4 IT Certificates For Beginners

As a global industry of rapid growth, innovation, and diverse job opportunities, the current tech landscape has never been better for aspiring IT workers.

Developments continue to thrive at a swift pace, leaving plenty of new jobs next to an ever-growing skills shortage. According to recent Deloitte studies, Australia will need an additional 100,000 workers in ICT by 2024 to reap the full benefits of digital innovation.

If you’re looking to enter the world of IT, you’re in luck. The recent skills crisis, fueled by disruptions by COVID-19, has reportedly bumped up salaries by 30% to meet growing demand. Thus, industry entrants will not only find a wide abundance of roles and specialities, but plenty of high-paying positions, to boot.

Below, we’ve broken down four popular “beginner’s” certificates to help you get started in your tech career, and how Lumify Learn can help.

ICT30120 – CERTIFICATE III IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Consider yourself a total rookie? An ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology functions as a “starter kit” for a wide variety of tech roles and specialties. This program helps equip you with the foundational skills for entry-level tech professions – exploring basic programming, networking, cyber security, and web development expertise.

Additionally, you’ll build the soft skills to effectively communicate and collaborate in an ICT environment, provide valuable tech advice to clients, and apply critical and creative thinking skills in a workplace context. Those who complete this certificate will thus build a skillset transferable across various IT sectors, and provides an ideal starting point for higher-level, more specialised qualifications.

The program is made up of three streams: supporting clients and systems; configure and support user environments; and cyber security and development, and takes up to 12 months to complete.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Students who get certified through this course can begin pursuing entry-level IT roles such as an ICT technician, a help desk assistant, and a network support officer. Such roles allow one to practically exercise and apply and their knowledge of general ICT maintenance, skills in ICT consultation, and general understanding of hardware, software, and network systems.

POTENTIAL STUDY PATHS

Graduates seeking further study may wish to further their skills through a specialised Certificate IV in web development or networking.

ICT40120 – CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT)

Got a sharp eye for detail and a flair for customer service? Perhaps an ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Systems Administration Support) is your best fit.

Focusing on areas of systems support, maintenance, and troubleshooting – while exploring the basic IT skills of programming; hardware and software installation; and configuration – students will arm themselves with a solid skillset for technician and networking-related roles.

The program dives into the technical knowledge required for effective ICT support, including fault-finding and troubleshooting practices; configuring hardware and desktop environments, and ensuring quality cyber security. Soft skills in communication, advanced critical thinking, and analysis will thus be exercised along the way.

The course is made up of four streams: ICT essentials; supporting clients and data; configure and support user environments; and cyber security and delivery – and takes up to 15 months to complete.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Certified students can entry-level roles in help desk support and ICT systems administration. These allow them to practically apply their IT consultation skills, system maintenance and management abilities, and in-depth knowledge of hardware, software, and network environments.

POTENTIAL STUDY PATHS

As the course briefly explores areas of IT security and computer networks, those seeking further study may wish to undertake a specialised diploma course in cyber security or advanced networking.

ICT40120 – CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (WEB DEVELOPMENT)

Aspiring “techies” with more visually creative interests may be best suited for a web development career. Employment for this sector is currently on a strong incline, with a 25% job growth expected in the next five years (according to SEEK). Professionals also enjoy an average annual salary of $62,061 AUD.

An ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development) is the perfect starting point for those looking to hone their skills in the area, helping build one’s knowledge of basic web design, database management, cyber security, and search engine optimisation (SEO). Students who pursue this course will equip themselves with the technical skillset to plan, design, develop, and maintain functional, dynamic, and accessible web pages. Additionally, you’ll learn basic IT skills in programming and documentation.

The program is made up of four streams: front-end essentials; supporting clients and dynamic data; databases and cyber security; and practical application of websites, and takes up to 15 months to complete.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Once completed, students can then go on to seek entry-level roles in front-end web development, web application development, and programming. These roles can help one exercise and build upon their knowledge of essential design principles, simple website code, and web maintenance.

POTENTIAL STUDY PATHS

Those seeking further study may wish to pursue an ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Back-End Web Development), helping them hone their skills in website databases and architectural website code.

ICT40120 – CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (NETWORKING)

Finally, those with an interest in networks and computer systems may wish to undertake an ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking). Similar to a certificate in systems administration support, this course helps build one’s skills in maintenance, troubleshooting, and ICT client assistance – with a specific focus on computer network management.

Students will learn to install, operate, configure, and maintain network systems; along with ensuring quality cyber security practices. They’ll build the skillset required to analyse potential network threats, develop incident response plans, and efficiently handle security breaches or incidents as they arise.

Additionally, the “essentials” of ICT (i.e. server management, basic programming, and virtualisation) are also covered.

The program is made of four streams: ICT essentials; supporting clients and data; networking and security; and cyber security incident handling; and takes up to 15 months to complete.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Those who complete this course can go on to pursue entry-level roles as network administrators, technicians, or general network professionals. With their learned knowledge of systems and network support, they can also choose to pursue opportunities as a help desk assistant.

POTENTIAL STUDY PATHS

To further hone their skills in computer networking, graduates may wish to undertake an ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking). This program offers further training in the design, installation, and security management of network systems.

KICKSTART YOUR ICT CAREER TODAY!

So, ready to launch your career as an ICT professional?

Each of these certificate programs are currently available under Lumify Learn, along with other, boot-camp courses in rising sectors such as cloud computing, data science, and AI.

Best of all, our programs are delivered online – helping you train at a time, place, and pace of your choice.

Get started in the thriving, dynamic world of ICT today, and enquire with us on a course.

Lumify Learn offers a wide range of courses:

ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security)
ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development)
ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)
ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)
ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development)
ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Systems Administration Support)
ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology

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