Develop your accounting and bookkeeping skills in our simulated small business practice firm environment.
Not applicable
AU$12,750 (2025 annual)
Gain a versatile qualification that produces job-ready graduates for the world of bookkeeping, while also serving as the foundation for higher-level accounting studies and a career in a range of corporate accounting job roles.
In the RMIT Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, based in Melbourne, you will learn how to:
You will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments within a simulated business environment, designed to replicate real-world work experiences.
Upon completion of this certificate, you will have met the educational requirements for registration as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
Study options include full-time and part-time day classes delivered on campus, or part-time evening online classes.
Complete learning activities and assessments in a simulated practice firm environment, reflecting real-world experiences.
Your program has been designed in conjunction with industry professionals and your trainers have significant industry experience and expertise.
We cater for a variety of study preferences, whether full-time or part-time, day or evening, face-to-face or online.
Upon completion of this certificate, you will have met the educational requirements for registration as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
We offer a flexible learning model with opportunities for both face-to-face and online classes, as well as options for both full-time and part-time study loads.
Day classes are on campus and most of your face-to-face learning will take place in RMIT’s Swanston Academic Building which features innovative learning spaces interspersed with retail and social spaces, resulting in a stimulating environment for students.
Evening classes include live, interactive webinars that are delivered remotely, then recorded for later viewing by students. This is the ideal study mode for those who wish to study more independently and for whom attendance in face-to-face classes is impractical.
Both day and evening classes are underpinned by the use of structured learning activities that develop work-ready skills for this industry. Your learning content and activities, made available via our learning management system, include an engaging array of readings, videos, exercises and self-testing quizzes that will support your in-class learning.
Whether your live classes are face-to-face or online, they are designed to provide meaningful engagement with your peer students, trainers and industry guests.
Our approach to assessment emphasises engaging and authentic work that replicates real-world job roles. To assist with this approach, we employ the use of a simulated business, with industry-standard software and templates, applied with the use of contemporary business practice.
Assessment of your learning is carried out using a variety of techniques including individual and group work, oral and written presentations, project reports, role plays, case studies and supervised tests.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
We are committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
To that end, our certificate is developed in collaboration with an expert Industry Advisory Committee which includes representatives of peak accounting and bookkeeping professional bodies as well as high-profile industry practitioners from a broad cross-section of small and large organisations.
Industry guest speakers are regularly invited to present on a range of current issues, providing an experienced perspective on relevant, work-related scenarios.
If undertaking this certificate in a full-time study mode, you can expect to attend classes for approximately 20 hours per week over four weekdays. You will also be expected to engage in an additional 15 hours of study per week outside of class time.
Part-time students have correspondingly fewer hours of class time and additional study time, depending on the units enrolled in.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
This Certificate IV program comprises 13 units (10 core and three elective units) and assumes no previous work or study background in this field.
Major areas of study include:
The 13 units in this program are grouped together in a series of learning modules, beginning with the least challenging content and gradually increasing the degree of complexity as you become more familiar with the basic concepts and more confident in your own practical skills.
This purpose-built learning design is engineered to produce the best possible study outcomes and student learning experience.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Upon completing this program, you’re well positioned to seek immediate employment in entry-level accounting and bookkeeping roles, or to pursue further studies in accounting.
A completed Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping will meet the minimum educational requirements to register as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board under the Tax Agent Services Act (2009).
To improve your employability after completing this course, you might seek out a range of RMIT Job Shop workshops to build on your soft skills, broaden your skills through the RMIT Plus program or add experience to your CV by undertaking volunteer work through RMIT's Career Hub.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
You may also be considered if you have work experience in this field.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping you are guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Accounting.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
For vocational and undergraduate students studying property, accounting, commerce, economics, finance, and financial planning who are from a diverse background and/or can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth up to $40,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
