ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology

Start building real world projects with industry proven mentors

Learn programming foundations, creating databases, making web sites and mobile apps with the latest industry technologies and tools

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Best for:Beginners or early coders who want structure, confidence and practical portfolio evidence
LevelFoundation programming
ProjectsJava, Python, web and mobile
SupportMentor supported online study
Good FitComplete beginners and existing IT staff

A practical first step into software development

This Certificate IV pathway is designed for students who want more than short tutorials. You develop the habits of real software development professionals: planning, coding, testing, version control, solving problems and turning ideas into working applications.

The course brings together core ICT skills with a programming specialisation and selected electives in databases, web development, mobile apps, automation, virtual machines, agile work practices, cyber security awareness and emerging technologies.

The goal is to help students build confidence from the ground up, with practical tasks that connect the qualification units to visible project work.

Four project blocks that build momentum

Each block groups related units around a practical project you can optionally add to a work portfolio. Students move from programming basics through data-driven applications, mobile development and a full-stack web project.

Block 1: Programming basics and automation tools

Explore emerging technologies, robotic desktop automation, introductory programming, GitHub and collaborative ICT work practices.

Portfolio build: Build a version-controlled Java mini-application that demonstrates clean coding habits, basic automation thinking and a clear GitHub change history.

Block 2: Python, data and problem solving

Develop object-oriented programming, multi-language programming, virtual machines, relational databases and client problem-solving skills.

Portfolio build: Create a Python data application that collects information through Robot Framework libraries, validates it and saves it to a relational database.

Block 3: Interfaces and mobile apps

Apply IP, ethics and privacy requirements while building user interfaces, testing software, working with data-driven applications and developing mobile apps.

Portfolio build: Design and test a mobile app prototype in Android Studio using Kotlin, a data-backed feature and documented testing evidence.

Block 4: Web, agile and AI awareness

Bring together cyber security risk awareness, critical thinking, website development, agile practice and artificial intelligence concepts.

Portfolio build: Build a MERN-style web app in Visual Studio Code, using agile tasks, cybersecurity awareness and AI concepts to shape the final user experience.

What students study

The qualification includes core ICT units, programming specialisation units and electives chosen to support practical software development capability.

Core units

  • BSBCRT404 Apply advanced critical thinking to work processes
  • BSBXCS404 Contribute to cyber security risk management
  • ICTICT426 Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and practices
  • ICTICT443 Work collaboratively in the ICT industry
  • ICTICT451 Comply with IP, ethics and privacy policies in ICT environments
  • ICTPRG302 Apply introductory programming techniques
  • ICTSAS432 Identify and resolve client ICT problems

Programming specialisation

  • ICTICT449 Use version control systems in development environments
  • ICTPRG430 Apply introductory object-oriented language skills
  • ICTPRG433 Test software developments
  • ICTPRG437 Build a user interface
  • ICTPRG440 Apply introductory programming skills in different languages

Selected electives

  • ICTDBS416 Create basic relational databases
  • ICTPRG432 Develop data-driven applications
  • ICTAUT402 Apply robotic desktop automation
  • ICTNWK420 Install and configure virtual machines
  • ICTPRG436 Develop mobile applications
  • ICTWEB447 Build basic website using development software and ICT tools
  • ICTICT447 Work effectively in agile environments
  • ICTAII401 Identify opportunities to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning

Skills students build

This course is about becoming more capable with the tools and thinking used in software projects, not just recognising focusing on theory with disjointed units that don’t build towards a bigger goal.

  • Programming fundamentals, object-oriented programming and multi-language coding practice
  • Version control with GitHub and project asset management
  • Database design, data-driven applications and basic relational databases
  • Web, mobile and user interface development
  • Robotic desktop automation, virtual machines and emerging technology awareness
  • Software testing, agile project practices, cyber security risk awareness, ethics, privacy and IP obligations

Career outcomes

Possible roles for graduates, with a rough Australian salary guide based on comparable roles advertised on SEEK, LinkedIn and Indeed.

Junior Software Developer

Indicative annual salary$132,000

Entry-level development, testing and application support roles.

Web Developer

Indicative annual salary$129,000

Front-end or junior full-stack roles building and maintaining websites.

Application Support Developer

Indicative annual salary$88,000

Technical support and development roles working with business applications.

Salary guide only: figures are approximate base salaries in AUD before superannuation and may vary by location, experience, specialisation and employer. Sources: SEEK, LinkedIn and Indeed. Salary ranges are indicative and may change as the market changes.

Industry outlook

Software, web and application development remain active parts of Australia’s professional technology workforce, creating pathways from entry-level development into broader ICT roles.

