The Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC) is a nationally recognised AQF Level 4 qualification — the technician-level credential for people protecting networks, systems and data across Australia. If you already work in IT, networking or security — securing endpoints, responding to incidents or managing cyber risk — 3CIR can recognise that experience through Recognition of Prior Learning, awarding your Cert IV in Cyber Security online, with no exams or classes, for a fixed $1,035 all-inclusive (GST-free), usually within 4–8 weeks.
The Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC) is the nationally recognised AQF Level 4 qualification for cyber security technicians — covering network security, securing endpoints, incident response, vulnerability testing and cyber risk. It's the entry credential most employers look for when hiring for a SOC analyst, cyber security technician or IT security support role.
22603VIC proves you can secure networks and endpoints, test for vulnerabilities and apply cyber security legislation — the foundation for a career in cyber.
It spans network protocols, securing infrastructure, detecting and responding to incidents, exposing website vulnerabilities and cloud security.
A genuine AQF Level 4 qualification on your USI transcript — the same testamur whether earned by study or RPL, recognised in every state and territory.
You'll often see this qualification called the Cert IV in Cyber Security, Cert 4 Cyber Security or simply Cyber Security Certificate IV — they all refer to the same nationally recognised 22603VIC. Many people search for the Certificate IV in Cyber Security online, and through RPL that's exactly how you earn it — 100% online, with no exams. It's made up of 16 units — eight core and eight elective — and, unlike many qualifications, all 16 units are mandatory, so every graduate covers the same complete skill set. If you already work in IT administration, network management or a security role — configuring firewalls, hardening endpoints, monitoring logs, investigating incidents or managing cyber risk — you've likely already met much of the standard for 22603VIC. You can see the full 16-unit breakdown on the 22603VIC course page, or let our assessors map your experience to it for you.
Recognition of Prior Learning is completed entirely online — no campus, no timetable, no exams. You prove the cyber and IT security skills you already use at work, and we assess them against all 16 units of 22603VIC.
Tell us about your IT, networking or cyber security experience. We confirm your eligibility for the Cert IV in Cyber Security — at no cost.
⏱ 2 minutes · 100% freeUpload network diagrams, firewall and endpoint configs, incident reports, vulnerability scans, log analysis and security project work. Your assessor maps it to the units.
📋 Fully supported, onlineYour 22603VIC Certificate IV is assessed and issued — digital copy emailed, hard copy posted, recorded on your USI transcript.
🎓 Typically 4–8 weeksNo exams. No assignments. No time away from work. Learn more about how Recognition of Prior Learning works.
One fixed, all-inclusive, GST-free price through RPL — no enrolment fees, no per-unit charges, no surprises.
| What you compare | Cert IV via RPL (3CIR) | Traditional Study |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,035 all-inclusive | $4,000 – $10,000+ |
| Time to qualify | 4 – 8 weeks (typical) | 6 – 12 months |
| What you pay for | Assessment of your skills | Full tuition & coursework |
| Exams & assignments | None | Required |
| Study around your job | Yes — 100% online | Often timetabled |
| National recognition (AQF 4) | Yes — identical | Yes |
Yes. 22603VIC is a formal, government-accredited AQF Level 4 qualification — identical in standing whether earned through RPL or classroom study.
Because 22603VIC is a nationally accredited qualification issued by an accredited RTO, employers across IT, finance, government and managed services recognise it as a full cyber security credential.
RPL is not a shortcut to a lesser qualification. You're assessed against the exact same 16 units a classroom student completes — you simply prove you already meet them.
Training and assessment are delivered under a third-party arrangement with Asset College (RTO #31718), so your Certificate IV is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and verifiable on your USI.
Your qualification is recorded against your Unique Student Identifier, can be independently verified at any time, doesn't expire, and travels with you for your whole career.
22603VIC is the qualification that opens the door to Australia's fast-growing cyber workforce. It's the formal proof behind roles like these:
Australia faces a major shortage of cyber security professionals, with demand growing across IT, finance, government, defence and managed services. Explore the field on our Cyber Security careers & insights page, or browse the full Security & Risk Management course category.
Cyber is one of the best-paid, fastest-growing fields in the country — and a one-off $1,035 qualification is a small step toward it.
Salary figures are indicative averages from Australian job-market sources (Indeed, SEEK, Glassdoor, PayScale and SalaryExpert, 2026) and vary by role, industry, experience and location. The Certificate IV is a technician-level entry qualification; these figures indicate typical earnings across the broader cyber field, not a guarantee of individual income or a promise of employment.
