Certificate IV vs Diploma of Project Management: Which First?

The quick answer

The Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920) is for people who support and coordinate projects. The Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) is for people who manage them. Neither has formal entry requirements, so you do not have to complete the Certificate IV first. Choose the one that matches the responsibility you hold, or are about to take on.

Certificate IV: BSB40920, AQF level 4, 9 units, indicative 12 months at S2C

Diploma: BSB50820, AQF level 5, 12 units, indicative 12 months at S2C

Entry requirements: None formal for either

Both available via: Online study or RPL

Certificate IV in Project Management Practice: who it suits

The Certificate IV reflects the role of people who contribute to planning, coordinating and delivering projects. It commonly supports roles such as Project Officer, Project Coordinator, Project Administrator and Project Team Member. Across nine units you apply project techniques for:

• scope, time and quality management

• risk management

• stakeholder engagement

• information management and communications

• critical thinking and using digital technologies to collaborate

It suits people supporting projects who want to formalise their experience, and people building towards a project management career.

Diploma of Project Management: who it suits

The Diploma reflects the role of project managers and professionals responsible for planning, executing and overseeing projects. It points to roles such as Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Program Officer and Project Team Leader. Across twelve units you manage project scope, time, cost and quality, risk and integration, human resources and stakeholders, information and communication, and continuous improvement. The step up is ownership: the Diploma assumes you are accountable for the project outcome, including its budget.

The key differences

• Responsibility: the Certificate IV supports and coordinates; the Diploma manages and is accountable.

• Cost management: managing project cost and budget is a core part of the Diploma.

• Depth: the Diploma has twelve units to the Certificate IV's nine, at a higher AQF level.

• Next steps: the Certificate IV is a foundation for the Diploma; a completed Diploma from the BSB Training Package meets the entry requirement for the Advanced Diplomas of Leadership and Management and of Business. See Diploma vs Advanced Diploma vs Graduate Diploma.

Do you need the Certificate IV first?

No. Both qualifications have no formal entry requirements at S2C, so experienced project people can go straight to the Diploma. Starting with the Certificate IV makes sense if you are new to project work, want a first qualification with fewer units, or are in a supporting role today. If you are not sure, see Is a Diploma of Project Management worth it?

How you can study

At S2C Training, both the Certificate IV in Project Management Practice and the Diploma of Project Management are studied online with trainer support and scheduled online tutorials. Assessment uses tasks from your workplace, or a simulated workplace if you are not in a project role. Both can also be achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning if you already do the work. For timeframes, see How long does an online diploma take?

Where to from here

Complete a free skills check and a course advisor will recommend the right level for your experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Certificate IV and a Diploma of Project Management?

The Certificate IV (BSB40920) is for people who support and coordinate projects. The Diploma (BSB50820) is for people who manage projects and are accountable for outcomes, including cost. The Diploma is a higher AQF level with more units.

Do I need a Certificate IV before the Diploma of Project Management?

No. There are no formal entry requirements for the Diploma at S2C, so you can start there if it matches your role.

Which project management qualification is best for beginners?

The Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is designed for people supporting projects, which makes it a common starting point for people new to project work.

Can I get either qualification through RPL?

Yes. Both can be achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning if your experience matches the units.

Sources

• training.gov.au - BSB40920: https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/BSB40920

• training.gov.au - BSB50820: https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/BSB50820

• Australian Qualifications Framework - AQF qualifications: https://www.aqf.edu.au/node/45