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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 8 to 12 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 2026.
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 *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Blended Face-to-face Online *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 1 - 02/02/2026 Term 3 - 13/07/2026 *Students can enrol up to the end of the first week after the identified commencement date *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Face-to-face Block delivery 4 x 3 hour blocks per week, per term Online Tuesday 5:00pm - 6:00pm OR Wednesday 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- 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.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $8,976.50 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
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.
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 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
5 core units, plus
7 elective units, consisting of:
- at least 5 units from the listed electives
- up to 2 units from the listed electives, any endorsed Training Packages or accredited courses
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.
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
Required Resources
Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before you can use Learnline however, you'll need to ensure that your computer has the correct setup.
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
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Online
On campus, online, both
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
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 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.
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.
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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