Real reviews from people who turned their IT and security experience into a nationally recognised qualification with 3CIR.
Through RPL with 3CIR, the Certificate IV in Cyber Security costs a fixed $1,035 — all-inclusive and GST-free, with the current 10% discount applied. That single price covers your full assessment, dedicated assessor support, evidence guidance and certificate issuance, with no enrolment fees and no per-unit charges. Flexible payment is available: four fortnightly instalments with Afterpay, Klarna or Zip, or weekly direct debits (around $20 a week) over 12 months with DebitSuccess or GoCardless.
Yes. With RPL the entire process is completed online — there's no campus, no timetable and no exams. You submit a short online assessment, then upload evidence of your IT and cyber security experience for your assessor to map against the 16 units of 22603VIC. If you'd prefer structured online study instead of RPL, that pathway is also available; otherwise RPL is the fastest way to get qualified online from your existing experience.
They're closely related, but not the same. 22603VIC Certificate IV in Cyber Security is the current, nationally recognised qualification — it supersedes, and is not equivalent to, the older 22334VIC due to changes in the core units. If you're searching for "22334VIC", 22603VIC is the up-to-date version you'll want today, and it's the qualification 3CIR delivers through RPL.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process — not a course — that converts your existing IT and cyber security experience into the nationally recognised 22603VIC Certificate IV. A qualified assessor compares evidence of what you already do at work against the units of competency. Where your experience meets the standard, you're awarded the qualification without repeating learning you've already gained on the job. Learn more about how RPL works.
Most applicants receive their Certificate IV in Cyber Security within four to eight weeks. The timeframe depends mainly on how quickly you can gather evidence — and most IT and security workers already have much of it in network documentation, incident reports, configuration records and project work. The free assessment takes about two minutes and our team responds within 24–48 hours. There are no terms, classes or exams to wait for.
There are no formal entry requirements. For RPL, you'll typically need around two or more years in IT administration, network management or a cyber security role — protecting systems, configuring and securing networks, monitoring or responding to incidents, or managing cyber risk. If you're unsure whether your experience is enough, the free assessment will confirm it quickly and at no cost.
Yes. 22603VIC is a nationally recognised, government-accredited AQF Level 4 qualification — a Victorian-accredited course delivered nationally and issued under Asset College (RTO #31718). It appears on your USI transcript and is recognised by employers across every state and territory. A Certificate IV earned through RPL carries identical standing to one earned through study.
22603VIC is made up of 16 units — eight core and eight elective — and all 16 are mandatory, so every graduate completes the same full skill set. They cover network concepts and protocols, securing endpoints and infrastructure, cyber security data analysis, incident response, exposing website vulnerabilities, cloud security and applying cyber security legislation, privacy and ethics. You can see the full unit list on the 22603VIC course page or on training.gov.au.
The Cert IV supports technician-level roles such as cyber security technician, SOC analyst, security analyst, IT security support, incident response officer and network security administrator, and is a strong foundation toward penetration testing and cyber risk roles. Cyber skills are in demand across IT, finance, government, defence and managed services, with Australia facing a significant shortage of qualified professionals.
Start with the free RPL assessment — it takes a couple of minutes, there's no obligation, and it confirms your eligibility and exact price. You can begin online, call us 24/7 on 1300 517 039, text 0429 774 862, email info@3cir.com, contact us here, or chat with us using the 24/7 online assistant. Our team responds within 24–48 hours.
Find out in minutes whether your IT and cyber security experience qualifies you for 22603VIC — free, online, no obligation.
The Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC) is a nationally recognised, Victorian-accredited qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 4, delivered nationally for people working as cyber security technicians. Also known as the Cert IV in Cyber Security, Cert 4 Cyber Security or Cyber Security Certificate IV, it comprises 16 units of competency — eight core and eight elective, all mandatory — covering network security, securing endpoints and infrastructure, cyber security data analysis, incident response, website vulnerability testing, cloud security, and cyber security legislation, privacy and ethics. 22603VIC supersedes, and is not equivalent to, the earlier 22334VIC qualification. It can be obtained through traditional study or through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which assesses a candidate's existing workplace experience against the same competency standards. With 3CIR, the Certificate IV in Cyber Security is available through RPL online for a fixed, all-inclusive, GST-free fee of $1,035, typically completed within four to eight weeks. It is issued under Asset College (RTO 31718) and holds the same standing as the equivalent qualification earned through classroom study.