HomeCoursesCommunity servicesCertificate IV in Community Services
Certificate IV in Community Services
This qualification prepares people to work directly with clients in community services, whether that means advocacy, case work or practical support for individuals, groups and communities.
- Duration: 8 months to 18 months
- Study mode: Online, on campus, blended and workplace based
- Course code: CHC42021
Where you can study this course
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Melbourne Polytechnic
- Campuses
- 13 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
A number of students find the organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching, while some rate the facilities and campus highly.
- Campuses
- 44 campuses
- Duration
- 8 months to 18 months
- Study mode
- Varies by campus
- Full fee
- $10,850
- Eligible students: subsidised from $1,990, concession $240
What students say
Many students speak well of the facilities and campus, and some rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching and student support, and some found the organisation and admin frustrating.
- Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
Charles Darwin University
- Campuses
- 12 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students often praise the facilities and campus, while some value student support and course content. Some found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on trainers and teaching, with communication also a concern.
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Swinburne University of Technology
- Campuses
- 8 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Some students praise the facilities and campus, while some criticise organisation and admin for being frustrating, and opinions are mixed on course content. A number also mention student support and teaching positively or negatively.
- Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Gippsland
- Campuses
- 11 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
- Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
RMIT University
- Campuses
- 15 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students often find organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching, while some praise the facilities and campus and student support.
- Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Queensland
- Campuses
- Springfield
- Duration
- Not stated by provider
- Study mode
- On campus
- Full fee
- $6,945
- Eligible students: subsidised from $3,555, concession $2,820
What students say
Many students rate the facilities and campus highly. Some found course content and organisation and admin frustrating, while opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching.
- Campuses
- 26 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students rate the trainers, teaching, facilities and campus highly, though some found the organisation, admin and communication frustrating; opinions are mixed on facilities and campus.
Last reviewed 20 September 2026.
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Entry requirements are set by each provider, so check the ones you are considering.
- Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:
- an interest in supporting people from all backgrounds
- good communication and listening skills
- a respectful and non-judgemental attitude
- the ability to work within legal and ethical guidelines
What will you learn?
Students learn how to build relationships, communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds, and act within the law and the ethical standards the sector expects. The course also covers recognising and responding to domestic and family violence, and following safe practices when working face to face with clients. It suits people starting out in community services as well as those already in the field who want their experience formally recognised.
- Client rights and advocacy
- Building professional relationships
- Responding to family violence
- Working with diverse people
- Legal and ethical practice
- Safe client care
Units of competency (7 core, 8 elective)
The qualification is made up of 15 units. Everyone completes the 7 core units below, and the remaining 8 are electives chosen from the list on training.gov.au, so they vary by provider. Select a unit to see what it covers.
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Where this fits
Certificate IV in Community Services in community services: the study that leads into it, the study that follows, and other routes at the same level.
Before
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You are looking at
Certificate IV in Community Services
Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).