CHC40225 - Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Overview
Start or further your career in education with the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. Build the skills to assist teachers, support student learning, and work confidently in primary or secondary school settings as a teacher aide or education support professional.
This qualification reflects the role of an education support worker who assists teachers and support student learning in a range of classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation. Work requires the use of discretion and judgement within the boundaries of established policies and procedures and complete general administrative as well as operational tasks to support students. To achieve this qualification, students must have completed a total of at least 100 hours of work in a classroom environment catering to primary or secondary school students, within at least one school in Australia. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Study Experience
- Clustered Course Units
- Fast-Tracked Course
- Flexible Online Study
- Pay as You Go
- Real-world Experiences
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the CHC40225 Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support, graduates may pursue employment as an Education Support Worker and Teacher Aide. In these roles, individuals assist teachers in supporting the diverse learning needs of students within a primary or secondary school classroom setting.
Students can further develop their education support skills through a range of CQUniversity higher education pathways.
Structure & Availability
Online
Duration:This course is available to study full-time over a period of 40-weeks or part-time over a period 70-weeks. As this course is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Students studying full-time should plan to dedicate approximately 21 hours per week to their coursework. Full-time students should enrol into two clusters at a time in the same study period. Part-time students should expect to allocate around 12 hours per week. Part-time students should enrol into one cluster at a time.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a school environment, with a mandatory work placement of at least 100 hours at either primary or secondary schools. The total number of 100 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement of workplace hours within this qualification.
Individual units throughout the duration of this course require the demonstration of practical tasks, subsequently students may be required to complete 210 hours of vocational placement throughout the course duration. This is inclusive of the 100 hours required for unit CHCEDS047.
Students are to follow the sequence in the course planner.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher upon admittance.
Cluster 8 consists of HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting, and you will need to attend a CQU campus at either Gladstone, Mackay or Rockhampton to complete the practical requirements for this unit. Or complete the unit HLTAID012 with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and submit a completed certificate to receive a credit for this unit.
Online
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| October, 2026 | Online |
This course has no residential schools.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a school environment, with a mandatory work placement of 100 hours at either primary or secondary schools. Within this time allocation, students can demonstrate the required vocational placement tasks and skills for other units as required for the qualification. The total number of 100 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirements of workplace hours within this qualification. Students completing Vocational Placement must complete a minimum of 100 hours of placement throughout the duration of the course. Each Cluster will require vocational placement and demonstration of the practical component in a classroom environment.
As part of the assessment conditions, a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor is required to observe students completing designated tasks while on placement. This ensures that competency is demonstrated in a real-world setting and aligns with training package requirements.
Students located in the following areas may be eligible for in-person observations conducted by a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor:
- Rockhampton and surrounding areas
- Gladstone
- Mackay
- Emerald
Students who are not located in the approved in-person observation areas must arrange for virtual observations with their Trainer and Assessor. These will be conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams using a school device (e.g., a tablet or laptop provided by the school). The observer will watch live, replicating the process of an in-person observation.
To meet these requirements, students must complete their placement at a school that permits virtual assessment, including the use of video conferencing and devices for live observation by a CQUniversity Trainer and Assessor.
Requirements
To help us understand how best to support you, you’ll need to complete the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessments to progress your application. Alternatively, completion of an equal or higher level course may exempt you from this testing.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Students are required to complete Vocational Placement throughout the duration of the qualification. Students are required to complete at least 100 hours in a classroom environment within primary or secondary schools.
Students are required to successfully obtain a Working with Children Check relevant to their state/territory in Australia.
Access to a computer, internet, and intermediate computer skills. 24-hour CQUniversity computer labs are available on selected campuses.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-contribution
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, provide a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per *nominal hour. Concession rates apply to eligible students based on provided evidence. If you are required to pay Student Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Career Start or Career Boost.
Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Funding
Free apprenticeships for under 25s covers the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new or existing apprentice or trainee in a priority qualification. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.
Some employers may optionally choose to sponsor all or part of a student’s full fees or co-contribution fees. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
*Nominal hours is a value assigned to a VET course or unit and nominally represents the anticipated hours of supervised training deemed necessary to conduct the training and assessment activities associated with the course or unit.
*Some qualifications require students to pay for additional items, for example, the cost of a uniform or other compulsory resources which are not included in free or subsidised enrolments.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
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Start Your Application
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
Applications for 2027 intakes open on 1 September 2026.
