Certificate 4 in Disability:
Elevating Your Career in Disability Care

Make a meaningful impact by empowering those with disabilities through our CHC43121 Certificate 4 in Disability Support. This course is designed for dedicated individuals who are passionate about enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience, you will be ready to work in diverse disability support settings, creating a positive and inclusive environment for those you assist.

Course overview: Certificate 4 in Disability Support

Also referred to as Cert IV in Disability Support, this course prepares you for a meaningful career in supporting individuals with disabilities. This qualification reflects the role of workers in various community settings and clients’ homes, providing training and support that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater independence, self-reliance, community participation, and wellbeing.

Disability support workers promote a person-centred approach, working without direct supervision and may also be required to supervise and coordinate a small team. Whether you are new to the field or have some background in disability care and want to progress your career, the Cert 4 in Disability Support offers the opportunity to gain comprehensive skills and practical experience. You will learn how to implement support strategies effectively, comply with legal and ethical standards and foster an inclusive environment that promotes the wellbeing and participation of individuals with disabilities.

Fee-free Training in Disability Care

Course structure: what you’ll learn

The Cert IV in Disability Support provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the disability support sector, building on your existing skills for providing individual care.

In this course, you will learn to: 

  • Develop and provide individualised, person-centred support to people living with disability

  • Support people with mental health issues and complex needs

  • Manage legal and ethical compliance and maintain safe work practices

  • Promote community participation and social inclusion

  • Develop and use person-centred communication systems

To achieve a CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, you need to complete a total of 10 units of competency: 7 core units and 3 elective units.

Traineeships

Practical placement: how to gain real-world experience

To achieve competency in the Cert IV in Disability Support, students are required to undertake 120 hours of supervised Practical Placement. This hands-on experience is crucial in applying the theoretical knowledge gained during the course in real-world settings. Our dedicated Practical Placement Team will assist in arranging a suitable, regulated Disability service work placement to:

  • Work directly with individuals with disabilities, providing person-centred support

  • Implement support strategies and care plans under the supervision of experienced professionals

  • Develop practical skills in communication, problem-solving and teamwork

  • Observe and adhere to legal and ethical standards in a professional setting

  • Gain insights into the daily operations and challenges of disability support services

  • Network with prospective employers

This practical experience will enhance your learning from the Cert IV in Disability Support qualification. It will also build your confidence and competence in delivering high-quality support to individuals with disabilities. It is an invaluable component of your training, so you can become well-prepared for a successful career in the disability support sector.

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Course outcomes: career opportunities and further study

Common career opportunities after completing this qualification may include:

  • Disability Support Worker

  • Community-based Support officer

  • Disability Team Leader

  • Senior Personal Care Assistant

Graduates of Certificate 4 in Disability Support might wish to broaden their knowledge and skills in the industry by studying our CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. This additional qualification provides a deeper understanding of supporting older adults, which complements the skills gained in disability support.

Empowering You to Excel in Senior Care Roles

Entry requirements: how to get into the program

To qualify for the Cert IV in Disability Support, you must meet the following academic criteria:

  • Hold one of the following qualifications:

    • CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

    • CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

    • CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.

  • To complete the CHC43121 Cert IV in Disability Support program, you must also:

    • Be able to obtain a NDIS Working Check (NDISWC), which is mandatory for Practical Placement

    • Pass the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN):  to determine if you have the foundational skills for the course.

Fees and financial assistance

The NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program provides government-subsidised training in industry priority areas through their NSW Fee Free ($0) initiative.

Eligible students can take advantage of the NSW Fee Free initiative to access high-quality training in Cert IV in Disability Support with financial support. 

You are qualified for the Smart and Skilled program if you are:

  • 15 years old or over

  • No longer at school

  • Living or working in NSW

  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen

For those not eligible for NSW fee-free ($0) training, the fee-for-service course fee for Certificate 4 in Disability Support is $2,320.

Early Childhood Education and Care

Units of competency

To achieve a CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, a total of 15 units of competency must be completed, 12 core units, plus 3 elective units.

Core units

  • 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

Elective units

  • CHCDIS014 - Develop and use strategies for communication with augmentative and alternative communication systems

  • CHCDIS015 - Develop and provide person-centred service responses

  • CHCDIS016 - Develop and promote positive person-centred behaviour supports

Sign up to get Certificate 4 in Disability Support today

Start caring for individuals with disabilities with a Cert IV in Disability Support. This qualification prepares you for roles in various settings, including residential group homes, community centres and client homes. Graduates can pursue positions such as Disability Support Worker, Disability Team Leader, Senior Personal Care Assistant and Community-based Support Officer, wherein they will have the opportunity to positively impact individuals' lives and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Contact us at First Base Training to learn more about our Cert IV in Disability Support program.

FAQs

    • Proof of Identity: driver’s licence, NSW photo card, passport

    • Proof of NSW Address: driver’s licence, NSW photo card

    • Citizenship/Residency Proof: birth certificate, passport, Medicare card, Australian visa

  • Yes, at our Parramatta Westfield classrooms. We are located on Level 6 in the Office Tower of Parramatta Westfield, near Parramatta station and bus interchange. 

  • Yes, we will issue a nationally recognised vocational qualification when you complete the course.

  • Yes, we arrange practical placements. You'll practise in a simulated environment first.

  • The Cert IV in Disability Support takes approximately 6 months, inclusive of 120 hours of work placement.

  • Eligible students can enrol fee-free from July-December 2024. For those not eligible, the fee-for-service cost is $2,320.

  • Yes, we offer monthly, fortnightly and weekly payment options.

  • You can make payments via bank transfer, in-person via Visa or MasterCard or over the phone using a credit card.

  • You can enquire online or by phone, but please enrol in person at our Parramatta office.

  • No, we offer flexible start dates throughout the year to accommodate students' schedules. 

  • Yes, students with a Subclass 500 Student visa can enrol in courses offered by CRICOS -registered providers.

Kickstart your career with us today!