Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs - CHC43215

VOCATIONAL

Make a difference to the lives of those struggling with addiction. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

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*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

The Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs has been designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to support people with alcohol and other drug conditions and facilitate meaningful change.

The role of an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) worker is diverse and offers many exciting and rewarding career opportunities.

This certificate is designed to prepare you for an entry-level role in the AOD sector, providing services and interventions to clients who may be experiencing harmful effects from substance use, addiction and/or dependency.

Students learn how to provide a range of services and interventions for clients with AOD and other complex care needs.

Students study the complex and interconnected nature of addiction, dependance and substance use, and the relationship this has with mental health conditions.

Why study alcohol and other drugs at RMIT?

Professional accreditation

This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

Industry input

We work closely with industry partners to ensure this certificate is aligned with their needs.

Work relevant

Hear from specialist guest speakers who provide insight into current workplace practices.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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An important aspect of this qualification is to understand the complex and interconnected nature of addiction and drug use.

Learning activities are designed to consider the many and varied aspects of AOD use.

To be awarded the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs you will need to complete 17 units of competency. Twelve of the subjects are core requirements of the national qualification. The other five have been selected as electives by the Community Services Team at RMIT in consultation with industry partners to best prepare you for the workforce.

You will learn through:

  • class discussion 
  • presentations from specialist guest speakers who provide insight into current workplace practices
  • extensive online resources 
  • both group and individual project work.

There is support for students to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in this certificate.

Assessments are designed to prepare you for the workforce and/or further study.

The curriculum will enable you to gain skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to workplace practices. Peer learning and networking will be fostered throughout the course through classroom discussion and the online learning system. There will also be project-based learning (both group and individual work).

Assessments will incorporate a range of methods to indicate student performance and ability to apply required knowledge and skills as set out by each unit of competency. Assessment methods include but are not limited to:

  • research projects
  • presentations by students as individuals and as part of group work
  • observation of practical tasks including simulations
  • knowledge tests
  • role-plays
  • case studies
  • written reflections
  • supervisor’s report
  • personal evaluation.

All subjects are delivered in English.

You will have access to online resources.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT works closely with its industry partners to ensure that this certificate is aligned with industry needs.

This certificate maintains strong links with the community services sector through course content design, development, delivery and assessment.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This certificate consists of 12 core and five elective subjects.

You will study:

  • intervention and support
  • effective work practices 
  • initial engagement
  • first aid
  • co-morbidity
  • direct service provision
  • suicide assessment and intervention.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Program code: C4364
National curriculum code: CHC43215
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
City Campus
12 Months Full-time
C4364
Location
City Campus
Duration
12 Months Full-time
Plan code
C4364
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Once you graduate, you may be employed as case workers, community support workers, drug and alcohol workers, family support workers, needle and syringe program workers, and outreach workers.

Graduates are employed in a range of contexts. For example, community mental health and AOD organisations, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services.

You could work in organisations such as:

  • government, non-government and not-for-profit organisations
  • community programs (such as day programs)
  • residential rehabilitation services
  • home-based outreach services
  • detoxification services
  • needle and syringe programs.
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This nationally recognised vocational education qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Minimum age requirement

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date. 

Personal statement

Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study in the alcohol and other drugs sector
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Additional information

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,100* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$5,500* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$18,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information