Certificate IV or Diploma?

BSB40920 is project support - the register says explicitly that these roles have no direct responsibility for overall project outcomes. BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management is for people accountable for delivery. Three core units against eight.

Which should I do if I want to become a project manager?

The Diploma is the qualification for the role. This one suits people currently administering or coordinating projects who want the framework without claiming accountability they do not have.

Are there entry requirements?

No. The register records entry requirements for BSB40920 as Nil.

Does it count toward PMI or AIPM recognition?

Those bodies set their own requirements. The core units map to standard project management techniques, which is why the qualification is often used as supporting evidence - but recognition is their decision.

What does it cost and how long does it take?

Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register.

BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice

About this qualification

BSB40920 is the project qualification below the Diploma, and the register draws the line precisely: individuals “work autonomously, and might be members of a project team, with no direct responsibility for overall project outcomes”. Roles named are Contracts Officer, Project Administrator and Quality Officer.

Nine units, only three core: applying project scope, time and quality management techniques. Compare that with BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management, where you manage scope, time, quality, cost, human resources, communication, risk and integration — eight core units.

Three techniques applied versus eight areas managed. That is the whole difference between supporting a project and running one, and it is legible in the unit codes.

Six electives, three of which must come from Group A. It is a compact qualification aimed at people already working in or around project teams.

Roles it maps to

Roles named on the national register for BSB40920.

Project Administrator Contracts Officer Quality Officer Project Support Officer

Where it sits

Where BSB40920 sits — the step below the Diploma.

Certificate IVBSB40520 Leadership and Management
Certificate IV · you are hereBSB40920 Project Management Practice
DiplomaBSB50820 Project Management
DiplomaBSB50420 Leadership and Management

What it covers

3Core units

6Elective units

Nine units in total. Three electives must come from Group A. For the remaining three, up to three from Groups A and B, or up to three from a Certificate IV or higher if not listed.

The 3 core units, required by everyone:

BSBPMG420 Apply project scope management techniques
BSBPMG421 Apply project time management techniques
BSBPMG422 Apply project quality management techniques

For a full list of elective units, visit training.gov.au →

Frequently asked questions

Certificate IV or Diploma?: BSB40920 is project support — the register says explicitly that these roles have no direct responsibility for overall project outcomes. BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management is for people accountable for delivery. Three core units against eight.
Which should I do if I want to become a project manager?: The Diploma is the qualification for the role. This one suits people currently administering or coordinating projects who want the framework without claiming accountability they do not have.
Are there entry requirements?: No. The register records entry requirements for BSB40920 as Nil.
Does it count toward PMI or AIPM recognition?: Those bodies set their own requirements. The core units map to standard project management techniques, which is why the qualification is often used as supporting evidence — but recognition is their decision.
What does it cost and how long does it take?: Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register.

Other registered providers

Filtered by where each provider is based, not where they can deliver.

NSW

TAFE NSWRTO 90003

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

TAFE QueenslandRTO 0275

Deliver and assess · National
WA

North Metropolitan TAFERTO 52786

Deliver and assess · WA
QLD

Brighton PacificRTO 41138

Deliver and assess · National
VIC

The Management EdgeRTO 3927

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Civil SafetyRTO 32381

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

Open CollegesRTO 90796

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

CLET TrainingRTO 31254

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Asset Training AustraliaRTO 31718

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

Maxwells ServicesRTO 90924

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

Captain Cook InstituteRTO 91707

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

River Oak College Pty LtdRTO 46425

Deliver and assess · National
Find more providers

12 of 173 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →

More in Business and Leadership

Other qualifications in the BSB training package, nearest level first.

Was this information useful?

Certificate IV in Project Management Practice

Choose an RTO