Entry Requirements
18 yrs old or older
Study Mode
Flexible
Pathway
CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
11238NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology
Bachelor of Counselling
Duration
2 trimesters full-time
or part-time equivalent
Career Options
Chaplain, Pastoral Care worker, Support worker, Youth or Aged care worker
AQF level
Level 4
Course at a glance
RTO: 46482 | CRICOS Course Code: 119247M
The CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care at PBC equips students to provide compassionate, ethical, and spiritually grounded care in a wide range of settings. Grounded in a Christian worldview, this qualification prepares you for chaplaincy roles in aged care, hospitals, schools, emergency services, prisons, and community organisations. This is a nationally recognised qualification.
You will develop practical skills in pastoral care, communication, crisis response, and ethical decision-making, alongside theological reflection and spiritual formation. The course integrates biblical principles with contemporary counselling and care practices to support people through life’s challenges with empathy and respect.
Work based learning lets you
Why choose this course?
What you’ll learn?
Discover More
Explore the CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care in three easy steps:
- Course Essentials: Snapshot of the 13 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!
Course Structure
The CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care is made up of 13 competencies (9 Core and 4 electives).
1. CHCLEG001 – Work legally and ethically
Understand and apply legal and ethical frameworks relevant to chaplaincy, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and professional standards.
2. CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
Develop skills to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and cultural competence in all interactions.
3. CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Engage in self-evaluation and feedback to enhance professional practice, fostering continuous improvement and personal development.
4. CHCCSL001 – Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Learn to initiate and define the counselling relationship, establishing trust and clear boundaries to support effective client engagement.
5. CHCCSL002 – Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
Utilize advanced communication techniques to conduct effective counselling interviews, addressing clients’ needs with empathy and professionalism.
6. CHCCSL003 – Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
Manage the counselling process, supporting clients through their concerns and guiding them towards resolution within a structured framework.
7. CHCCOM002 – Use communication to build relationships
Enhance relationships through effective communication strategies, fostering trust and understanding in various professional contexts.
8. CHCPAS001 – Plan for provision of pastoral and spiritual care
Develop and document strategies to provide appropriate pastoral and spiritual support, considering ethical guidelines and individual needs.
9. CHCPAS002 – Provide pastoral and spiritual care
Deliver pastoral and spiritual support to individuals or groups, adhering to ethical standards and recognizing the scope of practice.
10. CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
Support individuals experiencing grief and loss by applying appropriate strategies and providing resources to aid their coping process.
Port and referrals are provided within organizational guidelines.
11. CHCCCS016 – Respond to client needs
Identify and address clients’ needs effectively, ensuring appropriate support and referrals are provided within organizational guidelines.
12. CHCCSL007 – Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
Assist clients in clarifying goals and exploring options, facilitating informed decision-making within the counselling context.
13. CHCMHS001 – Work with people with mental health issues
Establish supportive relationships with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, promoting recovery and wellbeing through collaborative approaches.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to enrol an applicant must:
- be 18 years or over
- have a government-issued Unique Student Identifier (USI) number 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:
- 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.
- Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to PBC’s administration office by the specified deadline.
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face, online, and work-based learning.
Face-to-face:
- On campus
Online
- 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 Fee
Fees
- Total course fee: $4500
- 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:
- Two trimesters/6 months full-time
- Three trimesters/12 months part-time (Domestic students only)
Academic Calendar:
- Trimester One – February to April
- Break
- Trimester two – May/June to August
- Break
- Trimester three – September to December
- End of year break
Intake:
PBC provides a rolling intake; enrolment may happen at the commencement of any trimester
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 |
Further studies provide access to professional registration with bodies such as Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), Australian Counselling Association (ACA), etc. |
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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)
Aza T. [Bachelor of Counselling-International student]