Entry Requirements
18 yrs old or older
Study Mode
Online class & work placement
Pathway
CHC42315 Certificate IV
in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
11238NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology
Bachelor of Ministry
Duration
3 trimesters full-time
or 6 trimesters part-time
Career Options
Ministry roles – youth worker, Children’s Ministry or church administrator | Community service roles | Support roles in Christian organisations |
Leadership roles in churches or ministries
AQF level
Level 4
Course at a glance
RTO: 46482 | CRICOS Course Code: 119248K
The Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology provides a practical and accessible foundation for people seeking to grow in their understanding of the Bible, Christian faith and ministry practice. Students develop skills in biblical interpretation, theological reflection, communication, discipleship and Christian ministry, with opportunities to apply their learning in real ministry and community contexts.
The course is designed for those preparing for ministry, already serving in a church or Christian organisation, or wanting to deepen their faith and become better equipped to serve others. Through a combination of biblical learning, practical training and personal reflection, students are encouraged to integrate Christian faith with everyday ministry practice.

Work based learning lets you
Why choose this course?
What you’ll learn?
On successful completion of the Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology, students will be able to:
Discover More

Explore the 11237NAT Certificate IV in Ministry and Theology in three easy steps:
- Course Essentials: Snapshot of the 9 competencies, entry requirements, and RPL options.
- Study & Assessment: How the course is delivered and assessed.
- Fees, Pathways & Apply: Costs, study options, career outcomes, and enrolment.
Ready to start? Click Apply Now for full-time or part-time study!

