Certificate IV: What Exactly Does It Mean?

Australia's workforce qualification operates on a ten-point system, with level one (Certificate I) being the most basic. The standard for education and employment is usually within level four (Certificate IV), which means a person has the proper knowledge to perform specialized work. You can get this level of skill from technical and further education (TAFE) schools, which differ from universities. A Certificate IV accountant is capable of performing more specific tasks in accounting.

A Certificate IV accountant must fulfill the standard number of units of competency, a total of 21 units all in one package. Take note that the units for a Certificate IV accountant isn't the same as Certificate IV for bookkeeping. According to the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), the same qualification level for a bookkeeper has eight less units than that for an accountant. TAFE schools are tasked with providing this learning package for individuals to meet the certification.

While it isn't the top of the competitive hierarchy, a Certificate IV is a good springboard for landing the right job. Most companies and agencies set a Certificate IV standard for fields like accounting. If you want to be a professional in a certain field, a Certificate IV won't be enough; you'll have to go up the hierarchy, beyond level five (Diploma). Of course, you stand a better chance in getting a good job that way.