Applied Business Technology

Applied Business Technology certificate

The Applied Business Technology (ABT) program prepares students for employment in today’s office by providing them with business and computer skills. ABT is a full-time, 24-week program that includes a three-week work experience practicum. Graduates are in high demand, and employers often ask specifically for ABT graduates.

Employment opportunities

Widespread use of technology has resulted in the administrative employee assuming more of the high-level skill responsibilities traditionally done by managers and executives, thereby creating a new office professional.

Offices in business, government, and non-profit offer many opportunities for employment. The expansion of office staff, placement of workers in new positions, and growth of industry in the Fraser Valley result in a continuing demand for well-trained administrative employees.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of the Applied Business Technology assessment, which will be used to help determine suitability to the program.
3. Keyboarding speed of 20 net words per minute.
4. Mature applicants (19 years of age or older) without secondary school graduation may be admitted on the basis of the Applied Business Technology assessment.
5. Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Note: This is a rigorous program. Students need to be physically, emotionally, and financially prepared before beginning.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year for entrance to the Fall and Winter semesters. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
   • For students 19 years of age or older, a record of their secondary school or upgrading marks.
2. Applicants will be advised of the date of the next assessment.
3. After the assessment, applicants will either be placed on the intake list or referred for upgrading and later reassessment.
4. When a seat is available, applicants will be notified.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. In addition to tuition fees, students should be prepared to spend approximately $800 on books, supplies, etc. Financial aid may be available through the Financial Aid and Awards office at any UFV campus.

Program duration

The Applied Business Technology program is 24 weeks in duration, including the three-week work experience course, and is completed in a full-time capacity.

Location

The program is located at the Clearbrook Centre in Abbotsford. This includes students taking the program through Abbotsford Career Programs.

Program outline

Practicum

At the end of the program, a three-week practicum with a local employer gives students an opportunity to apply their skills in an office environment before they graduate.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice without written permission from the Dean. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

For more information

Contact the program head at 604-504-7441, ext. 4731.