This course will provide participants with:
- knowledge of core Christian beliefs and practices;
- an ability to apply these beliefs and practices to a range of issues or contexts;
- skills to interpret and communicate Christian beliefs and practices;
- opportunities for personal ethical formation; and
- skills for work or further vocational training.
Course Structure
The 11237NAT Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology is made up of 9 competencies (6 Core and 3 electives).
- NAT11237001 Apply knowledge of the Bible:
This unit explores how the Bible fits together not just as a collection of stories but as one big story that reveals God’s plan to save people through Jesus. - NAT11237002 Interpret biblical texts:
This unit investigates the story at the heart of Christianity; the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As well as gaining an understanding of the contents, meaning and significance of Mark’s Gospel, learners will develop the skills needed to read, understand and apply the Bible. - NAT11237003 Develop and apply knowledge of key Christian beliefs:
This unit focuses on understanding and articulating fundamental Christian doctrines, enabling learners to apply these beliefs in various life and ministry contexts. - NAT11238006 Analyse and compare worldviews and world religions:
This unit involves examining and contrasting different worldviews and religions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of diverse belief systems and their implications. - NAT11237005 Apply Christian ethics to contemporary issues:
This unit emphasises the application of Christian ethical principles to modern societal challenges, guiding learners in making informed decisions aligned with their faith. - NAT11237011 Prepare and preach a sermon:
This unit equips learners with the skills to develop and deliver sermons effectively, focusing on biblical interpretation, message structuring, and public speaking techniques. - NAT11238013 Plan to initiate a new church:
This unit provides guidance on the principles and practices of church planting, including strategic planning, community engagement, and leadership development. - NAT11238014 Lead a process of Christian discipleship:
This unit explores what the Bible says about making disciples and the implications for our lives as we encourage, comfort and urge others to live lives worthy of God who calls us into His kingdom and glory. - NAT11237012 Develop own leadership skills:
This unit focuses on enhancing personal leadership abilities, addressing topics such as effective communication, team building, and adaptive leadership strategies.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to enrol an applicant must:
- be 18 years or over
- have a government-issued Unique Student Identifier (USI) or be willing to obtain one
- submit a Letter of Endorsement from a current church leader or workplace
- be able to read and write English to a sufficient standard to work with the supplied course materials (equivalent to ACSF level 3).
- read and comply with PBC’s policies and procedures
You may also need to provide a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) to participate in work placement.
Important information for international students
Our VET courses are not currently offered to international students wishing to obtain a student visa. Please contact us if you would like advice on alternative study options.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
This is a type of assessment that recognises the skills and knowledge you’ve collected through work and life experiences and then analyses them against course requirements. It requires you to provide evidence of your competency to determine if you meet the required standards that may be used to award credits towards a qualification. You will find more information about RPL in the student handbook.
PBC recognises and accepts Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other educational providers. Direct Credit Transfer (DCT) will be given to any student who has successfully completed units in any of our courses with another nationally recognised provider. Prior to the commencement of studies, students must produce evidence of qualifications or give permission for PBC to view their USI transcript online.
Process of applying for RPL or Credit Transfer:
- Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to PBC’s administration office by the specified deadline.
- PBC will assess your application and inform you of the outcome, including any credits granted towards your course.
- Complete an “Application for Recognition of Prior Learning” form (pbc.wa.edu.au/forms)
- Collect certified copies of academic transcripts, course outlines, and any other evidence that supports your application.
Delivery Mode
Online class and work-based learning.
Study Commitment
2.5 hours online lectures (Monday nights) and 6 hours work-based learning. We recommend setting aside a further 10 hours per week for reading, research, and assignments.
Technology requirements
- Access to computer including word processing software and Internet browser
- Internet
- Basic computer knowledge to browse the Internet, upload and download documents, word processing and email
- Access to a recording device such as a mobile phone with a camera
Work-based learning
Work-based learning is an essential component of our vocational courses. This may be a paid or voluntary position. If you do not have access to a work-based learning opportunity, you can apply to one of PBC’s industry partners. Work-based learning has many benefits including:
Collaboration with industry partners ensures our training programs meet current standards and address real-world needs, benefiting both learners and employers.
Hands-on, work-based learning caters to individual student needs, improving skill acquisition and refinement through relevant training
Work-based education improves job readiness, making VET students more appealing to employers and easing workforce transitions
Employers gain a skilled, adaptable workforce through workplace learning, promoting productivity and innovation
Integrating learning with daily tasks promotes ongoing development, knowledge sharing, and creative problem-solving within organisations.
Assessment Methods
Assessments are focused on practical problem-solving, application of well-defined theoretical knowledge, development of responsibility and independence, and effective communication and collaboration in a team or workplace setting.
Assessment evidence for each unit listed above in the course structure includes:
- A set of Knowledge questions
- Third-party reports from work-based supervisor(s) and
- Skills observations of practical tasks
Course Fees
Fees
- This course is capped at 30 free places starting in Trimester 1, 2027. Those joining from Trimester 2 onwards will have a reduced fee of $350 per trimester ($35 per week).
- Payment schedule: You may pay your fees in fortnightly or monthly instalments depending on an arrangement with the Business Manager.
Your first trimester fees must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the trimester. For the following trimesters, you may pay your fees in fortnightly or monthly instalments, depending on an arrangement with the College Business Manager.
Payment methods
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Bank transfer |
Credit Card |
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Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Account Name: Perth Bible College Swift Code: CTBAAU2S BSB: 066-157 Account: 10499644 |
If paying via credit card, you may pay:
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PBC’s VET courses are not currently eligible for VET Student Loans/VET FEE-HELP.
Course Duration
Course Duration:
- Three trimesters/30 weeks full-time
- Six trimesters/60 weeks part-time
Academic Calendar:
- Trimester One – February to April
- Break
- Trimester two – June to August
- Break
- Trimester three – September to November
- End of year break
Intake:
PBC provides a rolling intake; enrolment may happen at the commencement of any trimester
Course Pathways
Completing this course equips graduates with foundational knowledge and skills in Christian ministry, theology, and leadership, opening up career and further training pathways.
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Careers |
Further training |
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How to Apply
Please fill out this form to the best of your ability. If you need help, please call 08 9243 2000 or email us at college@pbc.edu.au. To complete the form, you will need to include the following:
- Contact details for two references, one of which should be a current pastor
- A digital passport-sized photo of yourself
- A copy of your birth certificate/passport
- Secondary ID such as a Driver’s Licence
- USI
- Visa Evidence (if applicable)
- Academic Transcript(s) and certificate(s)
- IELTS Score documents (if applicable)

