Certificate IV in Mental Health

Course at a glance

• Qualification: CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, nationally recognised training delivered by Equinox College (RTO 45040)
• Study modes: Online self-paced; online trainer-led (fortnightly tutorials, Mondays 3–7pm); Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Duration: Up to 12 months self-paced, or a 24-week trainer-led program
• Entry requirements: No formal entry requirements under the national training package. A Certificate III in community services is recommended but not required. You need photo ID, a USI, a National Police Check and language, literacy and numeracy suited to Certificate IV.
• Practical requirement: At least 80 hours of work supporting people living with mental health issues, recorded in a placement or workplace log book. An NDIS Worker Screening Check is required.
• Assessment: A combination of written knowledge assessment and practical demonstration
• 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 Mental Health?

CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health is the national qualification for workers who support people living with mental illness or mental health concerns in community-based, non-clinical roles. It focuses on recovery-oriented practice, working with people in crisis, and supporting people's rights and wellbeing.

Who this course suits

• People starting work as a mental health support worker or peer support worker
• Disability, aged care and community workers who support people with mental health needs
• Existing workers who want a formal qualification, often through RPL

Support roles, not clinical treatment

This qualification prepares you for community mental health support roles. It does not qualify you as a psychologist, counsellor, mental health nurse or other registered clinical professional, and it does not authorise you to diagnose or provide clinical treatment.

Where graduates work

Graduates often work in community mental health services, psychosocial recovery support (including NDIS-funded services), disability and community services, and residential or outreach programs. Employment depends on your circumstances and the job market.

How you study and are assessed

Delivery is online only. You can study self-paced over up to 12 months, or join the 24-week trainer-led program with fortnightly online tutorials on Mondays from 3 to 7pm. Assessment combines written knowledge tasks with practical demonstration of skills during your work hours.

80 hours of work

The qualification requires at least 80 hours of work supporting people living with mental health issues. You record them in a placement or workplace log book. You need an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Read about student placement.

Funding

Eligible Queensland students may be able to study with Queensland Government Career Boost funding, which carries a co-contribution. Not every student is eligible. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and is confirmed by Equinox College staff before enrolment. See Funding and Fees.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you already work in mental health support, RPL ($1,700) can recognise skills you already have against the units of this qualification. Find out how RPL works.

Common questions

Can I study the Certificate IV in Mental Health online?

Yes. Delivery is online, either self-paced or trainer-led. You still complete 80 hours of work.

Will this qualification make me a counsellor?

No. It is for community mental health support roles, not registered clinical professions.

What can I study next?

Options include CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services and CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.

Before enrolling, read the student information and the course schedule. Employers can see training for employers.

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.