Australian workforce

203,200

people employed as Software and Applications Programmers.

Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile.

Annual employment growth

+13,700

additional people employed over the latest annual period reported by JSA.

Jobs and Skills Australia trend data.

Live job listings

Current listings

Software developer listings visible across three major Australian job boards.

Listings change daily; view live results: SEEK · LinkedIn Jobs · Indeed

These figures are indicators, not a guarantee of employment. Last JSA update: 13 October 2026. JSA notes that its occupation profiles use ABS data and that job-board counts change daily. JSA’s ten-year projections are indicative trends based on current assumptions, not precise forecasts. Read the JSA projections methodology.

How training is delivered

This course is delivered online through the Automation Skills learning platform, with scheduled online training sessions supported by structured self-study. Training and assessment take place in a virtual environment. Students should allow approximately 10 to 15 hours per week for training, independent study, practical activities and assessment. The course is structured over 52 weeks.

Scheduled Online Training

Take part in scheduled online webinars with trainer guidance.

Structured Self-Study

Complete reading, research, coding practice and project work using the guidance provided for each unit.

Practical Virtual Activities

Work through individual tasks, small-group discussions and scenario-based exercises in a trainer-guided virtual environment.

Digital Learning Resources

Access unit outlines, reference materials, audiovisual resources and assessment information through the learning platform.

Entry requirements and suitability checklist

This course is designed as a practical foundation pathway. It is a good fit when students are ready to practise consistently, solve problems and build confidence with development tools.

  • Programming level: Suitable for students who are new to programming or have only light self-study experience.
  • Digital confidence: Students should be comfortable using a computer, managing files, browsing the web and following online instructions.
  • Study time: Students should allow approximately 10 to 15 hours per week for training, independent study, coding practice, projects and assessment tasks.
  • Technology access: Students need reliable internet access and a computer they can use for programming and development software.
  • Learning approach: Best suited to students who are willing to experiment, make mistakes, debug and improve through practical project work.

Student support and reasonable adjustments

Support needs are identified during enrolment and can be discussed with Automation Skills before training begins.

  • Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital LiteracyWe review whether support may be needed for course participation and assessment.
  • Reasonable AdjustmentsAdjustments for disability or learning difficulty are considered individually and must preserve the requirements of each unit.
  • Examples of SupportWhere appropriate, support may include adaptive technology, educational support, additional assessment time or an alternative assessment method.
  • External ReferralsIf support cannot be provided directly, we may discuss referral to a third party. Any additional cost or service limitation will be explained before enrolment.

Tell us what you need: Describe any support or adjustment needs in the enrolment form, or contact Automation Skills before applying.

Fees and payment

Pay as you learn with manageable weekly payments of $95. The maximum course fee is $4,940, based on the maximum 52 weeks payment period.

Maximum Course Fee$4,940
Weekly Payment$95
Maximum Payment Period52 weeks
Flexible enrolment. You’re in control!

Your goals can change. Your fees should change with them

Pay just $95 per week while you study—without being locked into the maximum course fee.

Finish Sooner. Pay Less

Complete all required units early and your weekly payments stop early.

Leave When You Need To

Some providers may still require you to pay the full course fee if you withdraw or decide the course is not right for you.

With Automation Skills, you may withdraw at any time and future weekly course-fee payments will stop.

Keep What You Earned

If you withdraw, you will be issued a Statement of Attainment for every unit you have successfully completed.

Talk to us if you would like us to explain how early completion, withdrawal or your final payment works. Review our Fees, Cancellations, Withdrawals and Refunds policy for the full conditions.

Is this the right starting point?

This course may suit students who are new to programming, returning to study, changing careers or wanting a structured pathway into practical IT skills. You do not need to present yourself as an expert on day one, but you do need time, curiosity and a willingness to practise.

You will need

  • Reliable internet access and a computer suitable for programming and online study
  • Time each week to complete coding activities, assessment tasks and project work
  • Permission to install required development tools on your study computer
  • A Unique Student Identifier (USI) for nationally recognised training

Pathways, recognition and next steps

Students who complete the Certificate IV pathway may consider diploma-level programming and web development study where suitable. Students with relevant prior study, workplace experience or existing skills can ask about recognition of prior learning or credit transfer during the enrolment process.

Course suitability can depend on your current technical confidence, available study time and goals. The enquiry form is the best first step if you want to check whether this qualification is the right place to begin.

Free one-to-one session

Book a free career and course counselling session.

Talk with me about your goals, experience and the best next step for your career or study pathway. Choose a convenient time and the session will take place on Zoom.

Book your free session

Ready to apply for the Certificate IV?

Start your application now, or ask us about suitability, availability and study expectations before you apply.

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