Alcohol and Other Drugs

Working with community members who struggle with alcohol, substance use, or mental health issues require specialised skills and proper training. CIT’s community service courses prepare students for working with these community members by providing knowledge of themselves and society. You will learn techniques for working with people one-on-one, in groups and in a community work setting.

Discover the major addiction models, gain knowledge of basic mental health conditions, and learn practical skills for working with alcohol and drug-affected people with mental health issues.

Industry Placement

Get 80 unpaid hours of industry experience with an industry placement! This will give you the hands-on skills to be ready for employment. CIT staff can assist you in organising your placement.

(Certificate IV: 80 unpaid hours.)

Why Study at CIT?

  • Hands-on industry experience
  • Many job opportunities in Canberra and throughout Australia
  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs | CHC43215
    CRICOS: 091154F

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    TOTAL CIT PACKAGE
    Certificate IV: 12 months

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2024 Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
    2025 Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Bruce

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2024:

    Certificate IV $7,830 per semester (Total qualification tuition fee $15,660)

    Extra Fees:

    Working with Vulnerable People Check: $135 approx., you may be required to purchase a shirt for placement for $30-$40

    Certificate IV: First Aid Certificate: $120 - $250

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small tuition and material fee increases may occur annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. Fees are subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)

    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry with relevant practical work or other professional experience. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements
    Students must also meet one of the following English requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (no band score less than 5.0)
    • PTE Academic - 50 (minimum of 36 in each band)
    • Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 169

      • Non student visa applicants who hold a temporary visa for the full duration of the offered program will be required to meet Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 in across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills or equivalent.

    Other requirements:

    Before undertaking any work placement you must be eligible to apply for, and hold a 'Working with Vulnerable People Check'.
    Before undertaking any work placement, you must:
    - be at least 18 years of age
    - be eligible to apply for, and hold a 'Working with Vulnerable People Check' and
    - have a current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID003 Provide first aid).

    Information will be provided on enrolment.

  • Course Subjects - Certificate IV

    Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs | CHC43215 - 17 subjects

    Core: complete all 12 subjects

    • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
    • CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
    • CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
    • HLTAID003 Provide first aid
    • CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
    • CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
    • CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
    • CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
    • CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
    • CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
    • CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
    • CHCCCS014 Provide brief interventions

    Electives: Complete 5 subjects

    • CHCCCS016 Respond to client needs
    • HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
    • CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
    • CHCGRP002 Plan and conduct group activities
    • CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
    • HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Certificate IV: Case worker, Community support worker, Outreach Worker, Detoxification Worker, Drug and Alcohol Worker

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    Modes of study include:

    • simulated workplaces for students to practice their new skills
    • work experience or work placement
    • supervised study time with a teacher
    • on-line learning and student engagement through e-Learn

    Students must complete class work, assignments, practical components and project work throughout the course. They may then be assessed using a combination of these tasks, continuous assessment and examinations. Assessment outcomes may be based on competency, marks and grades, or a combination of all three assessment methods.

  • Pathways to Further Study
    • Because CIT offers nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), students can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to most universities within Australia and receive credit towards a degree, even where formal credit transfer arrangements are
      not in place; however, this is not a guarantee.
    • We recommend you speak directly with your chosen university in relation to credit transfer, entry requirements and their application process.