Course Overview

About This Course

Set yourself apart in the IT industry with this Certificate IV in Cyber Security. You'll develop transferable practical knowledge and skills to enter the cyber security industry, including how to utilise basic network concepts and protocols, test cyber security concepts and procedures, and recognise the need for cyber security within an organisation. The course also covers developing and carrying out a cyber security industry project, and applying cyber security legislation, privacy and ethical practices. Elective study can extend into cloud computing, scripting and automation, incident response planning, and website security vulnerability testing. Alongside technical skills, you'll build workplace capabilities such as researching and presenting information, contributing to WHS communication, and working collaboratively in ICT teams. Graduates are equipped for junior-level roles across the fast-growing cyber security sector. If you're unsure you meet the entry pathway, TAFE Queensland offers free preparatory micro-credential courses in Cyber Security and Network Fundamentals. The course is delivered on campus, online via virtual classroom, or as an apprenticeship/traineeship, across campuses in Greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Darling Downs.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Concession $6,260 · Subsidised $8,420 · Full fee $15,600

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic and International Students:

Recommended: a Certificate III level qualification from the ICT Training Package, or completion of ICTPRG302 (Apply introductory programming techniques) and ICTSAS310 (Install, configure and secure a small office or home office network). Students who completed ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology may also gain entry.
Domestic students will be invited to complete a Skills Check after applying (recommended benchmarks: English 4, Maths 4, Digital Technology 4).
Special enrolment conditions apply if under 17 years of age.
Traineeship pathway: you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

International Students (additional requirements):

Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band below 5.5) or equivalent.
Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent); non-school-leavers must have relevant work experience or a qualification indicating likely success.
Minimum age 17, turning 18 during the first year of study; under-18 applicants require adequate welfare arrangements.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Cyber Security Advisor
Cyber Security Analyst
Junior Penetration Tester
Cyber/IT Security Officer
Junior Security Systems Administrator

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units18 units

BSBINS401

Analyse and present research information

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to collect, organise, analyse and present information using available systems and sources. This includes identifying research requirements and sources of information, evaluating the quality and reliability of the information, and preparing and producing reports.

BSBWHS309

Contribute effectively to WHS communication and consultation processes

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to work health and safety (WHS) communication and consultation in the workplace. It involves communicating WHS information to required personnel, and taking appropriate follow-up action to assist in ensuring that communication and consultation processes are effective and conducive to others in the workplace who raise WHS issues.

ICTICT443

Work collaboratively in the ICT industry

This unit describes the skills required to work collaboratively in virtual Information and Communications (ICT) team environments to achieve organisational objectives.

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

ICTCLD301

Evaluate characteristics of cloud computing solutions and services

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a basic review and analysis of cloud computing delivery and deployment models to support the needs of a business.

ICTICT426

Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and practices

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify emerging technologies and practices in the ICT sector and evaluate their potential impact on organisational practices.

ICTPRG434

Automate processes

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to write scripts to automate solutions by using basic scripting processes and application-specific scripting options.

ICTPRG435

Write scripts for software applications

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, design and build scripts, using a scripting language to construct highly interactive and automated software applications.

VU23216

Perform basic cyber security data analysis

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

VU23226

Test concepts and procedures for cyber exploitation

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior IT experience to enrol in the Certificate IV in Cyber Security at TAFE Queensland?

No prior IT experience is necessary. Student Aden Cornell-Carse had no previous experience or interest in IT before enrolling, having previously studied international relations, and was still able to successfully transition into a cyber security career after completing his studies at TAFE Queensland.

Is the learning at TAFE Queensland hands-on and industry relevant?

Yes, TAFE Queensland takes a practical, hands-on approach to learning. As student Aden Cornell-Carse noted, 'the technology that I'm using is the same technology that I'm using on the job, and when I see the checklist for jobs that I'm looking at it's exactly the same content. It's been very real-life based.' The facilities are also described as very similar to real-world facilities.

What kind of support can I expect from teaching staff during my studies?

Yes, TAFE Queensland teaching staff have real-world industry experience and connections that can help students find employment. As Aden explained, 'TAFE Queensland teaching staff have this real-world experience, which means they also have real-world connections. I was definitely able to make use of that to find a workplace that was really eager to take on TAFE Queensland students.'

What kind of support can I expect from teaching staff during my studies?

Teaching staff at TAFE Queensland are highly approachable and offer guidance drawn from extensive industry experience. As Aden described, 'Their approachability is probably one of the best aspects of being a TAFE student. You can always reach out to one of the teaching staff and they'll give you guidance — there's endless wealth of experience from the industry that they're offering. It's phenomenal.'

What career outcomes can I expect after completing the Certificate IV in Cyber Security?

Graduates can pursue roles such as network security, with opportunities to work with industry-standard technology every day. Aden Cornell-Carse, now working in network security, describes it as 'the most interesting job that I've worked in,' noting that the course also linked him in with companies in the local area, providing real employment opportunities shortly after completing his studies.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $95,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $130,000 to $165,000 per year

Career Paths

Cybersecurity AnalystPenetration Tester / Ethical HackerSecurity Operations Centre (SOC) AnalystDigital Forensics InvestigatorInformation Security Manager

Key Skills

Network security architecture and configurationEthical hacking and penetration testingDigital forensics and cybercrime investigationThreat intelligence analysis and risk assessmentIncident response and business continuity planning

Full Course Overview

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