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.

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.

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: 

• financial calculations
• business documents
• spreadsheets and budgeting
• computerised accounting systems
• financial recordkeeping and reporting 
• legal systems and regulatory requirements 
• payroll 
• Business Activity Statements (BAS)
• the accounting and bookkeeping workplace.

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.