Certificate IV in Cyber Security
22603VIC
Length
1 Year (full time)
Certificate IV in Cyber Security - 22603VIC
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
Take the first cyber-steps to join an exciting field with significant employment opportunities by studying the Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
This is a technician-level course. It provides participants with a range of technical skills to seek employment as a cyber security technician in several organisations and government bodies.
Participants will learn how to:
- Recognise the need for cyber security in an organisation.
- Monitor the risk of cyber security attacks.
- Implement appropriate software.
- Use a range of tools and procedures to mitigate cyber security threats.
- Protect an organisation from insider security breaches.
- Develop systems to minimise network vulnerabilities and risks.
- Implement network security to secure an organisation.
- Project manage cyber security tasks.
- Virtualise operating systems used in a penetration testing lab environment. e.g. Windows Server, Windows 10, Kali, and Ubuntu.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This course will prepare students for a variety of roles across the cyber security and IT industries including:
- Junior Security Analyst
- Help Desk Officer
- IT Support Officer
- Network Support Officer
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study with Certificates in Networking and Cyber Security.
Course details
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 16 units: 8 core and 8 elective.
Core units
8 unit(s)
- BSBINS401 Analyse and present research information
- BSBWHS309 Contribute effectively to WHS communication and consultation processes
- ICTICT443 Work collaboratively in the ICT industry
- VU23213 Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security
- VU23215 Test concepts and procedures for cyber security
- VU23217 Recognise the need for cyber security in an organisation
- VU23220 Develop and carry out a cyber security industry project
- VU23223 Apply cyber security legislation, privacy and ethical practices
Elective units
8 unit(s)
- ICTPRG434 Automate processes
- ICTPRG435 Write scripts for software applications
- VU23218 Implement network security infrastructure for an organisation
- VU23221 Evaluate and test an incident response plan for an enterprise
- VU23222 Expose website security vulnerabilities
- VU23224 Identify the implications of cloud based security systems
- VU23225 Investigate Windows security features
- VU23226 Test concepts and procedures for cyber exploitation
Attendance & commitment
General public face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus three days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) 9am - 4pm over one year.
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes - if students are unable to attend the timetabled classes, they will be required to contact their teacher and catch up before the next class.
- Students will also have access to one-on-one trainer support for 1 hour per week, as required.
- Students may also be required to attend industry excursions.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Case studies
- Simulated demonstrations
- Projects
- Observations
- Roleplays
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Applicants are best equipped to achieve the course outcomes if they have as a minimum, language, literacy, and numeracy skills that are equivalent to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skill Framework.
- Applicants with language, literacy, and numeracy skills at levels lower than those recommended may require additional support to successfully undertake this course.
- To undertake the Certificate IV in Cyber Security under Free TAFE, students must have completed the Certificate III in Information Technology. GOTAFE will not grant a Fee Waiver for a student to commence the Certificate IV in Cyber Security unless GOTAFE has sighted evidence that a student holds a Certificate III in Information Technology.
Technical requirements
In order to complete learning and assessment tasks outside of class for this course, students will require access to a PC laptop/computer with a reliable internet connection (tablets/iPads are not appropriate devices for this course) with the following technical setup:
- OS: Windows 10.
- RAM: 8GB minimum 16GB strongly recommended.
- HDD: 256GB Minimum.
- CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Athlon X4 740 (or equivalent CPU/processor capable of virtualisation).
- VIDEO CARD: GeForce GTX 660 (2048 MB) or Radeon R9 285 (2048 MB).
- SOUND CARD: DirectX compatible.
- Two screens/monitors.
- Headset and webcam for virtual classes & audio/visual assessment tasks if required.
- A portable storage device such as an external hard drive, and/or at least one 32 GB USB thumb drive (essential for backing up work, or storing virtual machines on).
Inherent requirements
It is preferred that students have successfully completed previous studies in the IT area, or are competent in the following activities before entry into this course:
- Implement appropriate software.
- Produce podcasts and webinars.
- Present, research, and write reports.
- Work autonomously and in groups.
Industry requirements
Students completing a qualification in this field of study and securing employment in the industry may be required to be available after regular hours and/or on weekends to react to cyber risk incidents and issues.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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