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.
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 establish 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 in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care has been developed with feedback from those currently working in the field. MVT is committed to gaining industry consultation and feedback on our studies, so students can be assured they are learning the most current industry frameworks and values.
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 methods.
Learnings include:
For those wanting to minister in the area of School Chaplaincy, there are three (3) required units:
Teaching:
The course has 3 modules and 3 elective choices. The modules are:
The elective choices are (please note that not all electives will be available every semester):
- CHCADV001 – Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
- CHCCCS001 – Address the needs of people with chronic disease
- CHCCCS004 – Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCCS036* – Support relationships with carers and family
- CHCCCS038 – Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support (this is aimed at both Aged and Disability)
- CHCCDE019 – Work within a community development framework
- CHCDFV001 – Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family (to be done with another provider such as Lifeline DV alert and gained as credit)
- CHCGRP002* – Plan and conduct group activities
- CHCPAL001 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- CHCPRT001 – Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
- CHCVOL003* – Recruit, induct and support volunteers
- CHCYTH003 – Support young people to create opportunities
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (please note: MVT does not do this training. Students are to do it with another provider, and a credit can be given when current)
- NAT11237001* – Biblical Foundations
- NAT11237003* – Disciple Making
(A completed NAT-coded unit will be credited in MVT’s CIV Christian Ministry and Theology).
(Students can only choose one of the electives marked as *)
Delivery:
The training content of this course is delivered entirely online. The course is supported by regular online student gatherings, where relevant topics are discussed and students connect with one another. This can be a valuable time in online study, and students are highly recommended to attend these gatherings.
Students are required to attend any online meetings requested by the Trainer/Assessor or Course Coordinator within 2 weeks. Failure to participate in these meetings can delay the student’s grading.
Practical:
The student is required to complete a minimum of 150 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; students must arrange their own work placement and obtain approval from 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 should keep this in mind, especially when selecting electives.
Please note: The completion of this course does not guarantee employment as a Chaplain in a Qld Baptist setting.
Timing:
This course follows a two-semester timetable. For 2026, these are:
- Semester 1: – 9th February – 29 June 2026
- Semester 2: – 13 July – 30 November 2026
Enrolments must be finalised by the end of the second week of each semester. Please note that the enrolment process includes obtaining feedback from nominated references, which may take additional time. Students should take this into account when planning their enrolment.
Every new student must attend a Zoom induction within 2 weeks of starting the course.
Registrations for modules/units occur in the first week of each semester. RPL applicants can enrol at any time of the year, but may need to wait until a semester starts to register for a complete module of study.
Pastoral and Spiritual Care Skill Set CHCSS00085
MVT offers a nationally accredited module, the 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. This skill set is for people with existing experience or qualifications in a relevant field eg: ministry, community, youth work, education, or health, seeking to broaden their skills.
Student Requirements:
Students need minimum basic computer skills* with reliable internet access. Some assessments require the student to record in audio and video formats (MP3 and MP4). Students also need a satisfactory grasp of English skills (reading, writing and speaking). An LLND assessment may be arranged for completion before acceptance of enrolment.
Applicants will need to complete a Digital Literacy Self Assessment through the link below and submit the result with their enrolment. https://accellier.edu.au/digital-literacy-quiz/
*Basic computer skills include being able to open, edit, and save both new and existing Word documents, selecting and moving text, saving documents with new file names, uploading and downloading documents, videos, audio, images, etc, using PowerPoint, email, and using 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 use a Recognition of Prior Learning process to 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 with the Course Coordinator in advance.
For more information, contact the Course Coordinator.
More information on the course fees can be found here: