← Certificate IV qualifications
Certificate IV in Information Technology
ICT - Information and Communications Technology
Generalist ICT qualification with elective streams in networking, programming, web development, cyber awareness and gaming.
Entry requirements
- Year 12 or mature-age entry
What you will learn
The ICT40120 covers entry-level ICT skills across hardware, networking, software and user support. Core units include providing ICT advice to clients, supporting personal computer hardware, maintaining and troubleshooting operating systems, applying critical thinking to workplace problems, and managing personal work priorities. Specialist streams let you focus on networking (Cisco CCNA-aligned modules), programming (Python, Java fundamentals), front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), gaming and digital media, or system support. Most TAFEs align the qualification with CompTIA, Microsoft or Cisco industry certifications for stronger employability.
Skills you build
- Helpdesk and tier 1 user support
- PC hardware troubleshooting and repair
- Windows and Linux operating system administration
- Network basics (TCP/IP, DNS, routing)
- Scripting in PowerShell or Python
- Front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Active Directory user and access management
How the course runs
Most students study full-time over 6 to 12 months or online over up to 18 months. Around 400 to 600 hours of formal training, with theory and practical lab work split roughly 30/70. Most learning is done in virtual lab environments or hands-on PC and networking lab benches. Some providers offer it as a paid traineeship through the Australian Apprenticeships framework.
How you will be assessed
- Practical lab assessments (PC build, network setup)
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- Capstone project assignments
- Workplace portfolios for traineeship pathways
- Industry certification preparation exercises
Workplace and placement
No mandatory work placement, though most students target helpdesk and IT support work during or after the course. Trainee pathways pay reduced wages under the Information and Telecommunications Technology Industry Award. Many students study while doing casual IT support or technical-aide work in schools, councils or small businesses.
Typical employers
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) servicing SMEs
- Internal IT teams in government departments and corporates
- Education sector technical services teams
- Hardware retail and service shops
- Web development agencies (junior front-end roles)
- ICT teams in healthcare, finance and not-for-profit
Pay after this qualification
$55,000 - $75,000 per year
Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/explore-careers/occupation/ict-support-technicians. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
Is this the right course for you?
You probably thrive here if
- You enjoy hands-on tinkering with hardware and software
- You can self-direct learning from documentation
- You can deal with frustrated users politely
- You enjoy problem-solving and root-cause analysis
- You can keep current with rapid technology change
It is probably not for you if
- You expect a quiet sit-down office job (helpdesk is busy)
- You struggle with self-directed online study
- You are not patient with non-technical users
- You cannot keep up with rapid changes in technology
After you finish
After Cert IV you can progress to the Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) with specialisations in software development, networking, cybersecurity, data analytics or web. Bachelor of Information Technology programs at RMIT, Swinburne, Edith Cowan, Charles Sturt and others offer credit for the Diploma toward a degree. Industry certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft MD-100, Cisco CCNA) strongly complement the qualification for entry roles.