CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

To be awarded CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, a student must successfully complete a total of seventeen (17) units of competency, consisting of:

• Twelve (12) core units, and;
• Five (5) elective units

Activ Pathways has planned to deliver the electives listed in the ‘Elective Units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, student pathways and/or student and trainer/assessor feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).

Core units

• CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
• CHCAOD004 Assess the needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drug issues
• CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drug treatment plans
• CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCCS014 Provide brief interventions
• CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
• CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
• CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
• CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
• CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
• HLTAID011 Provide first aid

Elective units

• CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
• CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
• CHCCCS006 Facilitate individual service planning and delivery

To achieve this qualification, students must complete simulated assessments which demonstrate a range of skills across multiple units of competency. For blended virtual delivery, these simulations will be conducted in a virtual simulated environment designed to reflect workplace conditions, which will be done via Zoom.

Student will be issued with a Certificate and/or statement of attainment from Activ Pathways for successfully completed units.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

When you study with Activ Pathways, we want you to succeed. Entry requirements allow us to ensure you have the proper knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification. You must provide evidence that you meet the requirements listed in this section.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for non-trainees. You can apply for CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs now.

Study Requirements

Through a Pre-Training Review Activ Pathways will work with prospective student to confirm appropriate:

• Communication, documentation and research skills
• Physical capacity for manual tasks related to study (where applicable)
• Digital literacy skills such as internet browsing, email, word process and presentation software. Students undertaking blended and/or online training will require additional digital skills and access to below listed technologies.
• Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Skills (LLND). LLND levels are determined through participation in your Pre-Training Review which includes an online LLND quiz. During this process where student’s levels are assessed below the minimum requirement, Activ Pathways will work with students to identify most appropriate next steps and support strategies to develop levels. The mapped levels for this course are:
  • Reading: ACSF Level 4
  • Writing: ACSF Level 4
  • Numeracy: ACSF Level 3
  • Oral Communication: ACSF Level 4
  • Learning: ACSF Level 5

Students undertaking a blended and/or online virtual training will require the additional digital skills and technologies:

Digital literacy skills

Intermediate computer skills such as internet browsing, email, word processing, and presentation software.

Technology and workstation set-up

Students undertaking on-campus, blended and/or virtual training will require intermediate computer skills such as internet browsing, email, word processing, and presentation software. We understand the importance of a conducive study environment, so that you will need a quiet study space with a stable internet connection.

You will also need:

• Web camera, microphone and speakers
• Access to a laptop or desktop computer
• Earbuds or headphones
• Zoom video conferencing software.

Please note: You must turn your camera and microphone on during video conferencing.

Important information

This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that some individuals may find distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and future employment in this field.

$4,800 fee for service.

Funded options for 2027 are to be confirmed.

A Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs in Australia provides essential skills for making a positive impact in addiction support and recovery. You will learn how to assess and respond to the diverse needs of clients, conduct interventions, and deliver personalised counselling for individuals affected by substance use. The course also covers harm minimisation strategies, community outreach, and methods to support individuals throughout their recovery journey.

These skills are highly valued in the community services sector, preparing you for a rewarding career where you will play a crucial role in promoting healthier and more resilient communities.

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs can explore a wide range of job roles and career paths within the community services sector. Some of the potential job roles include:

• Rehabilitation support worker
• Outreach worker
• Family support worker
• Drug and alcohol support worker
• Caseworker

After successfully completing Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, you could pursue further education in the following courses:

• CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
• CHC40421 Certificate IV in Youth Work
• CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services