A Certificate IV (also written Cert 4, Cert IV or Certificate 4) is a nationally recognised AQF Level 4 qualification — and with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you can earn one in as little as 4–8 weeks using the supervisory, technical and specialist experience you already have. No classes, no exams, no assignments. 3CIR assesses your existing skills against a Certificate IV, and if they match, you're qualified — for a fixed, all-inclusive $1,035.
A Certificate IV is a nationally recognised vocational qualification positioned at Level 4 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) — the single system that ranks every Australian qualification from Certificate I up to Doctoral level. It's the credential that signals you can supervise others, apply specialist knowledge and take responsibility for outcomes in a real workplace. You'll see it written several ways — Cert 4, Cert IV, Certificate 4 and cert four — and because the Roman numerals look like letters or digits, some people even type it as "cert 1V" — but they all mean the same nationally recognised AQF Level 4 qualification. When people search for the recognition pathway specifically, they usually add "RPL" — typing Cert 4 RPL, Cert IV RPL, Certificate 4 RPL or cert four RPL — and every one of those describes exactly what's on this page: earning a Certificate IV through Recognition of Prior Learning.
A Certificate IV earned through RPL carries the exact same standing as one earned through TAFE or college — registered on the AQF and recorded against your Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Level 4 recognises the ability to supervise, coordinate and apply specialist skills — leading a team, running WHS, managing a project or analysing risk. It's about the responsibility you already carry.
A Cert IV is the gateway to a Diploma, Advanced Diploma and beyond. Get it through RPL now, and you've opened a clear pathway to higher management qualifications later.
New to the process? Start with our plain-English guide to what Recognition of Prior Learning is and how it works.
There's no coursework and nothing to "study". We map the experience you already have against the units in a Certificate IV — here's exactly how.
Tell us about your work history in a 2-minute form. No documents needed yet, and it costs nothing.
A qualified assessor reviews your background, confirms the Certificate IV you're eligible for, and shows you exactly what evidence to gather.
Lock in your qualification at the fixed $1,035 price. Pay upfront or spread it with a weekly plan or pay-in-4 — your choice.
Submit your evidence with our support. Once it's assessed as competent, your nationally recognised Certificate IV is issued.
Most of this is already sitting in your inbox or filing cabinet — and we provide templates and personal support to help you pull it together. This is exactly what recognition of prior learning looks like in practice.
3CIR offers 11 nationally recognised Certificate IV qualifications through RPL — here are the most popular. Each is a fixed $1,035 (Correctional Practice $1,125), and your free assessment will confirm which one your experience matches — many people qualify for more than one at the same time.
For team leaders, supervisors and managers. Recognises planning, delegating, leading teams and managing performance — the everyday leadership you already do. The most popular Cert IV pathway.
For office managers, coordinators and senior admin staff. Recognises higher-level business operations, projects and process improvement that go beyond a Certificate III.
For WHS officers and safety coordinators. Recognises hazard control, incident investigation, risk management and WHS systems. Often searched as Cert 4 in WHS or OHS.
For project coordinators and team leads running scopes, schedules and budgets. Recognises real project delivery experience across any industry.
For established business owners and operators. Recognises growing and managing your own venture — strategy, finances, marketing and operations.
For IT, network and security professionals. Recognises practical cyber defence, monitoring and incident response skills in one of Australia's fastest-growing fields.
For security supervisors and operations staff. Recognises physical and operational security management across sites, events and teams.
Also available through RPL: Security Risk Analysis (CPP41519), Government Security (PSP40316), Government Investigations (PSP40416) and Correctional Practice (CSC40122, $1,125).
View all 11 Certificate IV qualifications & check eligibility →One fixed, all-inclusive price — no per-unit charges, no enrolment fee, no GST. Here's the number and the ways you can pay it.
Yes — completely. A Certificate IV earned through RPL is the same nationally recognised qualification as one earned by studying. The pathway is different; the credential is identical.
Hiring managers can't tell — and don't ask — whether you studied or used RPL. They see a nationally recognised Certificate IV, full stop.
Same qualification code, same units of competency, same AQF Level 4 standing as any TAFE or college-issued Certificate IV.
Recognised in every state and territory, and accepted as a pathway into further study at Diploma and Advanced Diploma level.
Your qualification can be independently verified and appears under your Unique Student Identifier — proof it's the real thing.
A common question: is a Cert IV enough, or should you aim for a Diploma RPL? They're one AQF level apart and aimed at different stages of responsibility. Here's how to choose.
Not sure where you land? You don't have to guess. Our free assessment looks at your full experience and tells you the highest level you qualify for — sometimes that's a Cert IV, sometimes a Diploma, and sometimes both at once.
A formal qualification opens doors that experience alone can't — roles that ask for a Cert IV, and a measurable lift in earning power.
Figures are indicative averages drawn from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Employee Earnings & Hours and Education & Work, 2025) and SEEK & PayScale advertised salary data (2026); for example, Work Health & Safety Officers typically earn $85k–$100k+ (SEEK, 2026). They are not income guarantees — actual pay varies by role, industry, location and experience. The $20,800 gap reflects ABS median weekly earnings of ~$1,400 (Certificate III/IV) versus ~$1,000 (no post-school qualification).
You've earned the skills on the job — now turn them into a nationally recognised Certificate IV in as little as 4–8 weeks. No study, no exams, one fixed price.
A Certificate IV (Cert 4 / Cert IV / Certificate 4) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification at Level 4 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), 3CIR converts your existing supervisory, technical or specialist work experience into a Certificate IV without classes, exams or assignments — typically within 4–8 weeks, for a fixed, all-inclusive fee of $1,035 (GST-free, 10% discount applied).
3CIR offers eleven Certificate IV qualifications through RPL, including Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520), Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120), Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419), Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920), Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320), Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC) and Certificate IV in Security Management (CPP40719). Each is a stepping stone to a Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
All qualifications are issued under Asset College (RTO #31718), regulated by ASQA and aligned to the AQF. A Certificate IV earned through RPL carries identical national standing to one completed through TAFE or college study. Learn more about the process in our guide to what RPL is, see full RPL pricing, or browse all Certificate IV courses. 3CIR is based at Suite 676, 190 Oxford St, Bulimba QLD 4171.