Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.
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
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
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications for 2026 are now closed.
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 workers who provide self-directed recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work involves implementing community-based programs and activities focusing on mental health, mental illness, and psychiatric disability.
Work is undertaken in a range of community contexts such as community-based non-government organisations, home-based outreach, centre-based programs, respite care, residential services, rehabilitation programs, clinical settings, or supporting people in employment.
Work is carried out autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 80 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Alice Springs Casuarina Online |
| Duration | 12 months full-time 2 years 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 Workplace *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 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. |
| Attendance | Face-to-face Online |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Community rehabilitation worker
- Community rehabilitation and Support Worker
- Outreach Officer
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Assistant Community Services 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.
If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.
The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification.
Completed Qualification | HE | VET | Bachelor Degree | Maximum Credit Available |
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 | |
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline. | ||||
Professional Recognition |
Course Structure To achieve CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, a total of Fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising eleven (11) core and four (4) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses. 11 core units plus
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 845.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If applicable select Timetables | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employability Skills |
2026 Fees
*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. |
General Description Availability: Applications for 2026 are now closed. This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide self-directed recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work involves implementing community-based programs and activities focusing on mental health, mental illness, and psychiatric disability. Work is undertaken in a range of community contexts such as community-based non-government organisations, home-based outreach, centre-based programs, respite care, residential services, rehabilitation programs, clinical settings, or supporting people in employment. Work is carried out autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 80 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| ||||||||||||
Course Information Flyer(s) CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health - 2026 | ||||||||||||
Accreditation This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package. | ||||||||||||
Locations 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, workplace assessment Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year. | ||||||||||||
Entry Requirements Domestic | 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. To be eligible to undertake a mandatory work placement in a mental health care setting, students may be required to obtain the following specific vocational clearances:
Students must hold these clearances or be willing to obtain them if required by host work placement organisations. Required Resources There may be costs if the student is not employed and is required to undertake work placement:
Apply through SAFE NT Online Applications. | |||||||||||
Duration Estimated completion time: 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. | |
Career Opportunities Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
|
Marketing Professional Recognition |
Marketing Course Description |
Marketing Career Opportunities |
- ABN 54 093 513 649
- Privacy Statement
- Copyright and Disclaimer
- CRICOS Provider No: 00300K (NT/VIC) | 03286A (NSW)
- RTO Provider No: 0373
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $11,669.45 |
*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 CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, a total of Fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising eleven (11) core and four (4) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
11 core units plus
4 elective units, consisting of:
- at least 2 units from the listed electives including at least 1 unit from the At Risk group below
- up to 2 units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 845.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
| CHCMHS002 | Establish self-directed recovery relationships | 60 |
| CHCMHS003 | Provide recovery oriented mental health services | 60 |
| CHCMHS004 | Work collaboratively with the care network and other services | 75 |
| CHCMHS005 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | 90 |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | 40 |
| CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self advocacy | 50 |
| CHCMHS011 | Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing | 80 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in work health and safety | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 595 | |
| ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY(complete all 4 elective units listed) | ||
| AT RISK ELECTIVE | ||
| CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | 45 |
| OTHER ELECTIVES | ||
| CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | 100 |
| CHCAOD001 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | 80 |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment | 25 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 250 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 845 | |
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.
To be eligible to undertake a mandatory work placement in a mental health care setting, students may be required to obtain the following specific vocational clearances:
- A Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card)
- A National Police Check
- Students may also require occupational health screening, including vaccinations.
Students must hold these clearances or be willing to obtain them if required by host work placement organisations.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Study Mode:On campus, online, both, workplace assessment
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.
Share this course