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CHC43121

Newcastle

Why study a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work?

This nationally accredited qualification provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career and enrich the lives of the people you care for.

Who is the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work ideal for?

Formalise your lived experience into a nationally recognised qualification so you can provide structured, recovery-focused peer support

Learn how to combine your professional experience with your own lived experience to offer person-centred, empathetic care that truly makes a difference

Use your lived experience to pivot into a rewarding new career. Gain tools and strategies to share your insights and contribute to recovery-oriented care in professional settings.

Course Overview

AQF Level
Certificate IV
Course Duration
6 to 12 months (depending on delivery mode and prior experience)
Delivery Method
Classroom or Online
Total Number of Units
15 units required to complete
Fees & Funding
Government-funded or from $42.89 per week

What you will gain

A strong foundation in peer-led mental health support

Whether you’re already drawing on your lived experience to support others or looking to grow into a peer work role, this qualification will strengthen your skills and confidence in the workplace.

The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work offers a solid foundation in evidence-based practices, whilst enhancing your ability to use personal experience to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

You will build expertise to:

  • Deepen your understanding of mental health conditions, recovery principles, and the value of lived experience
  • Strengthen your ability to walk alongside people as they work toward their goals, independence, and wellbeing
  • Confidently support individuals with co-existing conditions or dual diagnoses
  • Deliver recovery-oriented, person-centred support in both individual and group environments
  • Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams while maintaining clear peer boundaries
  • Apply legal, ethical, and professional frameworks in your practice
  • Embed cultural awareness and inclusive approaches in all your interactions
  • Better understand trauma, including vicarious trauma, and strategies you can use to protect and improve your own mental health.

Learning made affordable

Australian residents living in NSW or QLD may be eligible to have all or part of their course fees subsidised using State Government funding schemes like Smart & Skilled (NSW) or Skills Assure (QLD).

Students who do not qualify for funding:

Start with a $200 deposit, then pay as little as $42.89 per week for 12 months.

Smart and Skilled (NSW)

Government-subsidised training for eligible NSW residents. It applies to courses on the NSW Skills List, from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma. Use the online fee-estimate tool to confirm eligibility and see your student fee.

Skills Assure (QLD)

Fully or partly subsidised training for Queenslanders is available under the Career Start and Career Boost programs. Complete a short questionnaire on the Skills Gateway website to check whether you qualify.

Train with the experts

Breakthru College is part of the Royal Rehab Group, a not-for-profit that works every day in the health and disability space.

So, when we teach, it’s based on real experience – not just theory. Our goal is simple: to help you build a rewarding career in care and support. With us, it’s not just about getting a qualification – it’s about learning the skills that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Awarded for excellence

We stand out as one of the few training providers officially recognised by the Department of Education as a High-Performing Provider.

This means we consistently deliver exceptional training outcomes, strong student support, and real-world job readiness. When you study with us, you’re choosing a provider with a proven record of success.

Focused on student success

At Breakthru College, we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we tailor our approach to suit your learning style and pace, with one-on-one support whenever you need it.

Struggling with online learning or teach? We’ve got you covered. Our support team is here to help you stay focused, connected, and confident – every step of the way.

Led by industry experts

Our trainers are more than just educators – they’re experienced professionals who’ve worked in the field. They bring real-life insights, practical examples, and genuine passion to every class.

You won’t just learn the theory; you’ll gain practical knowledge that prepares you for the real world. Plus, they’re approachable and invested in your success from day one.

Loved by students

Students choose Breakthru College not just for the qualifications, but for the supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment we’re known for.

We treat every student as an individual, and create a space where you can feel comfortable, motivated and empowered. Many of our students return for further study or recommend us to friends – and that says everything.

Units

There are fifteen (15) units of competency to complete for the Certificate III in Individual Support qualification, comprising of eleven (11) core units and four (4) elective units. A work placement of 120 hours is also required.
Code Title Core or Elective
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control Core
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care Core
CHCCCS040 Support independence and wellbeing Core
CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support Core
CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support Core
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically Core
CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems Core
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services Core
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people Core
Code Title Core or Elective
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control Core
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care Core
CHCCCS040 Support independence and wellbeing Core
CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support Core
CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support Core
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically Core
CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems Core
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services Core
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people Core
Code Title Core or Elective
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control Core
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care Core
CHCCCS040 Support independence and wellbeing Core
CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support Core
CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support Core
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically Core
CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems Core
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services Core
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people Core

Award-winning excellence

Focused on student success

In 2024, Breakthru College was honoured as Queensland’s Training Initiative of the Year for our Certificate III in Individual Support. We also received the NSW Trainer Excellence Award, recognising our dedication to quality education.

By studying with Breakthru College, you’ll gain access to our team of highly reputable and award-winning trainers just like Gil, who received the prestigious Ken Downie Award as part of the NSW Training Awards ceremony.

Study locations

Breakthru locations are dotted throughout Sydney and Regional NSW, Brisbane and Regional Queensland, as well as Melbourne. We’re here for you with a friendly smile and a helping hand.

Entry requirements

Australian residents may be eligible to have their Certificate III in Individual Support course fees subsidised using State Government funding schemes like Skills Assure (QLD).

You must demonstrate that you have the required level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills necessary to complete this course by undertaking a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.

You must demonstrate that you have the required level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills necessary to complete this course by undertaking a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.

You must demonstrate that you have the required level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills necessary to complete this course by undertaking a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.

Delivery and assessment

Face to face / virtual classroom (theory and practical sessions) – includes classroom-based delivery for knowledge and practical teaching in a simulated environment Self-paced study (structured and mandatory) – students are required to undertake self-study to complete a range of structured activities such as reading, research, completing case studies, and quizzes to reinforce their learning.

Face to face / virtual classroom (theory and practical sessions) – includes classroom-based delivery for knowledge and practical teaching in a simulated environment Self-paced study (structured and mandatory) – students are required to undertake self-study to complete a range of structured activities such as reading, research, completing case studies, and quizzes to reinforce their learning.

Face to face / virtual classroom (theory and practical sessions) – includes classroom-based delivery for knowledge and practical teaching in a simulated environment Self-paced study (structured and mandatory) – students are required to undertake self-study to complete a range of structured activities such as reading, research, completing case studies, and quizzes to reinforce their learning.

Frequently asked questions

The support and resources at Breakthru College were incredible. My teacher Ann is such a wealth of knowledge and always made herself available whenever I needed help. I now feel extremely fulfilled working in the industry and couldn’t be happier.

Leigh Brown

Townsville Graduate & Support Worker
Studying at Breakthru College was a great experience. The support and practical skills I learned helped me grow personally and professionally. The inclusive environment and dedicated staff gave me a really strong foundation for my future career!

Lachlan White

Certificate IV Graduate & Team Leader

Get in touch

If you’d like more information prior to enrolling, please get in touch using the form below.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Royal Rehab acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future and we extend our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
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