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Certificate IV in Computer Systems Technology

TAFE course

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Overview

The Certificate IV in Computer Systems Technology is suitable for those who require the knowledge of networking, hardware and programming skills.
For students seeking to develop a career or undertake further studies in the computer and networking engineering industries, this Certificate IV leads to the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology. Over the two-year program, students gain a sound background and theoretical knowledge of hardware and software components of modern computing systems.
Areas of study include: analysing, designing and diagnosing faults in complex computer systems and equipment; client needs analysis; and commissioning of advanced systems and equipment, including local and wide area networks.

Mid-year option
(domestic students only)
This IT program commencing Term 5 is an entry level course into the IT industry and is also designed to facilitate passage into the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology in the following year. Completion of the Certificate IV will require participation in a Summer School in January/February. Please note that completion of the whole Certificate IV is not mandatory for entry into the Advanced Diploma but is strongly encouraged.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus.)
Duration1 year full-time (Term 2 and Term 5 only) or equivalent part-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Term 1, Term 2, Term 4, Term 5, Term 6, Term 7
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (day)
Course codeCCICA41011
National codeICA41011
Fees
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Career opportunities

This course provides prerequisite skills for students wanting to continue their studies in information technology. Career outcomes could include:
  • Network support administrator
  • Network operations support
  • Network operations technician
  • Network technician
  • Network support technician
  • Level 1 help desk support
  • Desktop deployment technician

Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Certificate IV in Computer Systems Technology is suitable for those who require the knowledge of networking, hardware and programming skills.
For students seeking to develop a career or undertake further studies in the computer and networking engineering industries, this Certificate IV leads to the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology. Over the two-year program, students gain a sound background and theoretical knowledge of hardware and software components of modern computing systems.
Areas of study include: analysing, designing and diagnosing faults in complex computer systems and equipment; client needs analysis; and commissioning of advanced systems and equipment, including local and wide area networks.

Mid-year option
(domestic students only)
This IT program commencing Term 5 is an entry level course into the IT industry and is also designed to facilitate passage into the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology in the following year. Completion of the Certificate IV will require participation in a Summer School in January/February. Please note that completion of the whole Certificate IV is not mandatory for entry into the Advanced Diploma but is strongly encouraged.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus.)

Course structure

Students are required to complete a total of 20 units, 12 core units and eight elective units.
This course is delivered in a traditional face-to-face, classroom-based mode.

Units of study

Core units
BSBOHS302B  Participate effectively in OHS communication and consultative processes
BSBSUS301A  Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practice
ICAICT401A  Determine and confirm client business requirements
ICAICT418A  Contribute to copyright, ethics and privacy in an IT environment
ICAICT421A  Connect, maintain and configure hardware components
ICANWK404A  Install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network
ICANWK405A  Build a small wireless local area network
ICAPRG414A  Apply introductory programming skills in another language
ICASAS425A  Configure and troubleshoot operating system software
ICASAS426A  Locate and troubleshoot IT equipment, system and software faults
ICAWEB411A  Produce basic client-side script for dynamic web pages
ICTTEN4199A  Install, configure and test a router
Elective units
ICANWK401A  Install and manage a server
ICANWK402A  Install and configure virtual machines for sustainable ICT
ICAPRG406A  Apply introductory object-oriented language skills
ICAPRG409A  Develop mobile applications
ICANWK507A  Install, operate and troubleshoot medium enterprise routers
ICANWK529A  Install and manage complex ICT networks
ICAPRG417A  Apply mathematical techniques for software development
ICANWK511A  Manage network security

Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities, professional recognition and graduate attributes.

Aims and objectives

This qualification allows students to install, configure and repair computer systems, local and wide area networks, under the supervision of others. They will be expected to be able to install and administer simple networks, servers, and client desktop deployments, either as an independent information and communications technology (ICT) specialist or as part of a team.

Career opportunities

This course provides prerequisite skills for students wanting to continue their studies in information technology. Career outcomes could include:
  • Network support administrator
  • Network operations support
  • Network operations technician
  • Network technician
  • Network support technician
  • Level 1 help desk support
  • Desktop deployment technician

Professional recognition

Vendor qualification for IT Essentials and Cisco I & II.

Graduate attributes

Students gain a sound background and theoretical knowledge of hardware and software components of modern computing systems.
Graduates of this course should have the skills to continue their study in the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology or a range of diploma or advanced diploma qualifications.

On this page: pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Pathways

Courses at Swinburne can provide an alternative entry option, or pathway, into further TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate courses if you don’t meet the entry requirements. For example, successful completion of a Swinburne diploma or advanced diploma provides credits that can advance you to later stages of an undergraduate degree. Certificate level studies can also pathway through to higher level TAFE studies. Whatever your situation, pathways ensure you gain the maximum benefit for previous study – whether at Swinburne or another institution. For more information, please visit the Pathways website.

Credit transfer

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of a course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer website.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. To learn more about RPL and how to apply, please visit the RPL website.

Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees, scholarships and find out more.

How to apply

To apply direct to Swinburne follow the step-by-step process on the How to Apply website.

Course fees

For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Scholarships

For information about scholarships at Swinburne visit the Scholarships website.

Find out more

Submit an Online Enquiry 
Tel: 1300 275 794
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au