Certificate 4 in Disability:
Elevating Your Career in Disability Care
Begin your career in disability support with First Base Training’s CHC43121 Certificate 4 in Disability. As you step into this vital field, our program provides you with the practical skills and expert knowledge needed to empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Learn from industry-experienced educators who focus on hands-on learning and guide you through real-world scenarios in a fun and supportive environment.
Whether you're looking to work directly with clients in community settings and homes, explore pathways to becoming an educator or even start your own business in the field, our Cert IV in Disability provides the foundation you need to succeed. Join our program and start making a tangible difference in the lives of those you support.
Course overview
The Certificate 4 in Disability Support equips you with the skills to provide essential support across a range of community settings and clients’ homes. This program focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing. You’ll learn to promote a person-centred approach, work autonomously and take on leadership roles, such as supervising or coordinating a small team.
At First Base Training, we stand out by offering personalised instruction delivered by industry-experienced educators who are dedicated to your success. We place a strong emphasis on practical skills in our Cert IV in Disability program, helping you learn theory that you can apply in real-world scenarios. Our program also includes practical placements, ensuring you gain hands-on experience in authentic settings, further enhancing your learning
With our student-focused approach, combined with excellent graduate outcomes, our Cert IV in Disability program is ideal for those committed to making a significant difference in the disability support sector. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, this qualification provides the hands-on experience and professional development you need to excel.
Course structure: what you’ll learn
Prepare to make a change in the disability support sector with the CHC43121 Cert IV in Disability Support. Over approximately six months, depending on your practical placement schedule, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Throughout this course, you’ll:
Develop advanced communication skills tailored to supporting individuals with disabilities.
Learn to create and implement individualised support strategies that promote independence and community participation.
Explore legal and ethical considerations critical to providing high-quality care in disability support.
Build practical competencies in person-centred care, enabling you to manage and coordinate small teams effectively.
Gain real-world experience through supervised practical placements so that you’re fully prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.
We take a structured approach in our Cert IV in Disability Support program. You will graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various roles within the disability support sector, equipped to make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve.
Practical placement: gaining real-world experience
To achieve your CHC43121 Cert IV in Disability Support, you’ll complete 120 hours of supervised practical placement in a regulated disability service. This real-world experience is vital for applying the skills and knowledge gained during the course to actual care settings.
Our Practical Placement Team is here to support you at every step in our Cert IV in Disability Support program. We’ll handle all the arrangements, from selecting a placement site that aligns with your career goals to ensuring you receive the necessary supervision. This allows you to focus on developing your competencies in a hands-on environment, working with a diverse range of individuals with disabilities.
During your placement, you’ll:
Apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining practical insights into the disability support sector.
Build confidence in delivering person-centred care tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Enhance your ability to work independently and as part of a team, preparing you for leadership roles in the field.
This practical experience is essential for your professional growth, so you graduate with a Cert IV in Disability Support fully prepared to excel in your chosen career.
Course outcomes: career opportunities
Graduates of our Certificate 4 in Disability are well-poised to take on a variety of rewarding roles within the disability sector. With this qualification, you can pursue careers such as:
Disability Support Worker: Provide direct assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and participate fully in their communities.
Community-Based Support Officer: Work within community settings to develop and implement support programs tailored to the needs of people with disabilities.
Disability Team Leader: Lead and coordinate a small team of support workers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.
Senior Personal Care Assistant: Provide advanced care and support to individuals with complex needs, often taking on supervisory responsibilities.
For those looking to further advance their careers, the Certificate 4 in Disability Support offers a solid foundation to build upon. Graduates may choose to broaden their knowledge and skills in the industry by studying our CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support qualification, which opens up additional opportunities in the aged care sector. This pathway allows you to expand your skill set, enhancing your ability to support a wider range of individuals and increasing your potential for leadership roles in both disability and aged care.
Entry requirements: how to get into the program
To enrol in the Certificate 4 in Disability Support program, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes holding 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.
You will need to apply for a National Police Check as it will be required for attending Practical Placement for our Certificate 4 in Disability Support program.
FBT’s enrolment process is designed to ensure students enrol into a suitable qualification and includes:
A suitability discussion to affirm students’ needs and desired outcomes
A Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN) to ensure students have the basic skills necessary for completion of course
Fees and financial assistance
NSW Fee Free ($0):
NSW Fee Free ($0) improves access to training for young people, job seekers, First Nations People, unpaid carers, women undertaking study in non-traditional trades and certain categories of visa holders. As a Smart and Skilled contracted training provider, we can deliver fee-free full qualification courses between now and 31st December 2024, including our Certificate 4 in Disability Support program.
Who is eligible?
Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with:
an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III
government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.
Under Skills NSW, you may be able to study a fee-free Cert IV in Disability course 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.
Temporary and Permanent Visa holders that allows study in Australia (except for Student Visas):
$2,320
For more information on financial assistance and eligibility, please visit our Fee-Free Training page.
Units of competency: Certificate 4 in Disability Support
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
Enrol in the Certificate 4 in Disability Support program today
Start your journey towards a fulfilling career in disability support with our CHC43121 Certificate 4 in Disability Support. This program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to empower individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and community participation.
With our hands-on practical placement, guided by industry-experienced educators, you can prepare for the real-world challenges of this vital sector. Enrol at First Base Training today and take the next step in making a significant impact in the lives of those you support.
Contact us today to learn more about our Cert IV in Disability Support program.
FAQs
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The Cert IV in Disability is for those who already hold a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or have relevant experience in the disability support sector. This qualification builds on your existing skills and knowledge, preparing you for more advanced roles within the industry. After obtaining your Cert IV in Disability, you may choose to further your training by pursuing a Certificate IV in Ageing Support, a Diploma of Community Services or other higher-level qualifications related to disability and community support.
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Upon completing the Cert IV in Disability Support, you will be qualified for a range of roles in the disability support sector. These include positions such as Disability Support Worker, Community-Based Support Officer, Disability Team Leader and Senior Personal Care Assistant. This qualification also prepares you for supervisory roles — you’ll learn how to lead a team and deliver person-centred care to individuals with disabilities.
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Yes, we offer fee support through the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program, which may allow eligible students to enrol in the Cert IV in Disability Support course at no cost. If you’re not eligible for fee-free training, we offer options for reduced fees, and our team can provide you with detailed information on the financial assistance available.
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Currently, in-person enrollment is required for the Cert IV in Disability Support course. Our team is available to assist you and provide all the necessary information.
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We offer flexible intake periods throughout the year, rather than following a traditional semester-based system. This flexibility allows you to start the Certificate 4 in Disability Support course at a time that best suits your schedule. Our team can provide you with more details on upcoming start dates.
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In addition to the Cert IV in Disability Support, we offer a variety of qualifications in related fields, such as aged care and early childhood education. They provide practical skills and knowledge that prepare you for a rewarding career in your chosen field. Explore our courses: