Computer Network Administrator

Certificate

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You are curious about technology and its endless possibilities. You like to challenge yourself to find a solution to a problem. You want to be the go-to desktop or server support guru for technical advice. You are fascinated by cloud computing and how it works. This is a great way to jump into the field of technology because you’ll learn how to support secure servers and network infrastructures using on premise and cloud technologies. Come and join the dynamic and exciting field of technology! CNA – Supporting IT!

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

The Computer Network Administrator (CNA) program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on technical skills required to be successful in today’s information technology world. The CNA program teaches students foundational technology skills, core knowledge areas, and strategies for being successful. Students get specialized training with up-to-date applied technology.  

Through the course of the program, you can expect to learn:

  • PC fundamentals
  • Microsoft Windows server and client operations
  • Linux server and client operations
  • Virtualization
  • Cloud computing
  • Scripting and automation
  • Network infrastructure
  • Troubleshooting
  • Assessing and supporting end user needs
  • Supporting basic security policies and practices
  • Working effectively and ethically as an individual or member of a team
CNA students

The NAIT advantage

  • small class sizes
  • personalized learning environment
  • curriculum that focuses on everyday, real-world situations
  • instructors with first-hand experience
  • proven success: NAIT graduates are knowledgeable and career ready
Laboratory Instruction

Career Outcomes

Job Opportunities

  • Computer Network Administrator
  • Computer System Analyst
  • Deployment Technician
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • IT Administrator
  • Information Systems Technician
  • Junior Network Administrator
  • Network Services Technician
  • Remote Operations Coordinator
  • Remote Support Technician
  • Server Administrator
  • Service Desk Support

Industries

  • Managed service providers
  • Provincial government
  • Healthcare providers
  • School boards and post-secondary institutions
  • Oil and gas companies

Median Starting Salary

The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Computer Network Administrator Certificate is $50,500.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

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Take your career planning to the next level

This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.

Further education at NAIT

Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.

Certification(s)

Depending on your career goals, you may also obtain vendor certifications including CompTIA's A+, Network+, Linux+, Microsoft and Cisco after completing the Computer Network Administrator program. This will require additional studying after completing the Computer Network Administrator program.

Note: Vendor certification may provide advanced credit for courses. If you're currently enrolled in the Computer Network Administrator program, you may contact the program for more information: cna@nait.ca.

Other Opportunities

With an additional year of post-secondary education or bridging courses, graduates may enter the Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology – Network Management, or Cybersecurity programs. View Computer Network Administrator Educational Pathways

Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of B- in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Courses

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.

Term 1

COMM1000Technical Communications
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in Computer Network Administrator, Computer Engineering Technology or the Network Engineering Technology program.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

This course will place an emphasis on developing professional communication skills to enable students to be successful members of a team in a work environment. The course concentrates on skills in writing, reading, speaking, researching, and critical thinking, within the context of technical communications in the workplace.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
COMP1000Client/Server Fundamentals
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator and Network Engineering Technology programs.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Modern computers are rarely deployed in isolation, but typically have network connectivity. Students will work with the underlying hardware components of servers and workstations. Students will also learn how to configure client and server operating systems in a network environment.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
COMP1110Linux Fundamentals
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator and Network Engineering Technology programs.
  • Course Equivalencies: COMP1700, NET1700
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The Linux operating system is a secure and robust platform for providing application and network services. Students will configure and manage virtualized Linux systems and resources in a network environment.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
NETW1000Network Fundamentals
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator and Network Engineering Technology programs.
  • Course Equivalencies: CMPA1300, NETE1200
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Networks rely on a number of devices, reference models and rules to communicate. Students will investigate both the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) models. Theoretical concepts will be reinforced through the basic configuration and management of typical network devices.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
PRGM1000Scripting Fundamentals
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator program or Network Engineering Technology program.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Fundamental skills in programming are critical to many of the tasks IT professionals perform. Students will create modular programs and scripts that use iteration, decision-making, and information processing. Students will implement algorithms and analyze, debug, and troubleshoot programs.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline

