Certificate IV in Disability Support

Course at a glance

• Qualification: CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, nationally recognised training delivered by Equinox College (RTO 45040)
• Study modes: Online self-paced; online trainer-led (fortnightly online tutorials, Mondays 2:30–4:30pm); Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Duration: 12 months self-paced, or a 10-month trainer-led program
• Entry requirements: To access QLD subsidised training, you MUST be an existing worker or the parent/carer of a participant in the NDIS. Completion of CHC33021 or CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), or CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability plus the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set. You also need language, literacy and numeracy suited to the course.
• Practical requirement: You are expected to be employed in a disability support role with access to people living with disability. Assessment includes your workplace.
• Assessment: A combination of written knowledge assessment and practical demonstration in the workplace
• Fees and funding: Online study $2,500; RPL $1,700. Queensland Government Career Boost funding may be available to eligible students. Check funding and fees
• Next step: Enquire about this course or start your enrolment

What is the Certificate IV in Disability Support?

CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support is the national qualification for experienced disability support workers who are moving into more independent and complex work. It covers person-centred practice, positive behaviour support, supporting people's rights and advocacy, and safe work practices.

Who this course is for

The course suits practising disability support workers who want to take on more responsibility, such as working with complex needs, supporting behaviour plans or guiding newer staff. It is also for employers who want to upskill their disability workforce.

Formal entry requirements

The national training package sets the entry requirements for this qualification. To enrol, you must have completed one of:

• CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), or
• CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), or
• CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability, plus the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.

Work experience alone does not meet these entry requirements. RPL, entry eligibility and funding eligibility are assessed separately. If you don't yet hold a qualification listed above, start with the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support.

Skills you will build

• Facilitating person-centred and strengths-based support
• Contributing to positive behaviour support
• Supporting the rights, empowerment and advocacy of people with disability
• Working legally and ethically, and maintaining work health and safety
• Supporting people's mental health and wellbeing

Applying it in your workplace

You are expected to work in a disability support role while you study. Much of your learning and assessment uses real situations from your own workplace, so what you learn applies directly to your job.

How you study

Delivery is online only. You can study self-paced over up to 12 months, or join the 10-month trainer-led program with fortnightly online tutorials on Mondays from 2:30 to 4:30pm.

Assessment

Assessment combines written knowledge tasks with practical demonstration of skills in your workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Experienced workers may be able to gain credit for skills they already have through RPL ($1,700). You still need to meet the formal entry requirements above. Find out how RPL works.

For employers

Employers can discuss workplace-based training for their disability support staff. See training for employers or contact our team.

Funding and fees

Online study costs $2,500. Eligible Queensland students may be able to study with Queensland Government Career Boost funding, which carries a co-contribution. Not every student is eligible. The Funding and Fees page explains current programs and eligibility.

Career pathways

The qualification can support progression to senior support worker, team leader or coordination roles. Outcomes depend on your employer and experience, and promotion is not guaranteed. Further study options include CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services, 11461NAT Diploma of Leadership in Disability Services and CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.

Common questions

Can I study the Certificate IV in Disability Support online?

Yes. Delivery is online, either self-paced or trainer-led.

Do I need to be working in disability support?

Yes. You are expected to be employed in a disability support role with access to people living with disability, because assessment takes place in your workplace.

Can my experience replace the entry requirements?

No. You need one of the qualifications listed under the formal entry requirements. RPL can then recognise your skills against the units of this course.

Before enrolling, read the student information and check the course schedule.

Where you study

This qualification is delivered online, so you can study from anywhere in Queensland. There are no regular classes at our Morayfield campus for this course. For employers in South East Queensland, including Moreton Bay, North Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, on-site workplace training can be arranged.