The purpose of this qualification is to provide Aotearoa New Zealand with people who have current knowledge and specialist skills in a specific area of Information Technology (IT) practice, in response to the changing needs and demands of the dynamic IT environment.

This qualification is designed for individuals with practical experience in the field of IT, or those who have completed studies, that now require updating in a specific area of IT practice, primarily for employment outcomes.

This qualification is stranded to enable practitioners to update specialist skills for currency in either Server Administration, Network Administration, Information Technology Security, or Software Testing.

Businesses, organisations and communities will benefit from having an on-going supply of IT practitioners who are experienced and qualified in an area of current IT practice, and who may also meet the requirements of internationally recognised industry certifications.

Graduates of this qualification will have the IT practitioner skills that will enable them to contribute to society, supporting digital proficiency and capability in a range of community and voluntary areas, and will be able to operate within the applicable professional standards and practice, both independently and as part of a team.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Investigate and generate secure and tested solutions to problems using specialised knowledge in a current or emerging area of IT specialisation, and implement solution(s) using appropriate methodology(ies).
- Apply effective interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills professionally and ethically when working with clients and colleagues in an IT environment.

Graduates of the Server Administration strand will also be able to:
- Apply a range of current and emerging specialised server administration knowledge, skills and techniques to implement server and storage solutions.

Graduates of the Network Administration strand will also be able to:
- Design, configure, deploy, monitor and maintain a network infrastructure to support organisational operations using current and emerging network administration expertise.

Graduates of the Information Technology Security strand will also be able to:
- Implement secure solutions for access and use of devices, servers, networks, and data storage through the application of updated expertise and emerging IT security techniques.

Graduates of the Software Testing strand will also be able to:
- Apply current and emerging knowledge, skills and techniques of software testing in one or more test disciplines to highlight quality issues and risks in systems.

This is a standalone qualification that provides an opportunity for individuals with practical experience in the field of IT, or those who have completed studies, to update their skills and knowledge in a specific area of IT practice, primarily for employment outcomes.

Further education pathways include higher level IT-related qualifications and industry certifications.

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