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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 8 to 12 months.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
This qualification reflects the role of entry-level community service workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centered services. Work may include the day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or the implementation of specific community-based programs. At this level, work takes place under the direction of others, and supervision may be direct or indirect. Work may take place in a range of community services organisations.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Alice Springs Casuarina Online |
| Duration | 8 months full-time 12 months part-time * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Blended Face-to-face Online * Information about study modes is available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | Term 1: February 1, 2027 Term 2: July 12, 2027 * After the course starts, you have until the end of the first week to enrol. |
| Attendance | Face-to-face Online |
Career opportunities
After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
- Residential Support Worker
- Aboriginal Intake and Referral Worker
- Community Care Worker
- Client Contact
- Weekend Recreational Activities Officer
- Welfare Support Worker
- Support Worker (Community Services)
- Aboriginal Community Development Worker
- Youth Worker
- Juvenile Justice Officer
- Youth Housing Support Worker
- Assistant Community Worker
- Youth Support Worker
- Aboriginal Youth Worker
- Accommodation Support Officer
- Youth Case Worker
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services.
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | Free |
| Full Fee | $8,928.00 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services, a total of 12 units of competency must be completed comprising 5 core and 7 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 650.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
| CHCCCS016 | Respond to client needs | 60 |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment | 25 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 180 | |
| ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Complete all 7) | ||
| CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | 100 |
| CHCAOD001 | Work in the alcohol and other drugs context | 80 |
| CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence (unnamed) | 50 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural safety | 25 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically (unnamed) | 55 |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | 80 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 470 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 650 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no mandatory requirements; however, candidates who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level, e.g., completion of Year 10 or equivalent and a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication. A pre-assessment may be required.
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
Required Resources
Students can access assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Location and study mode
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Online
On campus, online, both
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Health and Community Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.



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