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Applied Business Technology

Frequently asked questions

If you're just entering the workforce, having a solid set of office skills can be the ticket to get you in the door and started on your first career. You may already have a degree or diploma, but want to add some hands-on office skills to your portfolio. Enroll in UFV’s Applied Business Technology program today, and you’ll be ready to start your new career as an office professional in as little as six months.

If you've been working in an office environment for some time, you may be finding it difficult to keep up with the many changes taking place in office technology. New computer programs require more training, and keeping your office skills up-to-date can be a challenge. It’s never too late to update and improve your office skills.

Apply anytime and start the program in either September or January.


Today’s office professionals need to be computer-savvy in a number of programs, and UFV’s Applied Business Technology program will make sure you are ready for employment upon graduation. Our six-month program will teach you up-to-date office skills in word processing, keyboarding, spreadsheets, database management, and bookkeeping. Business communications and office procedures courses will enable you to develop the skills necessary for success in today’s offices, including social media and website management. The three-week practicum at the end of the program will give you an opportunity to apply your skills in an office environment before you graduate. UFV’s ABT program has a solid reputation for teaching office practices along with the latest software, so you’re job-ready.

ABT training also prepares you for programs such as medical or dental office assistant, legal administrative assistant, business administration or computer information systems. Offices in business, government, and industry offer many opportunities for employment. The growth of industry in the Fraser Valley has resulted in a continuing demand for well-trained employees. In fact, employers actively seek our graduates. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Get the UFV advantage with:

  • 21 weeks in class, plus a 3-week practicum
  • Experienced, skilled instructors
  • Emphasis on business-production standards
  • Microsoft Office 2016
  • Strong job-placement rates


Once you have completed the six-month program, you will have the business, computer, and office skills necessary to be successful in any office environment. Offices in business, government, and industry offer many opportunities for employment. The rapid growth of industry in the Fraser Valley has resulted in a continuing demand for well-trained employees.

Many of our graduates use the skills gained from the program to successfully complete further education. Our graduates are in high demand and employers often ask specifically for UFV grads.


  • ABT 110 Database Management
  • ABT 111 Office Practices and Management
  • ABT 131 Keyboarding
  • ABT 133 Word Processing
  • ABT 135 Business English and Communications
  • ABT 137 Spreadsheets
  • ABT 143 Bookkeeping
  • ABT 160 Web-based Business Communications
  • ABT 187 Work Experience

Read course descriptions


You will need your B.C. secondary school graduation and successful completion of the Applied Business Technology assessment. Mature applicants (19 years of age or older) without high school graduation may be admitted on the basis of the assessment alone.

It is expected that you have a minimum keyboarding speed of 20 net words per minute before you start the program. You will also be required to meet the English language proficiency requirements.

This is a rigorous, full-time program, and you need to be physically, emotionally, and financially prepared to meet the challenges.


Due to COVID-19, ABT’s fall 2021 intake will be delivered online via synchronous classes Monday–Thursday mornings and in-person classes Friday mornings (at the Clearbrook Centre campus located at 32355 Veterans Way in Abbotsford). Optional online drop-in sessions will be held several afternoons a week.


Submit an application form to UFV's Office of the Registrar by following this step-by-step application process.

Your application will be logged according to the date it is submitted. You will then be contacted regarding a date for the next Information and Assessment session.


Program fees and tuition are subject to change. To view the program costs and financing options, visit the Fees & costs page. Additional costs (books, supplies, and graduation fees) may total $800 or more.

You should also visit UFV’s Financial Aid and Awards website for information about the $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, and scholarships awarded to UFV students annually.


Apply at any time. There are two intakes each year and you can start the program in either September or January.

Follow our step-by-step application process.


Absolutely. We want to hear from you. You can contact: 

Christine Nehring, Program Head
604-504-7441 x4731, Abbotsford
christine.nehring@ufv.ca

If you’re unsure of your direction, or want more information about other course offerings at UFV, contact Student Services to arrange a tour, attend a Becoming a Student info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling.


If you are funded by WorkBC, all program-related answers can be found in Answers to WorkBC Questions.


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