CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Specifically designed for people who have a lived experience of mental illness and personal recovery, this course will allow you to support people in their journey of recovery from mental illness.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 27 Jan 2026 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$2,265

Subsidised

$3,255

Full Fee

$7,815

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Develop your skills in mental health peer work with this mid-level qualification. Learn how to guide and provide advice to aid people in their journey of recovery from mental illness. This course has been designed for people with a lived experience of mental illness (as a consumer or carer) who want to work or volunteer within the mental health sector. Growth in the mental health peer workforce is strong..

In this course you can choose to specialise in either consumer peer work or carer peer work. In both specialisations you'll develop communication skills, learn how to work with a diverse range of people, and gain experience working within the recovery framework. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to succeed in the industry.

Upon completion of this course you will be qualified to work in a range of residential, outreach, and peer support programs as a mental health peer worker.

What can I do?

Coordinator - Mental Health (Carer Peer Work)
Coordinator - Mental Health (Consumer Peer Work)
Mental Health Outreach Worker

Course outcome:

CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Supportive teaching staff

Our passionate teaching team have years of industry experience and are committed to seeing you succeed in your studies. You'll be taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 80 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE :
CHCDIV001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
UNIT NAME
Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS007

Work effectively in trauma informed care

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS007

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to practice and contribute to the continuous improvement of trauma informed care within a service.
UNIT NAME
Work effectively in trauma informed care

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS008

Promote and facilitate self advocacy

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS008

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to encourage, support and promote self-advocacy. The promotion and facilitation of self-advocacy contributes to a person's self-determination, empowerment and right to make informed choices in regard to all aspects of their life.
UNIT NAME
Promote and facilitate self advocacy

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS011

Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS011

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing.
UNIT NAME
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing

UNIT CODE
CHCPWK001

Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector

UNIT CODE :
CHCPWK001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for working with the mental health peer workforce in a range of settings where peer work occurs.
UNIT NAME
Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector

UNIT CODE
CHCPWK002

Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carers

UNIT CODE :
CHCPWK002

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather information and contribute to the continuous improvement of services for consumers and carers.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carers

UNIT CODE
CHCPWK003

Apply lived experience in mental health peer work

UNIT CODE :
CHCPWK003

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required by consumers and carers in the mental health peer workforce to use and apply their lived experience in a purposeful way.
UNIT NAME
Apply lived experience in mental health peer work

UNIT CODE
HLTWHS001

Participate in workplace health and safety

UNIT CODE :
HLTWHS001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.
UNIT NAME
Participate in workplace health and safety

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS017

Provide loss and grief support

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS017

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement.
UNIT NAME
Provide loss and grief support

UNIT CODE
CHCGRP002

Plan and conduct group activities

UNIT CODE :
CHCGRP002

Unit description :
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to establish, lead and participate in a groups using a collaborative, strengths-based approach.
UNIT NAME
Plan and conduct group activities

UNIT CODE
CHCLEG001

Work legally and ethically

UNIT CODE :
CHCLEG001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role.
UNIT NAME
Work legally and ethically

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS002

Establish self-directed recovery relationships

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS002

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness.
UNIT NAME
Establish self-directed recovery relationships

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS003

Provide recovery oriented mental health services

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS003

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness.
UNIT NAME
Provide recovery oriented mental health services

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS005

Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS005

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services.
UNIT NAME
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

UNIT CODE
CHCPRP001

Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships

UNIT CODE :
CHCPRP001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice.
UNIT NAME
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

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
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Caboolture	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Caboolture On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 3 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 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 Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus and vocational placement The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
South Bank	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
South Bank On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 3 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 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 Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus and vocational placement The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 2 days per week, on campus workshops, practical assessments plus placement Tuesday, Friday	Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Southport On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 2 days per week, on campus workshops, practical assessments plus placement Tuesday, Friday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 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 Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus and vocational placement The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Mooloolaba	On Campus	28 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 2 days per week Monday, Wednesday	Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Mooloolaba 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 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 2 days per week Monday, Wednesday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,265 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,255 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $7,815 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 Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus and vocational placement The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515)

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Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

COURSE CODE: CHC43515

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

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Selection criteria

You must be 18 years of age prior to applying for this course due to the nature of some of the units of study and the mandatory placement which is part of the assessment
Entry into this course includes an appointment with a teacher
You will be provided with a course information fact sheet which outlines all course requirements and responsibilities

This course covers sensitive content including but not limited to, domestic, family, and sexual violence, homelessness, suicide, alcohol, other drugs and trauma. This qualification is for individuals who have previously experienced mental illness themselves as either a consumer and/or carer and now wish to use their experience to support others. If you have a lived experience with a mental health challenge, it is important you are far enough in your recovery journey to manage distress or emotional response, participate in role plays and cope with the demands of study and be able to support the mental health of others throughout the duration of your course. Making an appointment with student support to discuss available support, is recommended.

Resources required

You should have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and learner guides during orientation or at the start of each unit. Additionally, TAFE Queensland libraries have a selection of relevant learning resources.

You are responsible for meeting the minimum standard of dress. For placement this includes wearing appropriate attire including enclosed shoes.

You will also be required to bring items including pens, paper, stationery and a USB.

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 80 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

To successfully satisfy all course requirements you will be required to complete a:

NDIS Screening Check
Blue Card (Working with Children Check)

Vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement.

For further details please see Placement information for community services.

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

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

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.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, 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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