Certificate IV in Information Technology (Support)

Description

This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in a variety of information technology support roles including database administration. The qualification has a strong ICT base of 12 common core units with the potential for inclusion of a range of broader support, help desk and database units to suit particular needs.

The qualification replaces 3 Certificate IV in IT 'support' qualifications from ICA99 Version 3 and incorporates the database qualification from ICA99, specifically:

It has 2 specialist streams with direct relevance to workplace roles.

Database Administration Stream This stream develops skills in the administration of commercial database systems and could provide database support to an organisation. There are several vendor courses that could potentially relate to this qualification and this stream provides logical entry into the Diploma of Information Technology (Database Design and Development).

Help Desk Stream A person selecting this stream would acquire skills and knowledge to undertake technical, client or product support and help desk activities that require a level of ICT technical expertise. The stream develops skills in defining, diagnosing and rectifying users needs and problems related to the use of hardware and software and with selection of network oriented electives could support a networked environment. It is the logical pathway from the ICA05 Certificate III in IT, Support stream and could provide logical entry into the Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration).

Job Roles

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) will find the outcomes of this qualification useful at a technical specialist support level. ICT support job roles apply across all industries.

Possible job titles include:

Computer Technician

Customer Support

Customer Support Professional

Data Administrator

Database Administration Associate

Database Administrator

Help Desk

Help Desk Analyst

Help Desk Specialist

ICT Support&System Service Engineer

Information Centre Specialist

Information Systems Administrator

Information Systems Operator

Network Support Technician

PC Network Engineer

PC Support

PC Support Technician

PC Systems Coordinator

Product Support Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Engineer

Systems Support

Technical Support

Technical Support Engineer

Technical Support Representative

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Writer

User Support Technician

Prerequisite Requirements

A number of units within this qualification have prerequisites. These are detailed as follows:

Code and Title

Prerequisite units required

ICAB4060B Identify physical database requirements

ICAA4041C Determine and confirm client business expectations and needs

ICAB4136B Use structured query language to create database structures and manipulate data

ICAB4225B Automate processes

ICAS4107B Manage resolution of system faults on a live system

ICAS3024B Provide basic system administration

ICAT3025B Run standard diagnostic tests

ICAT4221B Locate equipment, system and software faults

ICAS4109B Evaluate system status

ICAT3025B Run standard diagnostic tests

ICAS4114B Implement maintenance procedures

ICAT3025B Run standard diagnostic tests

ICAS4125B Monitor and administer a database

ICAS3024B Provide basic system administration


Subjects

Qualification Structure

To attain the ICA40205 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Support) 22 units must be achieved (depending on the specialist stream chosen):

12 common core units; plus

6 specialist core stream units - Database Administration; or

6 specialist core stream units - Help Desk; plus

4 elective units

Achieve 12 Common Core Units

Common Core

add topic BSBCMN304A Contribute to personal skill development and learning

add topic ICAA4041C Determine and confirm client business expectations and needs

add topic ICAB4225B Automate processes

add topic ICAD4043B Develop and present a feasibility report

add topic ICAD4217B Create technical documentation

add topic ICAS4022B Determine and action client computing problems

add topic ICAS4106B Action and complete change requests

add topic ICAS4113C Identify and resolve common database performance problems

add topic ICAS4114B Implement maintenance procedures

add topic ICAT4221B Locate equipment, system and software faults

add topic ICAW4214B Maintain ethical conduct

add topic PSPPM402B Manage simple projects

Achieve All Core Units in 1 of the 2 Specialist Core Streams (Database Administration or Help Desk)

Specialist Core Stream - Database Administration (6 Units)

add topic ICAB4060B Identify physical database requirements

add topic ICAB4136B Use structured query language to create database structures and manipulate data

add topic ICAS4107B Manage resolution of system faults on a live system

add topic ICAS4108B Complete database back-up and recovery

add topic ICAS4125B Monitor and administer a database

add topic ICAB4170B Build a database

Specialist Core Stream - Help Desk 6 Units)

add topic ICAS4023B Provide one-to-one instruction

add topic ICAS4033B Assist with policy development for client support procedures

add topic ICAS4109B Evaluate system status

add topic ICAS4134C Provide first-level remote help desk support

add topic ICAW4027B Relate to clients on a business level

add topic ICTCC121A Use an enterprise information system

Achieve 4 Elective Units Chosen from the Following Sources (Listed in Recommended Order)

the other ICA40205 specialist core stream not already selected; and/or

elsewhere in the ICA05 Information and Communications Technology Training Package (at Certificate III [maximum 2 units], Certificate IV or Diploma); and/or

the BSB01 Business Services Training Package (at Certificate IV or Diploma); and/or

any other Training Package (up to maximum 2 units and at Certificate IV or Diploma) based on documented industry or enterprise needs


Pathways...

    Not Applicable


Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

The following units contain the basic fundamentals of ICT knowledge and skills for all qualifications at Certificate III in IT and above. These units or demonstrated equivalence are required for entry into this qualification:

BSBCMN106A Follow workplace safety procedures

ICAD2012B Design organisational documents using computing packages

ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer

ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware

ICAU2006B Operate computing packages

ICAU2013B Integrate commercial computing packages

ICAU2231B Use computer operating system

ICAW2001B Work effectively in an IT environment

ICAW2002B Communicate in the workplace


Licensing Information

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Employability Skills Summary

ICA40205 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Support)

The following table contains a summary of the Employability Skills required for a Help Desk Support Officer. The Employability Skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.

Employability Skill

Industry requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

consulting with end users and clients before, during and after development of services to determine their issues and ensuring that their needs are met

interpreting technical manuals

Teamwork

working with clients to maintain security on computer networks and manage problems

working with internal users and third party suppliers to determine and update service level agreements

Problem Solving

solving client computing problems which may be non-routine and unpredictable

using discretion and judgement to interpret available information and solve problems

Initiative and Enterprise

developing new criteria and procedures for performing current practices

identifying, analysing and evaluating information from a variety of sources

Planning and Organising

creating project plans to guide the development of systems methodologies

organising resources for providing one on one instruction to clients on technical issues

planning the evaluation of system status taking into account time, environment, and internal and external issues

Self-management

taking responsibility for own output in relation to specified quality standards

working within the Australian Computer Society code of ethics regarding security, legal, moral and ethical issues

Learning

maintaining knowledge of current industry accepted hardware and software products

providing technical advice towards resolution of specified problems

selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments

Technology

selecting, sourcing and using appropriate software and tools based on analysis of technical needs