Course overview
Be part of the change that technology is making to our world. Learn the latest technologies used to build digital platforms and exceptional user experiences. This programme has a practical, hands-on focus which will provide you with the transferable skills and knowledge to be employed in a range of entry-level support roles in an organisation, that may include business support and retail roles and some roles in the IT profession under broad guidance. Successful completion of this qualification also provides automatic entry to Whitecliffe’s ICT programmes at Level 5 and new Bachelor of Applied Information Technology (Level 7) (subject to NZQA approval and accreditation).
Please note, this course has a blended delivery mode with a mix of online and face-to-face on-campus sessions.
Campus locations
Job outcomes
- Programming
- Web Developer
- Systems Analyst
- Network/Systems Administration
- Hardware Technician
- Computer Engineer
- Help Desk/Technical Support
What you'll learn
- The NZ Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) is a 60 credit programme, consisting of four x 15 credit courses. This is an 18-week programme (excluding study breaks) intended to educate students on the basics of ICT
- Each of our programmes is made up of a number of courses, which are 9 weeks in duration. Weekly, each course requires up to ten hours of learning with your tutor and other students, along with six and a half hours of self-directed learning
- Full-time students take two courses at the same time while part-time students take one course at a time
Recognition

Fee Free Study
You may be eligible for one or two years of fee-free study with this course. Check your eligibility at feesfree.govt.nz

You may be eligible for Fee Free study in this course
Study method
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Locations
- Christchurch
- Manukau
- Wellington
Duration study load
- 18 weeks, full-time
Course features
- Tutor-led learning sessions
- Supervised labs
- Tutor-led group-based workshops
- A range of online learning activities including quizzes and videos
- Group-based assessment projects
- Industry speakers and visits
- It allows you to develop valuable time-management, self-management and problem-solving skills that IT employers are looking for from graduates
Blended Learning Environment
- At Whitecliffe we offer a blended learning environment where students learn both face-to-face and through online learning experiences. The blended mode includes compulsory face-to-face tutor-led learning sessions focused on specific concepts, skills or learning problems; workshops, labs, and demonstrations; and online study. All of the learning materials are delivered through a digital platform that is accessible from desktop PCs, laptops and tablets both on and off-campus
- This enables students to work independently and have direct access to one-on-one tutor support. Other benefits of the blended approach include learning skills such as digital fluency, confidence using online technologies, and self-motivation. Online learning activities and channels also offer opportunities to connect with IT tutors and students at other Whitecliffe campuses, enabling additional opportunities for project work and collaboration, skills students will need in their professional IT career
- All of our programmes of study are structured in a manner which enables students to progress through each course following a detailed study plan. All the resources that students require to complete their training, including course learning resources and access to software and hardware, are supplied for them and are covered by the course fees
- To support this style of learning, qualified and experienced tutors are always on hand to support students through their study. Our tutors also help to keep students on track with regular follow-up contact and mentoring
About Whitecliffe College
Whitecliffe, formerly known as Computer Power Plus, is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of IT and professional skills training. Thousands of our graduates are now working in rewarding careers. Whitecliffe College is New Zealand’s highest-ranked and awarded research institutions in the private sector and has a long-standing record of academic excellence
Focused on our students’ success, Whitecliffe consistently strives to see our students and graduates excel in the ICT industry by applying modern teaching/adult learning techniques and industry-relevant courses.