The Diploma in Low Voltage Systems and Security Technology is a comprehensive, hands-on training program that prepares students for entry-level careers in the low voltage, telecommunications, and security installation industries. Delivered over two years, the program combines 720 hours of on-campus technical instruction with a 720-hour supervised Cooperative placement (Co-op), offering both theoretical foundation and real-world experience.

In this program, students learn to install, configure, and maintain a variety of low voltage systems commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Key areas of training include:

• Structured cabling systems (Cat5e, Cat6, and fiber optic cables)
• Security alarm and intrusion detection systems
• CCTV and surveillance technologies
• Access control systems (including biometric and electronic devices)
• Cable TV (CATV) signal systems
• Basic electronics and low voltage electrical components
• Network hardware (routers, switches, PoE devices)
• Jobsite communication and customer service

Throughout their training, students gain extensive hands-on practice using industry-standard tools and test equipment in a workshop setting. Instruction emphasizes accuracy, safety, and compliance with applicable codes and industry best practices.

To ensure workplace readiness, students complete mandatory safety training and certifications, including:

• Occupational First Aid – Level 1 (OFA 1)
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
• Fall Protection Certification
• Ladder Safety Training
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Awareness
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Awareness
• Electrical Safety Awareness

The program culminates in a Low Voltage and Security Systems Integration Lab Project, where students apply their knowledge to install and test interconnected systems in a simulated real-world environment.

In the second year, students participate in a 720-hour Co-operative Education (Co-op) placement, where they work with industry employers under supervision to further develop their skills and gain job-site experience. The Co-op helps bridge the gap between training and employment, supporting students as they build industry relationships and explore future career pathways.

This diploma is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a low voltage installer, cable installer, security systems installer, CCTV installer, access control installer, structured cabling assistant, or communications wiring support. Graduates are equipped with the foundational skills and practical knowledge to begin working immediately in a wide range of low voltage and communications roles.

Note: This program does not include Basic Security Training (BST), which is required to apply for a Security Worker Licence in British Columbia. Students who wish to work in licensed security roles must complete the BST separately through an approved provider.

Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers as security systems installers, low voltage installers, network cabling workers, and surveillance system technicians’ assistants. They can pursue opportunities in telecommunications, IT infrastructure, security services, and smart building technologies, supporting the installation and maintenance of integrated low voltage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

1. Grade 12 graduation or equivalent (General Education Development, Adult Basic Education) or mature student status (age 19 and one year out of school). All transcripts must be “true certified copies” or originals.
2. Applicants must successfully complete
   • The admissions interview and
   • Fulfill the English language Proficiency requirement and
   • Achieve a minimum score of 50% in the Math Assessment
3. For more information on Math proficiency requirements and equivalencies, please refer below:
   • Domestic Students
   • Domestic students who can provide a Canadian transcript showing completion of Math 10, 11 or 12 (or equivalent) with a passing grade of ‘C’ will be exempt from having to write the Math Entrance Assessment.
   • International Students
   • International students can meet the Math Entrance Assessment requirement by providing an equivalent to Canadian High School Math 10, 11, or 12 with a passing grade of ‘C’. The credential must be evaluated and verified
4. For more information on English language requirements and equivalencies for both domestic and international students, please refer to the Language Proficiency Requirements Policy.

All applicants—Domestic and International—must provide verified results from one of the approved English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years prior to the program start date.

• International English Language Testing System:(IELTS) Academic Minimum overall score of 5.5
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 40
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
• Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE)
• Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)): Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
• Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
• LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
• The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
• iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
• EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

High School Credential

• Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages

Other Criteria

• 2 years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages.

Mature Domestic Students:

This option applies only if:

• The program’s language of instruction is English.
• The applicant is a mature domestic student facing barriers.
• The applicant is unable to access their educational records or provide sufficient proof of secondary/post-secondary education.

Accuplacer Assessment:

• Applicants must be 19 years or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must provide attestation of completing at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages (ELL courses do not count).
• Must achieve the following minimum scores on the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation):
  • ✓ Reading: 230
  • ✓ Writing: 230
  • ✓ WritePlacer: 4

Upon completion of this program, students will be trained to work:

• Understand fundamental electrical principles and safety standards applicable to low voltage systems.
• Demonstrate proper use of tools, personal protective equipment, and workplace safety procedures.
• Read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings accurately.
• Install and terminate structured cabling systems for voice, data, and video applications following industry standards.
• Apply basic electronics concepts to low voltage circuit design and troubleshooting.
• Perform fiber optic cable splicing, termination, and testing with precision.
• Execute residential and commercial wiring installations compliant with electrical codes.
• Explain key communication protocols such as IP, Ethernet, and Power over Ethernet (PoE).
• Demonstrate effective customer service skills and professional job-site communication.
• Install, configure, and maintain security alarm system components and wiring.
• Set up and troubleshoot CCTV and surveillance camera systems.
• Install and program access control systems, including readers and door hardware.
• Understand cable TV (CATV) systems, signal distribution, and technology fundamentals.
• Apply advanced network cabling principles to complex low voltage installations.
• Estimate material and labor costs for low voltage projects with reasonable accuracy.
• Understand the basics of small business management, including finance, marketing, and legal requirements relevant to the trade.
• Integrate various low voltage systems into a functional network through a hands-on lab project.
• Develop troubleshooting and problem-solving skills within integrated low voltage systems.
• Demonstrate compliance with applicable industry codes, regulations, and best practices.
• Prepare for entry-level employment by demonstrating technical proficiency and professionalism in practical projects.
• Apply learned theoretical knowledge and technical skills in a supervised 720-hour Co-op placement, gaining hands-on industry experience in low voltage system installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting to reinforce real-world competencies.
• Demonstrate professional workplace behaviors, including effective communication, teamwork, time management, and adherence to safety and industry regulations.
• Develop problem-solving abilities by diagnosing system issues and adapting to various work environments and technologies within the security and low voltage industry.

• Weekly on-campus tests will be conducted
• Students will be given a final exam

• • Achieve a minimum overall average of 50% on all on-campus tests and the final exam.
  • Successfully finish the 36-week (720-hour) Cooperative placement (Co-op) training with a Data Cabling and Security Systems contractor.

• The total program (including Co-op training) hours are 1440.
• The full-time program length is 72 weeks.
• The part-time program length is 144 weeks.

Students can expect to complete 1-3 hours of homework per day

• • A. AUTHOR: ACE Community College
  • B. PUBLISHER: ACE Community College