Certificate IV in Community Services
Overview
The Certificate IV in Community Services aims to give students the knowledge, skills and values required to work as a professional in community services. Designed to ensure a balance between theory and practical learning, this course highlights the importance of person-centred services to individual and groups.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Enhance wellbeing of individuals
- Design and deliver programs
Your career opportunities
- Community services worker
- Family support worker
- Outreach officer
- Welfare worker
- Family violence worker
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
VR, Mixed Reality and Simulated Scenarios
Ever imagined yourself holding up an augmented reality heart in class? Or using virtual reality to learn about the human skeleton? What about practising your skills on actors mimicking clients with mental health issues? It’s all in a day’s study when you choose a diploma or certificate in nursing, health or community services at Swinburne!
Admissions
Applicants require a minimum of completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
Non-school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply to this course:
- All applicants must be a minimum of 17 years old at the commencement of the course.
- All students may be required to hold a current Working with Children Check throughout the duration of the program.
- All students may be required to hold a current Police Check throughout the duration of the program* (* If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the community services environment).
- All applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
- Students will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, with adequate speed and sufficient data allowance.
Informed Choices Statement
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of community services, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks, professional placements and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Youth Work
-
Certificate IV in Mental Health
-
Diploma of Community Services
Course structure
To be awarded this qualification, students will need to complete 15 units (seven core and eight elective units):
- Standard classroom delivery for full-time students includes on-campus classes.
- The course includes a mix of delivery methods including face-to-face class time, online work and project work.
- Assessment requires group work, actor simulation, role play, written assignments.
- Students may be required to attend other campuses from time to time for events and other course engagements.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
Core unit |
CHCADV001 |
|
Use communication to build relationships
Core unit |
CHCCOM002 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Core unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Work legally and ethically
Core unit |
CHCLEG001 |
|
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
Core unit |
CHCPRP001 |
|
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Core unit |
HLTWHS002 |
| Elective units | |
|
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
Elective unit |
CHCAOD001 |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Elective unit |
CHCCCS004 |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Elective unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Identify and report abuse
Elective unit |
CHCCCS033 |
|
Work within a community development framework
Elective unit |
CHCCDE019 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Elective unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Work with people with mental health issues
Elective unit |
CHCMHS001 |
|
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Elective unit |
CHCSOH013 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,740
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$4,000
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
-
Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.