The New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) is an introductory-to-intermediate IT qualification designed for students who already have a basic understanding of computers and want to develop practical IT knowledge and skills.

NMIT describes it as a six-month, full-time programme and a good starting point for students who want either to enter the IT industry or progress to a higher IT qualification.

What Will Students Learn?

The current programme page says the certificate is made up of four individual courses, which are also used in NMIT's diploma and bachelor's IT qualifications.

1. Communication for IT – COM502

Students learn how to communicate effectively in professional IT environments.

Topics include:

• Interpersonal communication.
• Business communication.
• Written communication.
• Oral presentations.
• Visual presentations.
• Professional communication formats.
• Culture and communication.
• Legal and ethical principles.
• Social responsibility as an emerging IT professional. 

Computer Systems Architecture – CSA502

This course develops knowledge of computer hardware and software systems.

Students learn about:

• Computer-system architecture.
• Hardware components.
• Software components.
• How hardware and software interact.
• PC construction.
• Safe working practices.
• Troubleshooting.
• Diagnostic tools.
• Performance optimisation.
• Basic networking.
• Internet concepts.

Design and Develop Concepts / Systems, Processes and Design – DES502

The programme page describes this course around IT business and development concepts.

Students explore:

• IT businesses.
• Development life cycles.
• Information management.
• Case-study solutions.
• User experience (UX).
• Usability.
• Interface design.
• Website/interface case studies.

Introduction to Software Development – SDV503

This is the programming/software-development component.

Students learn:

• Software design.
• Software development processes.
• Development methodologies.
• Programming.
• Number systems.
• Data types.
• Programming languages.
• Procedural programming.
• Object-oriented programming.
• Software application development.

Main IT Disciplines Covered

The qualification is broad at foundation level rather than having formal majors.

The main disciplines include:

IT Support

Basic troubleshooting, computer hardware/software and first-line technical support.

Computer Systems

Hardware architecture, system components and PC configuration.

Networking

Foundation networking and internet concepts.

Software Development

Programming, software design and development methodologies.

UX and Interface Design

Usability, user experience and interface concepts.

Information Management

Understanding and implementing information-management solutions.

IT Professional Practice

Communication, legal, ethical and socially responsible IT practices.

Career Outcomes

NMIT specifically identifies the qualification as preparing students for:

Entry-level IT support – Tier 1 / first-line support

This can include roles such as:

• IT Support Assistant.
• Help Desk Technician.
• Service Desk Technician.
• First-Line IT Support.
• Junior Technical Support.
• Computer Support Assistant.
• Junior IT Technician.

Bachelor of Information Technology Progression

NMIT's Bachelor of Information Technology currently has:

• 3 years full-time
• 360 credits
• Nelson campus
• Systems Development and ICT Infrastructure majors in the later stages.

The bachelor's first year includes subjects such as:

• Communication for IT.
• Computer Systems Architecture.
• Database Concepts.
• Systems, Processes and Design.
• Networking Fundamentals.
• Introduction to Software Development.
• Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design.
• Introduction to Web Development.

Career Opportunities After the Certificate

Possible entry-level roles include:

• IT Support Technician.
• Help Desk Technician.
• Service Desk Analyst.
• First-Line Support Technician.
• Junior IT Technician.
• Computer Support Assistant.
• Junior Technical Support Officer.
• IT Customer Support.

The actual employment level will depend on the student's:

• Technical ability.
• Communication skills.
• Previous experience.
• Additional certifications.
• Networking/software skills.
• Employer requirements.

Potential Career Areas

The certificate provides an introductory foundation across several IT areas:

Technical Support
Troubleshooting computer hardware/software and assisting users.

Networking
Foundation-level network and internet concepts.

Software Development
Programming and software-development principles.

Web/Interface Design
UX, usability and interface concepts.

Computer Systems
Hardware architecture, installation, troubleshooting and configuration.

IT Business/Professional Practice
Communication, ethics, information management and IT business processes.

Who Should Choose This Programme?

This programme is a good fit for an international student who:

• Enjoys computers and technology.
• Has completed secondary education equivalent to NCEA Level 2.
• Has basic computer knowledge.
• Wants a shorter IT qualification.
• Wants an entry point into the IT industry.
• Is interested in technical support.
• Wants to learn programming fundamentals.
• Wants to eventually complete an IT diploma or bachelor's degree.
• Prefers applied learning rather than purely theoretical study.
• Is comfortable studying on campus in Nelson.

Important Financial Considerations

The tuition fee is relatively modest, but students should budget for more than tuition.

Likely additional expenses

• Accommodation.
• Food.
• Local transport.
• Airfare.
• Student visa.
• Insurance.
• Laptop.
• SSD/storage requirements.
• Software/accessories.
• Clothing and personal expenses.
• Study materials.
• Emergency funds.