New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)

Develop foundation skills in IT and gain practical experience in this industry. This certificate will guarantee you entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology programme. Study web development, hardware, programming and operating systems.

About the programme

Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree? 

IT is a global industry and there are currently far more IT-related jobs than there are graduates, so skills in this sector give you pretty good employment prospects. 

This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. 

When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our three-year IT degree, the Bachelor of Information Technology. This is a hands-on, practical degree so you’ll learn by doing. You’ll also build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry. 

Are you a Māori or Pasifika person aged 16-40? 

We also offer a free version of this programme called He Toki. 

He Toki supports whānau to gain skills and qualifications, connect with iwi and explore industry opportunities, with the goal of securing wealth-enriching futures for Māori and Pasifika. 

With He Toki, you'll be supported to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) via a unique and empowering learning experience that has te reo, tikaka and mentorship at the heart of everything.

Find out more and apply here

Courses

Receive an introduction to computing and software that can lead to further training in industry or education.

Courses include practical experience in web development, hardware, programming, operating systems and the internet. In addition to technical topics, you will learn industry skills and will explore online tools such as blogs and wikis. 

Course name Course description Level Credits
Web Development Learn how to create and manage a simple website to professional standards using common industry tools 4 15
Programming Discover how to plan, produce and document software development solutions for specified industry problems 4 15
Computer Essentials Gain an understanding of how to create, maintain and report on basic computing infrastructure to meet given specifications 4 15
IT Industry Skills Learn how to communicate professionally and use planning tools and methodologies  4 15
Total     60

Further study options

When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology which will help you build your skills, knowledge and career options! 

We are part of Te Pūkenga

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.