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CHC43121 | CRICOS: 113483C

Certificate IV in Disability Support

Kick start your career in disability services with this intermediate-level qualification that will equip you to work in a diverse range of community services settings.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Gold Coast Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online Apprenticeships and traineeships International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 9 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

$0
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$1,310
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$1,990
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,160
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$6,500
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Get a head start on your career in disability services with the intermediate-level qualification. This course will set you up to work in a number of community services settings, or pursue further education at a diploma level or higher.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in community and welfare support is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. This large occupation has strong job prospects with around 30,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years. 

This certificate course covers a range of specialised skills and knowledge including recognising healthy body systems, understanding person-centred support, and advocating for people with a disability. Our specialised and highly-skilled teachers will give you one-on-one guidance and valuable insight into working to support people with a disability to meet their goals.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work in a variety of community services roles and settings with a focus on supporting people with a disability.

What can I do?

  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • NDIS support worker or provider
  • Disability Support Team Leader
  • Disability Support Worker
  • Disability Officer
  • Coordinator of Volunteers
  • Care Service Team Leader

Course outcome:

CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support

World-class teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 3 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCCS044
    Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCCS044
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement behaviour support strategies outlined in an individualised behaviour support plan for a person receiving care or support.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow established person-centred behaviour supports

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIS017
    Facilitate community participation and social inclusion
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIS017
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and facilitate person-centred strategies for participation in various community settings, functions and activities to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing and lifestyle of a person with disability.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate community participation and social inclusion

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIS018
    Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIS018
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and review formal and informal ongoing skills development, in collaboration with a person with disability and incorporate into the person's individualised plan.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIS019
    Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIS019
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex or special support needs under the supervision of a relevant professional.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCLEG003
    Manage legal and ethical compliance
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCLEG003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research information about compliance and ethical practice responsibilities, and then develop and monitor policies and procedures to meet those responsibilities.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage legal and ethical compliance

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS001
    Work with people with mental health issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with people with mental health issues

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS003
    Maintain work health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and work practices as part of a small work team.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Maintain work health and safety

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
9 months
Full time 3 days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,310

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,990

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Southport

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

9 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,310

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,990

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)
Anytime
1 year
Full time 2 x evening Zoom sessions per week & 4 x 1 week residential blocks (1 per term) at Toowoomba campus
Monday, Wednesday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,310

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,990

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

Anytime
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 x evening Zoom sessions per week & 4 x 1 week residential blocks (1 per term) at Toowoomba campus
Monday, Wednesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,310

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,990

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Online self-directed
28 Jan 2025
up to 1 year
Full time up to 20 hours self-directed study per week plus optional support via Zoom
Wednesday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,310

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,990

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 20 hours self-directed study per week plus optional support via Zoom
Wednesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,310

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,990

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Hervey Bay
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
9 months
Full time
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Southport

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

9 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Southport
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
9 months
Full time
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Southport

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

9 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate IV in Disability Support (CHC43121)
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

Completion of: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

OR 

Completion of: CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to domestic students:

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

International students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent – For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 120 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This course requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the vocational placement assessment component of your studies.

Prior to Placement, you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:

  • Students must complete their online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application at this link - NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU) and nominate TAFE Queensland as your employer. There is no cost to students. TAFE Queensland will verify each student.
  • Students must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes in total). Upon completion, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and their placement provider.
  • Additionally, if students work with children on Placement, they will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check (Blue Card in Queensland).
  • Please note:  Students can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal noted above NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).  

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.  

If your check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Placement Coordinator for further information.

Vaccination requirements
Vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement.
These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Important information

Please be aware that this program is comprised of units that cover a range of sensitive topics which may include mental health, child protection, and alcohol and other drugs.

To be eligible for the Higher Level Skills subsidised price, you must:

  • hold the Certificate III in Individual Support (or superseded qualification) and be an existing worker in the Community Services and Health Industry (which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants). Evidence must be supplied prior to enrolment.
  • be aged 15 years or over, and be no longer at school;
  • permanently reside in Queensland;
  • be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
  • not hold a certificate IV or higher-level qualification, not including qualifications completed at school and foundation skills training; and
  • not be enrolled in another qualification, not including foundation skills training.

To learn more about Fee-Free TAFE eligibility criteria please refer to the Fee-Free TAFE Information Page.

Existing worker means a current employee who has a one month or more employment relationship with their employer and has actively fulfilled work duties for this period. The one month working relationship could be full-time or on a part-time/casual employment equivalent basis. Existing workers have access to employee entitlements and therefore do not include volunteers. Registration with a Labour Hire Company does not satisfy the ‘existing worker’ requirement, unless at the commencement of the training the prospective student has been engaged in employment for a period of one month or more and is currently employed.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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