Cyber Security Qualifications
Nationally recognised training
Build a career in cyber security with a nationally recognised qualification. Study a Certificate III, Certificate IV or Diploma of Information Technology 100% online and self-paced, with support from qualified trainers and no exams.
Certificate III vs Certificate IV vs Diploma
The Certificate III in Information Technology suits people starting an IT career and builds basic cyber security awareness. The Certificate IV is the security specialisation step for people with some IT exposure. The Diploma prepares experienced workers for specialist cyber security roles.
| Certificate III | Certificate IV | Diploma | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | ICT30120 | ICT40120 (two streams) | ICT50220 |
| Best for | Starting out in IT, security awareness | Specialising in cyber security (or with AI) | Specialist security roles, going deep |
| Typical duration | Up to 12 months, self-paced | Up to 12 months, self-paced | 12 to 18 months, self-paced |
| Entry requirements | None formal | None formal; some IT exposure helps | None formal; suits experienced IT workers |
| Pathway | Certificate IV | Diploma | Highest level offered |
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Where a cyber security qualification can take you
These qualifications are designed to prepare you for roles across security operations, administration and analysis. Indicative advertised salary ranges for related roles in Australia:
Meet your technology trainers
Upskilled's ICT qualifications are delivered by a dedicated vocational education team. You are assessed by qualified trainers, not by software.
Join over 42,000 Aussies who have had success with Upskilled
Upskilled are absolutely number one in the online learning industry . I was extremely pleased with the platform and learning units with detailed explanations and step by step instructions of all unit. Highly recommend
I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses with Upskilled. I highly recommend a Diploma of IT online course to innovative students who are capable of conducting their own research. However, for those who are new to the IT field, I would suggest starting with Certificate III as it provides a strong foundational understanding. Upskilled has good instructors, with Russell standing out as an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to help solve any networking-related issues.
I enjoyed my course certificate III IT! My teacher Russell was such a great mentor and really encouraging along my journey. I did find the course website difficult to navigate at times, but once I became familiar it was fine. Thankyou to everyone who made it possible for me to complete.
FAQs - cyber security qualifications
Yes. Every qualification on this page is nationally recognised training under the Australian Qualifications Framework, delivered online by Upskilled (RTO 40374): the Certificate III in Information Technology - Focus on Basic Cyber Security Awareness (ICT30120), the Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security (ICT40120), the Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI (ICT40120) and the Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) (ICT50220).
It depends on your experience. With no IT background, start with the Certificate III in Information Technology - Focus on Basic Cyber Security Awareness (ICT30120). With some IT exposure, the Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security (ICT40120) is the specialist step, with a Cyber Security and AI stream if you want emerging AI skills alongside security. Experienced IT workers can go straight to the Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) (ICT50220).
All qualifications on this page are online and self-paced. Certificate-level qualifications are typically completed within 12 months, and the Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) (ICT50220) typically takes 12 to 18 months. Because study is self-paced, many students finish faster by studying more hours per week.
These qualifications are designed to prepare you for roles such as cyber security analyst, SOC analyst, IT security officer, network security support and security systems administrator, depending on the level you complete and your experience. No qualification guarantees a specific job, and senior roles typically also expect industry experience.
No. The qualifications on this page are AQF credentials, delivered with learning content powered by partners such as Microsoft, Cisco and VMware by Broadcom. Vendor certification exams, for example CompTIA Security+ or EC-Council programs, are separate non-accredited products and are not included in a qualification.
They stack: Certificate III can lead to Certificate IV, then the Diploma, so you can build towards further study step by step.
Arlaine Berman
Head of Vocational Education — IT, Upskilled
Arlaine leads the Technology stream at Upskilled, with several decades in the IT industry as a networking engineer and trainer. Her credentials include a BSc in Computer Science, an MBA, and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Trainer certifications. She reviews Upskilled's IT and Technology course content to ensure it reflects current industry practice.
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