CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care
The Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care is a 12-month
course for developing practical skills to help people work through life issues
and assist in times of crisis. This course is overseen by Ps Leanne Cameron.
Course Description
Whether you're just starting to think about becoming a chaplain, or maybe you've been caring for people for years, our nationally accredited qualification will equip you to provide a high standard of professional care in a range chaplaincy contexts.
Our trainers have extensive experience in chaplaincy and pastoral care, with an in-depth understanding of how to implement theory into real, practical and ethical care. You will also get to complete a practicum component, working in the field in areas such as prisons, schools, hospitals and aged care.

Course Structure
This course comprises 13 units of competency completed over 1 year full time or 2 years part time.
To be awarded the Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, students must demonstrate competency in all units.
Units
For more details on which subjects you can choose, see the current enrolment guide for this course.
Entry Requirments
Essential Requirements: Nil.
Additional:
This program requires a government issued Unique Student Identifier (USI) number. See http://www.usi.gov.au/ for details and to secure your USI.
A 200-word Statement of Intent, which is a short summary of why you wish to study this program.
A reference from a Minister/Community Leader which endorses your readiness and suitability to complete the chaplaincy training and undertake a chaplaincy work placement in the community. The letter should contain the endorser's letter head, contact details and signature. Examples of appropriate community include: Pastor or Minister, Rotary Member, Council Member, or JP.
Study Modes
Delivery Modes: Intensives
Locations: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Selected other locations
Duration: 1 year full-time/2 years part-time
Intakes: Multiple intakes across the year
Fees & Timetable
A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.
For further details including MCU and Professional development dates please see https://chaplaincy.ac/.
Course Learning Outcomes
Not applicable to VET courses.
Alumni Stories
"After getting my placement in an Aged Care facility, I nominated to do one full day a week there. After only finishing my essentials in chaplaincy, and being there for a bit over three months, they offered me a choice of two positions. I took the homecare job, because I’m still studying to finish my Cert IV, but I feel so blessed that now I can start as a Chaplain. God has given me the desires of my heart.”
Ben Hoitink,
Cert IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Course Options
Minister’s Chaplaincy Upgrade (MCU)
This is a short program for Pastors and Ministers with years of experience looking to upskill or move into the Chaplaincy field. This includes a 3-day Intensive (8.30am-5pm) and assessments completed online. Pastors who choose this option complete 2 units of study (below), receive a statement of attainment, and may complete additional units.
CHCCCS016 Respond to client needs
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
Professional Development Days
We have a range of electives to equip you for some of the biggest issues faced today. Our electives allow you to specialise in your field of interest, in subject areas as varied as Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Problem Gambling, Drugs & Alcohol, Aged Care and Young People. These electives are available to be completed as a Professional Development Day with accredited training option.
Work-Integrated Learning
As part of unit CHCPAS002 Provide Pastoral and Spiritual Care, students must arrange and undertake a 100-hour chaplaincy placement in an area of their choice and engage in supervision as a part of their training.
Career Opportunities
This program
equips you to become a Chaplain or pastoral carer in diverse areas such as:
- prisons
- schools
- hospitals
- aged care facilities
- different sporting codes
- and other community settings

Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.
Course Codes
Course Code: CHC42315 RTO National code: 90525 Legal name: Alphacrucis College Limited