Program at a glance

Courses | Admission and completion requirements | Estimated fees | Application dates | How to apply

Get the technology skills, and the certification, you need for a better career.

The Computer Based Information Systems (CBIS) certificate is a non-credit program designed to help mid-career professionals enhance their foundational knowledge of technology and information systems. Whether you are making a career move within your current place of employment or transitioning into the IT field, this credential will add value to your resume and skill set.

The CBIS certificate program has been offered by the Division of Continuing Studies at UVic for almost 35 years. During that time, the content of courses and the direction of the program has remained current, keeping up with the readily changing field of IT.

Delivered entirely online, the flexibility of this program attracts working professionals from both public and private sectors. You will acquire theoretical knowledge—balanced by practical application—all relating to current software, knowledge of networks, systems analysis, databases, website design and other business information technologies.

Program outcomes

  • Describe current issues related to information systems, such as privacy and security.
  • Explain how information technology is changing business and other sectors.
  • Complete projects using core information technologies such as databases, HTML and CSS, programming languages and networking devices.
  • Apply structured and creative approaches to implement solutions to business challenges.
  • Analyze information technology systems, their components and their implications.
  • Evaluate proposed technological solutions to a business need.
  • Understand the way technology is influencing the way humans interact with the world.
  • Build on prior education and experience to gain certification in an academic context and achieve your future career goals.
  • Connect with a vibrant community of engaged experts and staff who will enhance your lifelong learning capacity.
  • Apply your learning to personal and professional practice.
  • Achieve confidence to creatively address issues and add value to your workplace.
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Admission and completion requirements

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the program, you must have one of the following:

  • a university degree and three years of work experience
  • a college diploma and four years of work experience
  • high school completion and five years of work experience

English language requirement

The University of Victoria requires that applicants whose first language is not English, and who have not studied in Canada or an English speaking country for four (4) recent academic years in an acceptable program from an approved secondary or post-secondary institution, must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit scores with their application.

Acceptance to the CBIS Program requires 90 on the online test or 575 on the paper-based test, with no section less than 20. For more information about English language proficiency requirements, please see the UVic English Language Proficiency Requirements page.

Advanced standing via Prior Learning Assessment

If you feel that courses you have completed with other institutions are equivalent to any content of the CBIS Program, or you have significant experience in a technical field that directly relates to any of our courses, you may apply for advanced standing via the Prior Learning Assessment process. We will assess the documentation that you submit and grant credit towards a course on a case-by-case basis.

A Prior Learning Assessment requires that you submit a complete portfolio to the CBIS Program Coordinator, 250-721-8779. The portfolio typically includes transcripts, course outlines, a chronological record of work experience and other documentation such as job descriptions, performance appraisals, transcripts, samples of work, testimonials and certificates of attendance.

Students may receive up to a maximum of three advanced standing credits towards the CBIS certificate program. Download the PLA form (PDF). The fee for this process is $195 per application for assessment.

Completion requirements

You must complete nine non-credit courses in order to obtain the CBIS certificate: five core (required) courses and four electives as listed in the above section. You must also submit an Application to Graduate.

Please see the course pages for detailed course descriptions and scheduling information.

Career options

Some of our grads have pursued careers in the following roles:
  • IT Consultant
  • IT Coordinator - Municipal, Regional, Provincial, Federal Government Employee
  • Help Desk Coordinator - All private sector employers
  • Systems Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Database Administrator

Testimonials

Instructors

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Program application fee $60.00
Five required courses ($695 per course) $3,475.00
Four elective courses ($695 per course) $2,780.00
Textbooks $900.00
Estimated Total $7,215.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are only an estimate. Total program fees will vary depending on course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application dates

Starting in
January
Availability
Accepting Applications
Delivery Style
Online
Apply by
Ongoing
Apply online Application form
Starting in
May
Availability
Accepting Applications
Delivery Style
Online
Apply by
Ongoing
Apply online Application form
Starting in
September
Availability
Accepting Applications
Delivery Style
Online
Apply by
Ongoing
Apply online Application form

How to apply

To apply to the CBIS program, fill out an online application.

You can also register for individual courses without applying to the program. Registering for an individual course does not mean that you are automatically admitted to the program. Please contact us if you have any questions.

For courses with a prerequisite, you should meet all course-level prerequisite requirements. If you do not meet the identified course-level prerequisite, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your background and previous education.

Some CBIS courses may also be used towards Certificate and/or Diploma in Business Administration programs. Please see program pages for more details.

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