Term 2

COMP1200Server Administration
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator and Network Engineering Technology program. Pre-Requisite: COMP1000.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The modern enterprise requires stable, secure and efficient access to networked infrastructure and services. Students will configure and administer collaboration, deployment and directory services, as well as system management tools.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
COMP1300Virtualization
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator program, or the Network Engineering Technology program. Pre-Requisites: COMP1110 and COMP1000.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Virtualization is a technology that allows businesses to optimize available computing resources. The rationale for deploying virtualization will be examined. Students will install and configure virtual hosts and networks with current technologies

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
COMP1400Service Desk Fundamentals
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator program, or the Network Engineering Technology program. Prerequisite: COMP1000.
  • Course Equivalencies: CMPA1000
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Managing end-user requests is important in an IT environment. Students will be introduced to the processes and tools that will make them more effective while providing technical support to their clients. Topics covered include: information gathering techniques, troubleshooting and incident documentation.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
NETW1100Local Area Networks
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator and Network Engineering Technology programs. Pre-Requisite: NETW1000.
  • Course Equivalencies: CMPA1800, NETE1800
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The configuration and implementation of Local Area Networks are core skills for our students. Students will, individually and in teams, construct, configure, manage and maintain local area networks using simulation software and classroom hardware.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline
PROJ1000Technical Project I
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Computer Network Administrator and Network Engineering Technology programs. Prerequisites: COMM1000, COMP1000, NETW1000, PRGM1000.
  • Course Equivalencies: CMPA1980, CNA1990
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Building something as complex as a computer network relies on the timely completion of interdependent smaller components. Under supervision, students will build a network based on a given scenario while demonstrating teamwork, technical skills, research abilities, and professionalism.

View Course SchedulingView Course Outline

Tuition & Fees

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.

Tuition

Cost Per Credit: $179.00

View international tuition for upcoming intakes

How much does first year cost?
Domestic cost estimate
International cost estimate

Mandatory Fees

View fee listing and breakdown

Pay Your Tuition & Fees

Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)

Level 1 Term 1: $625
Level 1 Term 2: $200


Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

Admission Requirements

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Minimum entrance requirements

 

The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.

  • Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics (Math 30-2 or Applied Math 30)
  • One of:
    • Grade 11 Physics (Physics 20), or
    • Grade 12 Chemistry (Chemistry 30), or
    • Grade 12 Science (Science 30)
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

Additional requirements & considerations

Alternative entrance pathways

 

If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.

  • Successful completion of minimum 24 post-secondary credits or 8 post-secondary courses* within an accredited or recognized degree or diploma in a related field (computer sciences or information technology) with an Admission GPA of 2.0 based on the most recently completed 24 post-secondary credits.

*Please note that acceptance into the program does not guarantee transfer credits. Transfer credits evaluation will take place after the student is accepted into the program.

Post-admission requirements

 

Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.

  • Computer Literacy - Basic

Basic computer literacy is required for a successful progression in this course. This comprises, but is not limited to, possessing fluency in basic word processing, spreadsheet creation, and an understanding of email and web best practices.

  • Computer Requirements:

  • Home desktop or laptop computer required. Please note desktop PC will be cheaper. Computers are provided in the labs, no laptop needed.

  • Minimum i7 Intel processor or AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx with 8 cores minimum (update for 2023/24)

  • Minimum 64 GB of RAM

  • Minimum 2 TB SSD hard drive

  • Minimum Windows 10

  • No additional Antivirus or antispyware required (Windows 10 comes with this)

  • Webcam

  • Headset with microphone

  • Minimum 50 Mbps internet download speed

  • Dual monitors

If you have PC requirement questions, please email cna@nait.ca

Not sure if you meet the requirements?

Learn more about how NAIT evaluates applications, and find resources on how to satisfy admissions criteria.

How applications are evaluated Submitting required documents

Dates & Deadlines

 
International
Applications Open:

Aug 01, 2024

 
International
Applications Deadline:

Once the program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025

Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.

Permanent Residency

NAIT students and graduates of this program may apply for Permanent Residency (PR) if they qualify under one of Canada’s PR pathways.

However, this program is not eligible for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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