This course is Tuition Fee Free for funded students.
Funded students pay only $50 or $125 under Victorian Skills First funding.
This course is also available as fee-for-service at $3,500 payable in instalments.
Enrolment fees include all resources.Please note this course has mandatory entry requirements. Ask us about our customised Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) CHC33021-CHC43121 Entry Program designed particularly to meet the needs of current and recent experienced aged care and disability support workers who are looking to enrol in the Certificate IV in Disability Support.
With our Dual Training and Recognition program, we will review evidence of your prior learning and current and recent experience, recognise your existing skills and knowledge, credit transfer any units you have already gained in prior study, and identify any gap training needs to develop your individual training plan. This way you can upgrade your current practice while we prepare you for entry into your intended Certificate IV in Disability Support program.
Enquire now and find out if this is the right program for you!
ENQUIRE NOW!

Are you moving into a co-ordinator or supervisory role and need to upskill?
Or
Do you work in an aged care, home and community care or disability support role and want to have your existing competency recognised, gain formal credentials or up-skill?
If you are passionate about providing support that empowers people with a disability to live their best lives, then this is the course for you!
With Phillips Institute, you can take control of your study and start anytime.
Learning delivery methods
- Flexible online, virtual or local classes with online assessments
- Study at your own pace with online learning resources and assessments via LMS
- Optional virtual assistance for online learners, or attend regular virtual classes
- Attend facilitated weekly workshops at our fully equipped Carnegie training facility – and other venues – new intakes start monthly
- Attend weekly virtual study support sessions for each unit
- Enjoy learning and sharing your experience with other students, support workers, disability and health care professionals
- Be guided by our highly experienced and qualified trainers who will provide guidance to you with regular contact
Fees and Funding
If you are studying within Victoria, and you’re an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or New Zealand Citizen, you are probably eligible for Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding – see our Fees and Funding page for more information.
About this qualification
This course prepares you to work providing services to people with a disability in residential group homes, training resource centres, day respite centres and open employment services, other community settings and clients’ homes. Support is provided in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.
Typically disability support workers:
- Promote a person-centred approach, work according to and may contribute to an individualised plan, and work without direct supervision
- May provide support or services to individuals with complex needs, and/or work with groups of people
- Work may include training and support to promote independence and community participation, which may be provided as part of activities and programs in a variety of settings including residential and centre-based programs
- Report to service managers and liaise with professionals and other service providers
- May be required to supervise and/or coordinate a small team
You may also be interested in: Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Diploma of Leisure and Health
Duration
While the full duration of this program is 6 months, some individuals may require up to 12 months to complete all course requirements, while others may be able to complete in a shorter time frame where relevant prior skills, knowledge and experience are demonstrated. Additionally, while there are no specific placement requirements for this qualification, we recommend a placement of minimum 80 hours in order to best meet the assessment evidence requirements for various units. Applicants who are already working in a relevant role may meet this requirement during their paid work hours.
Entry requirements
Excellent communication skills are essential in community service roles. To gain entry into this course, you must have adequate language, literacy and numeracy skills in order to study at Certificate IV level.
If you have no prior industry experience, we recommend you study the Certificate III in Individual Support prior to undertaking this program, as it is a prerequisite – see below section “Pre-requisitie qualifications” regarding the specific Certificate III qualifications which meet this requirement. If you have relevant experience but do not hold one of the listed qualifications for entry, we recommend a recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway with an enrolment in our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support – RPL program to assist you to meet the entry requirements for this course.
Applicants who intend to study this course will need intermediate level computer skills, access to a computer, an email account and a reliable internet connection.
Applicants should consider their ability to meet these requirements prior to enrolment.
Pre-requisite qualifications
This course requires entrants to hold either of: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) OR CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) OR CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set. Speak to our staff about these requirements and we will assist you to determine your entry pathway to this popular qualification. |
Additional Entry Requirements
You must be able to speak, read and write well in English in order to complete assessment tasks, communicate effectively in the workplace during placement. This course is particularly recommended for those who are already working in a relevant role, or who have relevant and recent experience. For those not currently working, you will be required to undertake an unpaid practical placement in order to meet various unit assessment requirements.
You will be required to communicate verbally with fellow students, work colleagues, other professionals, and with the families of the clients in your care in the workplace and while on placement.
Beginner to intermediate computer skills for completion of coursework assessment tasks.
Minimum enrolment age is 18 years.
Units of competency in the program
CHCCCS044 | Follow established person-centred behaviour supports |
CHCDIS017 | Facilitate community participation and social inclusion |
CHCDIS018 | Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach |
CHCDIS019 | Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs |
CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance |
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice* |
CHCDIS021 | Prepare for NDIS support coordination* |
HLTFSE001 | Follow basic food safety practices* |
CHCCCS035 | Support people with autism spectrum disorder* |
Are you ready to take the next step? Apply Now to get started in a disability support career.