Skills you’ll gain studying a Certificate IV in Information Technology

By Michelle Tran  |  November 9, 2020

The Australian ICT industry is currently one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors, providing continuous opportunities for both workers and businesses to grow and innovate.

As the field faces a widening skills shortage, individuals are increasingly encouraged to pursue relevant industry skills – such as those in cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, and web development.

Looking to enter (or upskill for) the ICT sector, though not exactly sure where to start? A Certificate IV of Information Technology can equip you with the essentials for any ICT role, as well as an overview of the field’s most popular specialities.

We break down the main skills you’ll gain from studying a Certificate IV in Information Technology below, and how Lumify Learn can help.


Systems analysis and documentation

Two key areas explored under a Certificate IV in Information Technology are system analysis and technical documentation.

Students will learn to monitor computer and network systems; identifying, diagnosing, and rectifying any faults that occur. They may also acquire skills in basic database development as well as automating simple processes. These units can equip individuals with the foundational training required to pursue roles in systems administration and networking support.

Additionally, students will learn to produce documentation comprised of system logs, modifications, user instructions, and other necessary technical information; a skill that can benefit most IT roles, regardless of specialisation. Students can also sharpen their skills in analysis, critical thinking, and written communication – all high in demand across the ICT industry.


Provide effective IT support

This course also explores the essential skills required to provide efficient user support.

Students will be trained to identify client or user problems (using questioning or other troubleshooting techniques), apply the appropriate investigative process to determine a solution, and perform the maintenance required to resolve the issue. They may also learn to prepare maintenance reports, document user responses for any follow-up actions, and manage change requests when necessary.

Throughout this training, individuals can build on their interpersonal and communication skills – helping them effectively assist and guide clients in a clear, logical manner. They may also learn of common questioning techniques, conventions, and protocols when supporting clients remotely (such as online or over the phone). Such skills are easily transferable to others roles, and applicable to other social interactions in an ICT environment; such as helping out team members or relaying important information to supervisors or stakeholders.


Networking skills

A Certificate IV in Information Technology provides a basic overview of computer networking – skills currently in-demand in various sub-sectors of the global ICT industry.

Students will learn the fundamental skills in network testing, configuration, and security; equipping them for career pathway in network support (or with the basic knowledge to pursue a more focused networking qualification). Subject areas may include server management and installation; implementing network safeguards; installing hardware or deploying software to a network; and managing network operations and data integrity.

These skillsets are currently essential to some of ICT’s most in-demand fields – including cloud computing, systems administration, and cybersecurity.

Students can also equip themselves with soft skills in critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving; all required to spot, assess, and resolve network problems as they arise. Documentation may also play a role in their network training, helping them build on their written communication.


Basic programming skills

The program will also brush upon basic coding skills and programming languages; training students to write simple scripts for software applications, develop basic user interfaces, maintain database, and apply structured query language.

Programming is essential to any ICT professional, with its skills applied in nearly all sectors of the industry. Individuals can use this basic, transferable skillset to explore and shift between various fields in ICT, honing new techniques and languages as required.

With the programming training a Certificate IV in Information Technology provides, students can sharpen their skills in logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Coding may be required to resolve system faults, network issues, or program bugs; in which individuals are required to assess the code for any gaps or errors, and apply the appropriate changes (or develop new sections of code) to amend them.

As such, students can also build on their attention to detail, and resilience in overcoming debugging issues and brainstorming creative solutions.


Basic web development skills

Students undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology may also explore foundational skills in web design and development.

The course provides a basic overview of the specialty – training students in simple webpage design and interactive content. Students may also be trained in traffic monitoring and web security.

With web users growing by the year (and a surging demand for mobile web development), basic skills in the field can benefit any professional in ICT. Training in this area can also build one’s creative skills, project management, and visual thinking – as students will likely be expected to design innovative, functional webpages fit to specific business needs.

Those who enjoy the web development aspects of a Certificate IV in Information Technology can further pursue the field though Lumify Learn's ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development), where individuals will continue to build their skills in complex web design, database development, and applying new web technologies.


Basic cybersecurity

Finally, a Certificate IV in Information Technology will offer basic insight into the growing field of cybersecurity.

With cybercrime costing the economy an estimated $29 billion per year, spurred commonly through methods of ransomware, phishing, and malware – any ICT professional is required to have foundational knowledge in security practices.

Students will learn to analyse the cybersecurity requirements of a business, as well as methods of performing effective threat and risk assessments. They’ll also learn to evaluate current cybersecurity controls and identify any security gaps or areas for improvement. Additionally, individuals can build their knowledge of common cybersecurity risks, threats, and methods of incident handling.

This training can help improve one’s analytical thinking and attention to detail, as well as communication with peers and supervisors.

Program graduates can continue to pursue cybersecurity through Lumify Learn’s Certified Cybersecurity Professional course; a qualification comprised of three CompTIA certifications, delving deeper into specialised security skills within an operational and networking context.


Looking to launch a career in ICT?

Whether it’s to upskill for an ever-digitised future, or to simply start your career path in ICT, our Certificate IV in Information Technology has all the relevant, foundational training to get you started.

Best of all, the course is delivered completely online – helping you tailor your studies around personal needs and schedule.

Start your career journey in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries, and enquire with us on a course today.