Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support - CHC40221

VOCATIONAL

Make a difference by supporting students' learning

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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
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Develop the skills you need to work in education support in schools.

The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support has been designed to provide you with the essential skills to work collaboratively with teachers and students at primary and secondary level, and at additional-needs schools. 

As an education support worker, your role will be to work closely with teachers, collecting or developing resources, providing mentoring assistance within the classroom, and participating in teaching activities. You will hone your skills in communication, teamwork and problem solving to create meaningful change and provide support to those who need it.

You will also benefit from a supervised practical placement. By putting your learning into practice, you will learn in a real classroom environment and gain a deeper understanding of the skills required to support both teachers and students. 

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

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Study in this certificate is delivered via blended learning, including blocks of face-to-face classroom learning and live online sessions throughout the semester. You will also have access to online learning resources.

You will participate in class learning activities such as analysing case studies and scenarios, role plays, group and independent work, online research and reading articles. 

Assessment methods

Your assessment throughout this certificate may take the form of oral and written tasks, group work, projects, online tasks, work-based assessment, and observations and evidence gathered from workplace environments.

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.

Throughout this certificate you will engage in a practical placement.

This may take place in a primary, secondary or additional needs school wherein you will work under direct supervision in a classroom, and will be negotiated on an individual basis.

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.

As a student in this certificate, you can expect to undertake up to 14 hours of face-to-face or online learning, plus an additional six hours of independent study per week.

You will also undertake practical placement for one full day per week.

As a student in this certificate, you will undertake thirteen core subjects and four electives over two semesters.

You will cover specialised key areas including how to provide support for literacy and numeracy learning, working with additional needs and disabilities, and encouraging understanding of diversity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures. You will also study broader foundational topics, including teaching and learning skills and knowledge, legislation, and the obligations of schools and staff.

Course structure

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

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Program code: C4420
National curriculum code: CHC40221
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4420
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4420
CRICOS
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Successful completion of the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, you will be able to pursue work in educational environments.

You will have the skills and qualifications necessary to work in a diverse range of education roles in which you will provide assistance and support to students and teachers.

Roles may include:

  • Education support worker
  • Education assistant
  • Learning support officer
  • Integration aide
  • Teacher's assistant
  • Inclusion and support worker
  • Home tutor.
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The qualification is nationally accredited and recognised in all states and territories through the Community Services Training Package. It covers workers in a range of education and school settings who provide assistance and support to teachers and community workers to facilitate students' learning under broader-based supervision.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

There are no minimum academic requirements.

All applicants must meet the minimum University Entry Requirements.

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

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

Additional information

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If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

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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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

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$1,150* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$5,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$12,500* 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