Overview
The Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option is a two-year program that provides the skills to install, maintain and repair telecommunications infrastructure. The Radio Systems option emphasizes hands-on, practical training with radio frequency (RF) telecommunications equipment.
The program
The Telecommunications Systems Technician program, Radio Systems Option will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work with radio frequency (RF) electronics equipment. It is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Through theoretical and practical study, you will develop the skills needed to install, maintain and repair RF and related electronics equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical training using equipment typically encountered in industry.

Skills in the wireless communications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was incredibly instrumental in preparing grads for work.
Why BCIT?
Great Faculty – You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry, and maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements, and through the program advisory committee.
Excellent Labs – Hands-on experience with up-to-date well equipped electronics labs helps you to understand the concepts that you learn, and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
Fantastic Career Choices – You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You could be working for a manufacturer of RF-related electronics equipment in a quality assurance or service technician role. You might work for a service provider, installing, configuring and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
Degree Completion – With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.
Telecommunications Systems Technician options
A video providing insight on the education, employment opportunities and success in a great career choice:
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
If you’re interested in a career as a Radio Systems Technician, please review the program details, carefully check the entrance requirements, and then submit your application.
Spend-A-Day with us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.453.4089.
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Applications are considered for a specific intake; this program does not carry a wait list from year to year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (50%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (50%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (50%) from a recognized institution or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment (for applicants who have two years of education in an English-speaking country only)
What if I don’t meet these English requirements? - Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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- Next up Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Direct entry
If you are new to the program but have completed the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate, you may be eligible for direct entry to level 3 (September start).
BCIT accepts complete applications starting October 1st (or next business day).
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Proof of completion of the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate, or an equivalent certificate from another recognized institution
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF]
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Find out how much you will need to complete your diploma in Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option!
The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program, and will assist you in developing a budget for your two years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Tuition & Fees pages for tuition fee amounts:
Books & supplies
$900 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
- Go back Advanced Placement
- Next up Courses
Courses
Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!
Your studies will combine classroom work and lectures with practical laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the theory. You will work on the latest equipment, studying the theoretical and practical aspects of RF, data, satellite, navigation and cellular communications systems. You will learn as part of a team, working with other students and with your instructors to solve problems.

You will complete a three-week practicum working as a technician for a local company, gaining experience and employment contacts.
At your own well-equipped lab workstation, you will have your own networked computer, communications monitor, frequency counter and digital DMM in addition to standard electronics bench equipment. Two-way mobile and trunk radios, a wireless LAN, a spread spectrum radio network, a microwave repeater site and a basic cell site are all available to give you hands-on experience with all types of wireless communication equipment.
Studying and learning in a class of only 16 students, you will develop close working relationships and lifelong friendships with your classmates.
Class hours
0800-1500, Monday through FridayProgram matrix
Term 1 (15 Weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
TELX 1500 | Technical Skills | 8.0 | |
TELX 1505 | DC Fundamentals | 12.0 | |
TELX 1510 | AC Fundamentals | 10.0 | |
Term 2 (20 Weeks) | Credits | ||
TELX 1550 | Data Networks 1 | 6.0 | |
TELX 2510 | Electronic Circuits 1 | 8.0 | |
TELX 2515 | Digital Fundamentals | 8.0 | |
TELX 2520 | Microcontroller Principles | 6.0 | |
TELX 2550 | Data Networks 2 | 6.0 | |
TELX 2610 | Electronic Circuits 2 | 6.0 | |
Term 3 (15 Weeks) | Credits | ||
TELX 3550 | Data Networks 3 | 6.0 | |
TRFX 3500 | Radio Frequency (RF) Principles 1 | 10.0 | |
TRFX 3505 | Radio Frequency (RF) Transmission Lines and Antennas | 6.0 | |
TRFX 3600 | Radio Frequency (RF) Principles 2 | 8.0 | |
Term 4 (20 Weeks) | Credits | ||
TELX 3520 | Professional Skills | 4.0 | |
TELX 4560 | Managing Connected Devices | 6.0 | |
TRFX 3510 | Microwave Communications | 4.0 | |
TRFX 3515 | Radio Frequency (RF) Navigation & Location | 4.0 | |
TRFX 3520 | Structured Cabling Systems | 6.0 | |
TRFX 4500 | Radio Frequency (RF) Applications | 10.0 | |
TRFX 4505 | Practicum | 5.0 | |
Total Credits: | 139.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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- Next up Program Details
Program Details
The program information below provides a synopsis of the Radio Systems Option of the Telecommunications Systems Technician program where you will gain some insight into your training at BCIT and the kinds of hands-on skills you will acquire.

Students in the Radio Systems option learn the theory, communication standards, measurement and test equipment, and the standard practices of the wireless telecommunications industry.
As a student in the program you will learn:
- The theory and standards associated with radio frequency (RF) communication and transmission systems
- The theory and standards associated with video display and distribution, cellular communication systems, navigation systems and satellite communications
- To evaluate the performance of and troubleshoot RF communication systems
- To install, configure, test and document data communication systems, navigation systems and LANs
- To bench test, isolate faults and repair RF equipment
- To calibrate, use and maintain industry
- Standard test equipment high-reliability soldering
Program length
Two years, full-timeProgram delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
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- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Explore the exceptional career opportunities as a Telecommunications Systems Technician!
What’s in it for you?
A rewarding job as a Technician
Your BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting career as a technician – a technical expert who works in a team to solve problems, and is relied upon to install, maintain and repair electronic equipment.
An edge in the job market
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was incredibly instrumental in preparing grads for work.
A broad range of employment possibilities
The job market for telecommunications technicians is strong. As a graduate of the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program, you will have opportunities with large and small companies in a variety of roles. Most graduates start out in hands-on technical roles, but there are many opportunities to move into technical sales or managerial roles if you are interested.
Some of the many employers of BCIT Telecommunications Systems Technician graduates include:
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2019-2021 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2018-2020 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Our instructors are committed to keeping their skills current, and regularly attend advanced training courses.

You will also learn from people who are active in local industry. Guest lecturers introduce the latest technology, and are available to answer your questions.
The advisory board of industry experts meets biannually to review the program focus and content, ensuring that our program and your skills are up-to-date.
Faculty
Dave Hogg, DiplT, PID, MA, AScT
Department Head
Tel: 604-432-8223
Email: dave_hogg@bcit.ca
Rick Davidson
Tel: 604-431-4949
Email: rdavidson2@bcit.ca
Mike Lowe
Tel: 604-412-7464
Email: mlowe16@bcit.ca
Blair Thompson-Jendrysek, DipT, PID
Tel: 604-456-8157
Email: blair_thompson@bcit.ca
Gareth Williams
Tel: 604-432-8458
Email: gareth_williams@bcit.ca
Len Worley, DipT, PID, MEd
Tel: 604-412-7528
Email: leonard_worley@bcit.ca
Staff
Kacem Habiballah, MA, EdD
Associate Dean
Tel: 604-451-7075
Email: kacem_habiballah@bcit.ca
Erna Humphreys
Provisionary Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-456-8052
Email: eschultz@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
Darren Hamaoki
Service Manager, Radio Holland
C/M Jason A. Jaschinsky
A/Director Information Technology, RCMP “E” Division
Doug Peterson
Manager, MDT Technical Services, Inc.
Ralph Ryan
Service Manager, BC Communications Inc.
Craig Sexton
Manager, TELUS Wireless Implementation and Operations
Benjamin Staggs
Marine Services Manager BC, Mackay Marine Canada
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
Spend-A-Day with us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
If you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.453.4089.
Questions or comments?
- Go back Faculty, Advisors & Staff
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.