Program Overview

Overview of the Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support

The Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support is a nationally recognized course that allows individuals to grow their skills and knowledge as a teacher aide or in education support. This qualification reflects the role of an education support worker who assists teachers and supports student learning in a range of classroom settings in primary or secondary schools.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support can lead to career opportunities as an education support worker, assisting teachers to support specific learning needs of individual students within a classroom setting of a primary or secondary school. Students can also further their skills and study towards other qualifications, with many pathways available.

Structure and Availability

The course is available to study full-time over a period of 40 weeks or part-time over a period of 70 weeks. The course is competency and cluster-based, and students may be able to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.

Course Structure

The course consists of 17 units, organized into 8 clusters:

• Cluster 1: Contribute to the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, and participate in workplace health and safety
• Cluster 2: Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment, and identify and respond to children and young people at risk
• Cluster 3: Work with diverse people, and encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
• Cluster 4: Assist in facilitation of student learning, support student literacy learning, and support student mathematics learning
• Cluster 5: Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder, work with students in need of additional learning support, and facilitate learning for students with disabilities
• Cluster 6: Reflect on and improve own professional practice, and support the implementation of behaviour plans
• Cluster 7: Supervise students outside the classroom, and deliver elements of teaching and learning programs
• Cluster 8: Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL involves an assessment process of an individual's previously obtained skills and knowledge that has been achieved outside the formal education and training system. The duration is dependent on evidence collection by the candidate and approval of evidence by the CQUniversity assessor.

Requirements

Entry requirements include completion of the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course. Students are required to complete 100 hours of vocational placement in a classroom environment at Primary or Secondary Schools within Australia.

Fees and Scholarships

The course fee is $0$5,576, with subsidies reducing the cost of tuition fees for TAFE courses. Eligibility and conditions apply. Scholarships are available to help students pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops, and technology, childcare, study, and living expenses, travel, and more.

How to Apply

To apply, students must check the course requirements, get a Unique Student Identifier, prepare eligibility documentation, submit their application, and complete their bksb testing. The last day to apply is Monday, 19 January 2026.

Related Courses

Related courses include the Certificate III in School-Based Education Support, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.