Certificate IV in Cyber Security
Victorian accredited Certificate IV (22603VIC, accredited to 31 December 2027) offered by TAFEs and other providers. Core units cover network concepts, cyber security testing, legislation and ethics, and an industry project.
Entry requirements
- No essential entry requirements are set by the course (providers may check language, literacy and numeracy)
What you will learn
22603VIC is a Victorian accredited course, accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027. It replaced the earlier 22334VIC Certificate IV in Cyber Security. The core units are: Contribute effectively to WHS communication and consultation processes (BSBWHS309); Analyse and present research information (BSBINS401); Work collaboratively in the ICT industry (ICTICT443); Apply cyber security legislation, privacy and ethical practices (VU23223); Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security (VU23213); Test concepts and procedures for cyber security (VU23215); Recognise the need for cyber security in an organisation (VU23217); and Develop and carry out a cyber security industry project (VU23220). Electives include configuring and securing networked end points, implementing network security infrastructure, evaluating an incident response plan, exposing website security vulnerabilities and cloud security.
Skills you build
- Network concepts and protocols for cyber security
- Testing cyber security concepts and procedures
- Applying cyber security law, privacy and ethics
- Running a cyber security industry project
- Securing networked end points (elective)
- Incident response planning and testing (elective)
How the course runs
Delivery mode, length and fees are set by each provider. The accredited course document sets a total of 655 to 970 nominal hours, of which 430 hours are core units; the rest depends on the electives chosen. Check start dates, delivery mode and any Free TAFE eligibility with the provider.
How you will be assessed
- Practical tasks in lab or simulated environments
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- A cyber security industry project (core unit VU23220)
Workplace and placement
The course document does not require a work placement. The industry project unit is the main applied task. Pay in entry-level security and IT support roles depends on the employer, award or agreement; the careers listed below show sourced median earnings.
Typical employers
- Managed security service providers
- Internal IT and security teams in large organisations
- Government agencies
- IT support and consulting businesses
Is this the right course for you?
You probably thrive here if
- You can self-direct learning and stay curious about new threats
- You enjoy hands-on lab work and tinkering
- You can take direction in incident response under pressure
- You can document findings clearly in reports
- You can keep learning after the course (CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS certs)
It is probably not for you if
- You struggle with self-directed online study
- You expect cybersecurity to be like Hollywood movies
- You cannot keep up with the pace of new threats
- You are not comfortable with shift work in 24/7 SOCs
After you finish
The Advanced Diploma of Cyber Security (22610VIC) lists this certificate (or the superseded 22334VIC) as an entry pathway. Many universities offer cyber security degrees; ask them directly about credit for this qualification. Industry certifications are often studied alongside.
Careers this leads to
Median full-time weekly earnings are for the whole occupation (all experience levels) from Your Career, not starting pay for new graduates of this course.