Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months on a full-time/part-time basis. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or support 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.
Infection control, including COVID-19 measures and the associated restrictions, have been implemented, to ensure the safety and well-being of students, lecturing staff and the wider community.
Career opportunities
Community Services workers support individuals through the provision of a range of person-centred services across a variety of community service organisations. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or supporting the implementation of specific community-based programs. Roles may provide support, advocacy or interventions to individuals, groups or communities and range from working under the direction and supervision of others to managing the programs and services themselves.
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Community Service include:
>Residential Support Worker
>Neighbourhood Centre Worker
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services include, but are not limited to, CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services.
Fees
2023 course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place is $2,135.00, and for students who are not eligible is $6,100.00.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of a Veteran's Affairs payment
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents 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
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.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- 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 twelve (12) units of competency must be completed comprising five (5) core and seven (7) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 610.
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 (Select 7) | ||
CHCAGE001 | Facititate the empowerment of older people | 50 |
CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | 100 |
CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | 45 |
CHCCOM001 | Provide first point of contact | 35 |
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | 80 |
CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | 40 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 430 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 610 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification. However, applicants 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.
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.
Away from base
AFB: This is an approved Away From Base (AFB) 'mixed-mode' course.For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine
On campus, combination face-to-face and online, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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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 domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
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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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