New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials

This qualification will provide you with essential skills for a career in the ICT industry and also provides automatic entry into the UCOL Bachelor of ICT degree and the NZ Diploma in IT Technical Support.

You'll gain foundation skills in core ICT subject areas including database and information management, multimedia web design and development, programming, software design and development, and operating systems, hardware, and networking.

This programme has a practical, hands-on focus that enables you to demonstrate your skills and develop expertise in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries

Individual Papers

You can enrol in a number of individual papers from this programme instead of the whole certificate to get new skills for your work, your next job and what really interests you.

This programme runs for 19 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

16 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings. Timetable set by your lecturer.

Study Time

19 hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

This programme comprises 60 credits.

Technical IT Skills (15 Credits)

Upon successful completion of the course you'll be able to assemble and disassemble standard computer hardware components; install, configure and use operating systems; apply basic networking and security concepts to connect devices and access Internet-based services, and communicate and plan effectively.

The course covers:

• Hardware, including local and remote storage technology

• Operating systems, including device drivers and command line entry

• Networking, including remote services

• Security concepts at the end-user level

• Documentation of planning and implementation of the above procedures, including technical writing

• Professional conduct and safety when working with hardware.

Media Design and Development (15 Credits)

Learn to build a multimedia website to a brief using essential development and design concepts.

The course covers:

• Multimedia such as graphics, sound, video and text

• Interactivity, accessibility and user experience (UX)

• Scripting and content management systems

• Intellectual property and copyright, professional conduct and cultural sensitivity, including Treaty of Waitangi

Information Management (15 Credits)

Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to investigate and describe information management solutions in a range of organisational environments and cultural contexts; plan, design and document information systems solutions to meet organisational requirements; build information systems solutions using appropriate tools to meet organisational requirements, and communicate and plan effectively.

The course covers:

• Basic concepts of business analysis and data modelling

• Basic relational database development including tables, queries, reports, forms, validation, and restricting information

• Other information management tools as applicable, such as spreadsheets, file management and report writing

• Intellectual property, security, confidentiality and privacy issues

• Compliance with regulations, legislation and internal policies, and professional conduct.

Software Design and Development (15 Credits)

Learn essential skills and knowledge to develop basic software applications.

The course covers:

• Programming fundamentals, including coding standards and documentation

• Compiler, command line interface (CLI), interpreters, logic depiction methods

• Basic concepts of user experience

• Project management and project management tools

• Intellectual property, security and professional conduct.

NCEA Level 2

OR

Certificate in Information Technology for Business

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

• Entry level ICT roles

• IT support

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for the ICT Industry, visit tahatu.govt.nz 

Learners with an interest in computing and ICT will develop essential foundations skills over a range of industry leading digital tools, programming languages, development platforms and environments, and hardware, operating system, and networking technologies. It is recommended that applicants seek advice from the Academic Portfolio Manager if they would like more information regarding the required skill level for this programme.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).