Certificate IV in Cyber Security

You'll develop skills that involve a blend of problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, data analytics, penetration testing, cloud-based networking, scripting, privacy and ethics.

With exposure to leading industry platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Splunk and Cisco, your training will ensure you gain the skills for the technologies industry demand.

As a cyber security practitioner you will develop practical skills to:

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 maintain security control provide information on security implications highlight legal implications, including ethical behaviour monitor security events and report on security issues respond to security events work within teams and communicate clearly apply security concepts identify security weaknesses proactively maintain business relationships.

Unique to the Certificate IV in Cyber Security are connections to industry that are embedded early on in your training.

You will have access to expert panel discussions, inspirational story-telling and industry events.

With access to our Cyber Security Training Centre, you will have the opportunity during your course to train in a simulated working environment for collaboration and practical experience, forming teams to produce solutions to industry standard problems.

To be awarded the 22334VIC Certificate IV in Cyber Security, a student must successfully complete a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, comprising of:

• ten (10) core units, and;
• six (6) elective units.

Electives must be industry relevant as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• BSBRES401 - Analyse and present research information
• BSBWHS401 - Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs to meet legislative requirements
• ICTICT418 - Contribute to copyright, ethics and privacy in an ICT environment
• ICTPRG407 - Write script for software applications
• RIICOM301D - Communicate information
• VU21988 - Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security
• VU21989 - Test concepts and procedures for cyber security
• VU21990 - Recognise the need for cyber security in an organisation
• VU21991 - Implement network security infrastructure for an organisation
• VU21992 - Develop a cyber security industry project

ELECTIVE UNITS

• ICTPRG405 - Automate processes
• VU21993 - Secure a networked personal computer
• VU21994 - Perform basic cyber security data analysis
• VU21995 - Manage the security infrastructure for the organisation
• VU21996 - Evaluate and test an incident response plan for an enterprise
• VU21997 - Expose website security vulnerabilities

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This course is aligned with Level 4 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in that graduates will have:

• cognitive skills to identify and analyse risk of security attacks and recommend appropriate strategies to mitigate the attacks;
• cognitive, technical and communication skills to implement and use a range of tools and procedures to mitigate cyber security threats in a wide variety of contexts;
• specialist technical skills to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems by methodically verifying compliance of all aspects associated with network security;
• broad knowledge base of relevant Australian standards, codes of practice and industry guidelines on network security;
• ability to evaluate information from a variety of sources and analyse the data gathered on the network security to assess compliance, and;
• ability to take responsibility for own outputs and contributions as part of a team to maintaining an organisation’s cyber security system and incident response plan.

The Volume of Learning for the Certificate IV in Cyber Security is typically 0.5 - 2 years. This incorporates structured training delivery and opportunities for practice and reinforcement of skills including, self-directed study, research, project work and written assignments.