IT Asset Management
Manage the lifecycle of hardware, software, and cloud assets. Tests asset discovery, license optimization, and retirement planning.
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Plan and rehearse the recovery of an IT environment after failure. Tests 3-2-1 backup design, tabletop DR exercises, and business continuity tiering.
Cloud Fundamentals
Reason about cloud cost, migration, and architecture for South African businesses. Tests TCO comparison, lift-and-shift planning, and hybrid cloud design.
IT Compliance & Governance
Translate POPIA, ISO 27001, and audit requirements into practical IT processes. Tests data handling, gap analysis, and audit preparation.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Defend a small organisation from the threats it actually faces. Tests phishing awareness, vulnerability assessment, and incident response playbook design.
Database Administration & Maintenance
Ensure databases are secure, backed up, and operating efficiently. Tests database backup design, user access control, and query performance audit.
Endpoint & Device Management
Standardise, patch, and govern the laptops and phones that staff actually use. Tests asset management, patch scheduling, and BYOD/MDM policy design.
Identity & Access Management
Manage user identities, group policies, and access reviews. Tests Active Directory administration, joiner-mover-leaver processes, and least-privilege design.
Microsoft 365 Administration
Operate the productivity stack that powers most SA corporates. Tests user provisioning, SharePoint permissions, and tenant hardening.
Networking & Infrastructure
Design, troubleshoot, and document networks the way a working IT technician does. Tests subnetting, VLAN planning, troubleshooting flows, and migration design.
Why Build a IT & Infrastructure Portfolio?
Corporate IT departments and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) receive hundreds of CVs listing generic skills like "Active Directory" or "Troubleshooting". A documented IT portfolio containing home lab network diagrams, ITIL-aligned incident ticket logs, and M365 migration checklists immediately separates you from applicants who only possess theoretical certifications.
What Hiring Managers Look For
Recruiters check whether you follow logical isolation steps when diagnosing network, server, or software issues rather than guessing.
IT managers value technicians who write clean, repeatable documentation so team members can handle recurring tasks without escalation.
Proof that you implement principle of least privilege, patch management, multi-factor authentication, and backup verification.
Key Skills Tested
- ITIL Service Management & Incident Logging
- Active Directory & M365 User Provisioning
- Network Subnetting & Firewall Rules
- Backup & Disaster Recovery Strategy (3-2-1 rule)
- Hardware Lifecycle & Asset Management
Frequently Asked Questions (IT & Infrastructure)
Do IT support candidates really need a portfolio?
Yes. Demonstrating documented home labs, ticket runbooks, and SOP policy write-ups proves to IT managers that you have practical hands-on capability beyond passing a theoretical exam.
What is the best initial IT portfolio project for graduates?
Setting up a virtualized home lab (using VirtualBox or Hyper-V) with Windows Server, Active Directory, and logging your configuration steps in a clean markdown repository.
How are these IT tasks evaluated?
Each task includes a strict grading rubric evaluating technical accuracy, documentation clarity, security adherence, and business risk awareness.
Can I link my completed IT portfolio tasks on LinkedIn?
Absolutely. Upon completing and passing a task, you earn a verified Badge of Competence and shareable proof link ideal for LinkedIn and CVs.
Want to prepare for job applications in IT & Infrastructure?
Follow our step-by-step career roadmap for skills, salary benchmarks, and interview preparation.