
Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care – CHC42315

The Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CHC42315) is a nationally accredited course designed for those looking to develop their understanding and practice in people-helping. This is an entry-level qualification for people wanting to be involved in intentional Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care ministry. It is an AQF level 4 course, designed for supervisory and management positions.
The Certificate IV Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care aims to develop foundational skills that underpin growth and development as a chaplain or pastoral care worker. It is an excellent entry point for those looking to develop the basic foundational skills of people-helping skills whilst gaining an understanding of various contemporary issues such as trauma, ethics, grief, and suicide.
The Malyon Vocational Training (MVT) Certificate IV Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care has been developed with feedback from those who are currently working in the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care field. MVT is committed to gaining industry consultation and feedback on our studies, so students can be assured they are learning the most current frameworks and values of the industry.
MVT’s Certificate IV Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care is delivered by bringing together the best of both the secular and Christian perspectives regarding the spiritual, emotional, and physical care of people. Learnings are supported by scripture whilst challenging students to work through their beliefs on certain issues. Knowledge and skills are then assessed through various types of assessments.
Learnings include:
For those wanting to minister in the area of School Chaplaincy, there are three (3) required units:
Hear what our students have to say about studying a Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care:

Teaching:
The course has 4 modules and 2 elective units (student’s choice). The modules are:
The elective choices are (please note that not all electives will be available every semester):
Delivery:
The training content of this course is delivered fully online. Optional Tutorials may be offered by the Trainer/Assessor and will be arranged with students. Students are required to attend one-on-one online meetings when requested by the Trainer/Assessor. Failure to attend these meetings can delay the student’s grading.
Practical:
The student is required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of work (either paid or volunteer) as part of the practical element to attain this qualification. Please note that Malyon Vocational Training is not a placement organiser, so students will need to arrange their own work placement and have this approved by Malyon Vocational Training’s Course Coordinator.
It is essential that the student understands that, before they can be deemed competent in any unit, s/he must have demonstrated the appropriate skills to a satisfactory standard and be signed off by a supervisor. Students are to keep this in mind, especially when choosing electives.
Please note: *The completion of this course does not guarantee employment as a Chaplain in a Qld Baptists setting. * Although counselling electives are available, this is not a counselling qualification and will not be sufficient for those seeking to go into this field of professional counselling practice.
Timing:
The course is open to enrolments on flexible commencement dates and is designed for students to have flexibility in their study load. The average time for students to complete the full course in 18 months.
Students register for modules/units at any time during the year that suit their availability. Students then have 3 months from their registration date to complete the modules/units. For example: Student A registers into the Best Practice module on 6 Aug. Student A has until 6 Nov to hand in all the written and practical work for this module. Student B registers into the Best Practice module and Self Development module on 8Aug. Student B has until 8 Nov to hand in all the written and practical work for BOTH modules.
NB: Every student must start with the Best Practice module. This can be completed either through training, RPL, or credit.
Pastoral and Spiritual Care Skill Set CHCSS00085
MVT has a module that encompasses Mental Health, Appropriate Referrals, and Pastoral Care. This module is offered as the nationally accredited Pastoral and Spiritual Care Skill Set.
Delivered as a stand-alone, on-demand module, students can enrol in the Skill Set at any time during the academic year and will have 12 months to complete the module. RPL is available for eligible candidates.
Student Requirements:
Students need a minimum of basic computer skills* with reliable internet access. Some assessments require the student to record in audio and video formats (MP3 and MP4), as well as attendance at online tutorials. Students also need a satisfactory grasp of English skills (reading, writing and speaking). An LLN assessment may be arranged to be completed prior to acceptance of enrolment.
*Basic computer skills include being able to open, edit, and save both new and existing word documents, selecting and moving text, save documents with new file names, uploading and downloading documents, videos, audio, images etc, the use of PowerPoint, email, using of auto forms etc.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Often people will present with considerable existing knowledge and experience in pastoral care and/or chaplaincy. In these situations, Malyon Vocational Training will work through a Recognition of Prior Learning process and identify gaps in learning and experience. Where gaps are identified, we will offer the missing units of competency through an online distance program. There is no reduction in course fees for RPL for this qualification unless agreed to prior with the Course Coordinator.
For more information: 2023 Certificate IV Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Information Booklet
Learn more about Ministry through chaplaincy – Crossover “Ministry Outside the Church Walls through Chaplaincy” https://www.crossover.org.au/chaplaincy-ministry-outside-the-church-walls/
More information on the course fees can be found here: