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TAFE

CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s

This program is delivered over a period of 12 months to 2 years. 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

Alice Springs, Casuarina, Online
Not available to international students.

Course code

CHC43215

Overview




Availability: Applications open for 2026.  
Online Application: This course is available for online application.    
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.

This qualification reflects the role of entry level workers who provide services and interventions to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues and/or implement health promotion and community interventions.

Work in undertaken in contexts such as community-based organisations, withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services under the guidance of other practitioners and professionals, with limited responsibility and within established parameters.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Delivery Details
LocationAlice Springs
Casuarina
Online
Duration12 months full-time
2 years part-time
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeBlended 
Face-to-face
Online 
Workplace
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide
Start DateTerm 1 - 02/02/2026
*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.
AttendanceFace-to-face
Block delivery 
4 x 3 hour blocks per week per term

Online
Tuesday 
5:00pm - 6:00pm

Career opportunities

Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Detoxification Worker
  • Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker
  • Case Worker (Community Services)
  • Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker
  • Support Worker (Community Services)
  • Drug and Alcohol 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.

Students who successfully complete VET qualifications at the Certificate IV level or above and subsequently enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field or discipline, will receive advanced standing as detailed in the table below.


Completed Award Course Level
HE
VET
to a HE Award
Credit granted for a completed award in the same field
Certificate IV
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Certificate IV
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points

Fees

2026 Fees

  Fee Type  2026 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $4,246.55
  Full Fee  $15,232.43

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported 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.

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:

  • Recipient of a Centrelink payment
  • Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
  • 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.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

International VET Package

Course information flyer(s)

CDU Aquaculture students

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
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

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
CDU Aquaculture students

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
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

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 CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs a total of seventeen (17) units of competency must be completed comprising twelve (12) core and five (5) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

Course structure

12 core units, plus
5 elective units, consisting of:

  • at least 3 units from the listed electives
  • up to 2 units from the electives listed below, any endorsed Training Package or accredited course

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1103.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY
CHCAOD001Work in an alcohol and other drugs context80
CHCAOD004Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues135
CHCAOD006Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues70
CHCAOD009Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans75
CHCCCS004Assess co-existing needs80
CHCCCS014Provide brief interventions75
CHCCOM002Use communication to build relationships55
CHCDIV001Work with diverse people40
CHCLEG001Work legally and ethically55
CHCMHS001Work with people with mental health issues80
CHCPRP001Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships80
HLTAID011Provide first aid18
 Total nominal hours for core units843
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (complete all 5)
CHCADV001Facilitate the interests and rights of clients

100

CHCCCS016Respond to client needs

60

CHCDIV002Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

25

CHCDFV001Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

50

HLTWHS006Manage personal stressors in the work environment

25

 Total nominal hours for elective units260
 Total nominal hours for the qualification1103

 

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 using Learnline however, students will need to ensure that their computer has the correct setup.

Learning material and activities are provided online through Learnline. Students must access this material and engage with the activities to complete the requirements of the unit; Students must log into Learnline on the first day of the teaching period. Computer and internet access is required to source information and complete assessments.

There may be costs if the student is not employed and is required to undertake work placement:

  • Working With Children Clearance - Standard Fee (Employment) $87.00
  • Working with Children Clearance - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $8.00
  • National Police Check - Standard Fee (Employment) $89.00
  • National Police Check - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $17.00
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check - Standard Fee (Employment) $87.00
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $8.00

Apply through SAFE NT Online Applications.

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers. Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.

Vicki

CDU student

Online study with Vicky

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers. Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.

Vicki

CDU student

Online study with Vicky

Course details

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.

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, Online



Study Mode:On campus, online, both



Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
COMMUNITY SERVICES, HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Occupation types
Community Worker
Area of study
Health and Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Psychology, Community Services, Community Services and Social Work

Contact details

Health and Community Services
Location: Casuarina and Alice Springs Campuses
Phone: 08 8946 7517 (CAS) 08 8959 5461 (ASP)
Email: vet.csh@cdu.edu.au

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.

We are here to help

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.

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