50 hours
Advanced server configuration
Configure enterprise server roles, policies, services, storage and availability.
- Directory and policy administration
- Network and remote services
- Monitoring and resource control
DKM · IT-020-4
Computer Systems Administration — Level 4
Advance from performing technical tasks to administering infrastructure, controlling risk, coordinating maintenance and supporting better IT decisions.
FeeRM5,500
Duration1+ year
QualificationDKM Level 4
Programme codeIT-020-4
Advanced curriculum
Six administration and management areas
Level 4 develops the judgement, planning and documentation needed to manage larger systems and organisational requirements—not only to fix individual devices.
45 hours
Network installation management
Plan, coordinate, test and document a structured network deployment.
- Requirements and topology
- Routing, switching and services
- Monitoring and change records
40 hours
System security control
Implement practical access, data-protection, monitoring and incident-response controls.
- Authentication and permissions
- Encryption and backup
- Monitoring and response
35 hours
Maintenance management
Organise preventive and corrective maintenance across multiple systems and users.
- Schedules and patching
- Root-cause analysis
- SOPs and performance reporting
30 hours
System & network procurement
Translate business requirements into technical specifications and sound purchasing decisions.
- Needs and specification analysis
- Vendor and cost evaluation
- Acceptance and asset records
25 hours
Network cabling management
Coordinate structured cabling, racks, testing, labelling and infrastructure documentation.
- Cabling standards
- Rack and pathway management
- Testing and port mapping
Hours shown are the current representative module breakdown used in the downloaded programme materials. Intake delivery and assessment schedules may vary.
Administration in practice
Good administrators make technology easier for people to rely on.
Level 4 combines technical depth with organised work: planning changes, controlling access, keeping records, coordinating vendors and explaining decisions to users or managers.
- Turn user and business needs into practical technical requirements
- Manage accounts, services, permissions and infrastructure records
- Plan maintenance and reduce avoidable disruption
- Compare suppliers, costs and technical specifications
- Communicate clearly with users, teams and decision-makers
Professional capability
Move beyond fixing systems
Plan
Assess requirements, resources, risks and the sequence of work before implementation.
Administer
Configure policies, services and access for users across connected systems.
Control
Apply security, maintenance, monitoring and recovery practices systematically.
Report
Maintain useful records and explain status, decisions and outcomes to others.
Learning evidence
Use the ITPA workbook to document decisions—not only answers.
Guided activities
Break larger administration tasks into a clear and repeatable sequence.
Technical records
Capture configurations, test results, observations and corrective actions.
Instructor feedback
Review practical work, improve weak areas and prepare for assessment.
See the practical workbookCareer direction
Build towards broader IT responsibility
Junior systems administrator
Support accounts, policies, servers, updates, backups and shared resources.
Network or infrastructure support
Assist with connectivity, deployment, monitoring, cabling and documentation.
IT service coordinator
Track assets, suppliers, maintenance, requests and operational follow-through.
Job titles and entry requirements vary by employer and experience. The qualification is a foundation for continued professional growth.
Further study
Your DKM can open routes—but each route has conditions.
Direct route
Apply with DKM
Explore related bachelor programmes that consider a government-recognised DKM, subject to the university and programme.
Alternative access
APEL.A T-6
Applicants aged 21+ with relevant experience may pursue assessment for alternative bachelor admission.
After admission
APEL.C
A participating institution may assess prior learning for credit; approval and the amount of credit are not automatic.
University Senate decisions, field relevance, screening, bridging, language requirements and current programme rules still apply.
Plan the next step
Research before you apply
Compare universities and programmes
See examples of MQA-listed APEL assessment centres and the questions you should ask.
Explore university examplesTalk to ITPA admissions
Discuss your Level 3 background, work experience and intended career or study direction.
Ask an admissions questionAdvance to Level 4
Build the skills to administer modern IT environments.
Talk to admissions about progression, eligibility and the next available intake.