PC24AI]
The Managing and Maintaining PCs: Part 2 course builds on the knowledge and skills introduced in Part 1. It explores computer operating systems, with particular emphasis on Microsoft Windows, its installation, configuration, maintenance and optimization. The course then provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively maintain and troubleshoot software in a system. The critically important topic of security is also covered as well as the rapidly growing field of mobile operating systems.
The course is designed to align to CompTIA’s A+ 220-1202 Certification objectives. To ensure a modern approach to the installation, administration and maintenance of operating systems, this course is enhanced with an Artificial Intelligence Help Desk Essentials component which teaches students how to use Generative Artificial
Intelligence (Gen-AI) in a secure and responsible way to handle, clarify, prioritize, administer and resolve help desk tickets. This part of the course includes learning the use of AI in effective communication with clients submitting help desk tickets.
Network+ [BC-NWPO]
This course teaches the fundamentals of networking with an emphasis on basic theoretical concepts and practical hands-on skills. The course aligns with the objectives of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam (N10-009) and introduces students to essential networking principles used in modern IT environments. Students examine network models, protocols, hardware devices, addressing schemes, and infrastructure components while gaining practical experience configuring and
troubleshooting network systems.The course explores core networking technologies including TCP/IP addressing, network cabling, wireless networking, network architecture, routing and switching, wide area networking, and network security. Students also learn techniques for monitoring, protecting, and troubleshooting
networks, as well as maintaining network documentation and managing network infrastructure assets. Through hands-on labs and exercises using simulation environments and network tools, students gain practical experience configuring network devices, analyzing network performance, and diagnosing common
network issues.To reflect modern networking practices, the course also introduces the responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a network administration and diagnostic support tool. Students learn how AI-assisted tools can support network engineers by helping interpret network documentation, analyze configuration files, assist with command-line troubleshooting, generate network diagrams, and explain networking concepts and protocols. Students critically evaluate
AI-generated outputs to ensure that network configurations remain accurate, secure, and aligned with industry best practices. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain networking concepts, configure and troubleshoot network infrastructure, implement network security measures, and responsibly leverage AI-assisted tools to support network analysis, diagnostics, and infrastructure documentation.
Configuring a Windows Client Operating System [BC-WNDX]
This course covers the Windows Client operating system. In addition, skills learned in this course will give students a foundation to build on in Windows Server courses. Topics include installing Windows Client, performing postinstallation configuration, implementing Windows in an enterprise environment, configuring networking, storage, data access, implementing applications, configuring updates, monitoring and remote management, configuring system recovery, authorization and authentication.In an effort to support a modern approach to configuring the Windows client operating system, students are introduced to the responsible and secure use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a tool for exploring and researching the configuration of the Windows client operating system, diagnosing any issues that may need to be resolved when administering and managing the system.
Installation and Management of Servers [BC-SERPL]
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, manage, and maintain server installations. The course covers the server lifecycle through several key themes including server administration concepts, virtualization and cloud computing, security principles, physical asset management, server hardware and storage configuration, installation and maintenance of server operating systems, and the management of data security and service availability.
Students learn how to install and configure server hardware and server operating systems while gaining practical experience managing both Windows and Linux server environments.The course explores the implementation of server hardening techniques and security controls, troubleshooting of common server problems, and general server maintenance procedures. Students also examine high availability strategies, disaster recovery planning, and backup and restore mechanisms to
ensure reliability and continuity of services. Through hands-on labs and practical exercises, students develop the operational skills necessary to deploy and manage enterprise server infrastructure.To reflect modern IT administration practices, the course also introduces the responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a server administration support and diagnostic tool. Students learn how AI-assisted tools can support system administrators by helping analyze server logs, suggest troubleshooting strategies, generate configuration documentation, explain infrastructure concepts, and assist in scripting automation tasks. Students critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations to ensure that configurations remain secure, reliable, and compliant with enterprise system administration standards.By the end of the course, students will be able to install and manage server infrastructure, implement security and availability solutions, troubleshoot server environments, and responsibly leverage AI-assisted tools to enhance system administration, diagnostics, and documentation processes.
Introduction to Internetworking [BC-INN8]
This course explores the fundamental concepts in internetworking. The focus of this course is TCP/IP. Students will explore the DOD and OSI reference models and learn to identify TCP/IP protocol suite components and implement IP addressing and Subnet masks. Students will learn about name resolution and TCP/IP naming services and how to navigate the Cisco IOS interface and perform basic operations on Cisco routers and switches. To reflect modern networking practices, the course also introduces the responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a network research, diagnostic and design tool to help with the understanding of the internetworking models and assist with skillful designing of IP addressing, name resolution and various TCP/IP services. Students are also introduced to using AI in learning the Cisco IOS interface on routers and switches.
Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices [BC-ICNO]
This course explores the configuration and administration of common Cisco network devices. Students will learn about layered internetwork communication, protocols and standards, and how to plan and design Internetworked LANs and WANs. This course will allow the students to work with the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) in a simulated environment. Students will learn to implement and manage Cisco routers and switches.To enhance student learning with modern approaches and
practices, Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) is also used in this course. Students learn how to utilize AI as a tool for learning how to plan and design and internetworked LAN and WAN environments with emphasis on implementing and managing Cisco routers and switches.
Administration of Windows Server Hybrid Infrastructure – Core [BC-AZ800]
This course explores the installation and administration of Windows Server in on-premises, hybrid, and Infrastructure-asa-Service (IaaS) environments. Students learn how to integrate Windows Server environments with Microsoft Azure services and manage Windows Server workloads across hybrid infrastructures. The course examines the deployment, packaging, security, updating, and administration of Windows Server workloads using on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies. Students develop skills for implementing and managing hybrid solutions involving identity, security, management, compute, networking, storage, monitoring, high availability, and disaster recovery.Through practical labs, demonstrations, and guided exercises, students gain hands-on experience configuring Windows Server roles, managing Active Directory environments, implementing hybrid identity solutions, administering networking and storage services, and deploying virtual machines and containerized workloads.
In addition to traditional infrastructure administration practices, this course integrates Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) as a technical support and systems administration tool. Students learn to use AI-assisted tools to interpret system logs, generate PowerShell scripts, troubleshoot network and directory services configurations, analyze infrastructure deployment scenarios, and accelerate documentation and configuration tasks. Generative AI is used as an augmentation tool to help students explore solutions, analyze system behaviour, and validate configuration strategies, while students remain responsible for verifying outputs and applying Microsoft best practices.This course prepares students for hybrid infrastructure administration roles in environments that combine Windows Server, virtualization technologies, and Azure cloud services, while also developing the ability to use AI-assisted tools responsibly in modern IT operations workflows.
Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Infrastructure - Advanced [BC-AZ801]
This course continues with the development of knowledge and skills required to administer and configure Windows Server in hybrid infrastructure environments. Students develop advanced capabilities in five key areas: securing Windows on-premises and hybrid infrastructures, implementing and managing Windows Server high availability, implementing disaster recovery strategies, migrating servers and workloads to Microsoft Azure, and monitoring and troubleshooting Windows
Server environments.Through practical labs, guided exercises, and applied infrastructure scenarios, students learn how to configure Windows Server security features, manage hybrid Active Directory environments, implement failover clustering, configure disaster recovery solutions, migrate workloads to Azure platforms, and diagnose infrastructure performance and reliability issues. In addition to traditional hybrid infrastructure administration practices, this course incorporates Generative Artificial
Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a technical operations and systems administration support tool. Students learn how to use AI assistants to interpret system logs, generate PowerShell automation scripts, analyze security configurations, troubleshoot infrastructure issues, and design hybrid infrastructure architectures. Generative AI tools help students accelerate system analysis, explore alternative configurations, and support infrastructure documentation, while students remain responsible for validating configurations, verifying outputs, and applying Microsoft best practices. By the end of the course, students will be capable of managing complex Windows Server hybrid infrastructures that integrate on-premises systems, virtualization platforms, and Azure cloud services, while responsibly leveraging AI-assisted tools to enhance operational efficiency, security analysis, and infrastructure troubleshooting.
Deploy and automate Secure Cloud Environments [BC-CLODP]
This course focuses on the implementation and support of cloud-based infrastructure services within the broader context of IT systems operations in a datacenter environment. Students learn how to deploy, migrate, optimize, and protect missioncritical applications in cloud environments. The course explores the challenges associated with multi-cloud infrastructures and the techniques required to design secure and resilient cloud architectures. The course begins with an overview of foundational cloud architecture and design concepts, introducing the technologies and operational principles that underpin modern cloud platforms. Students then examine the deployment and management of cloud networks, with emphasis on securing cloud resources and implementing best practices for cloud infrastructure management. The course concludes with topics related to cloud optimization, monitoring, high availability, and disaster recovery to ensure resilient and secure cloud
environments.Hands-on labs and applied exercises allow students to practice deploying virtual machines, provisioning cloud resources, managing storage systems, configuring networking components, implementing automation workflows, and deploying security controls across multiple cloud platforms.To support modern cloud operations practices, this course also introduces Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a technical support and analysis tool within the cloud operations lifecycle. Students learn how AI-assisted tools can help analyze deployment configurations, generate infrastructure templates, assist with troubleshooting cloud resources, interpret monitoring metrics, and propose security and automation strategies. These tools enable faster problem analysis and improved infrastructure documentation while students remain responsible for validating outputs and ensuring that configurations follow industry best practices.By the end of the course, students will be able to deploy, secure, automate, and monitor cloud environments while responsibly leveraging AI-assisted tools to support cloud operations, automation, and infrastructure management.
Linux Administration and Management [BC-LINX]
This course will provide the students with the knowledge and skills required to configure, manage, operate, and troubleshoot Linux in on-premises and cloud-based server environments. Students will learn to use security best practices, scripting, containerization, and automation.The course aligns its coverage to the CompTIA Linux+ exam objectives into blocks based around the following themes: Linux concepts; Server administration; Network management and security; Scripting, automation, and installation of Linux.To promote a modern approach to administering and managing the Linux operating system, students are introduced to the responsible and secure use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) as a tool for researching the setup and configuration of Linux and Linux environments.
Career & Employment Strategies [CES4]
This course builds on the skills learned in the Student Success Strategies course or its equivalent. It provides information on how to use communication skills to make
successful presentations to prospective employers, uncover the hidden job market, and identify employment opportunities. Students engage in self-assessment to identify transferable skills and learn how to effectively communicate these to employers. The course also introduces the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a career support tool. Students apply AI to assist with resume and cover letter development, job searching, and interview preparation, while maintaining their own authentic voice and critically evaluating AI-generated content. Students may be videotaped during a mock interview and will participate in the analysis of their performance in the interview.
Practicum [PRAC200]
This program includes a practicum component which consists of 200 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.
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Gain a distinct advantage by earning industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise and skills in key areas such as digital marketing, project management, and CRM. Our program prepares you to succeed, whether you're advancing, switching careers, or starting your own business. Invest in yourself and join a community of certified professionals shaping the digital economy.
Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.
Any tools that we need are supplied to us and everything we use is up-to-date. My overall experience has been a great one. I have great instructors, good classmates, and good atmosphere. The staff is here for us even after we finish the course.
Travis M.
Network Systems Administrator Graduate
CDI College's Technology program helped me achieve my goals. The staff at CDI College is 100% professional, and the hands-on training and programs are current with industry trends.
Andres N.
Technology Program Graduate
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