Take the First Step Into Counselling
Maybe you'd like a taste of counselling before you commit to the full diploma. You'll learn to hold a helping talk, spot harm at home and stay within the law. It's online and at your own pace, with role plays over Zoom.
Course Snapshot
- ✓No exams
- ✓No work placement
- ✓Units count toward the Diploma of Counselling
- ✓Job-Ready Program included
Why Do This Course
Find Out Before You Commit
If you're drawn to counselling, three months here will show you what the work is like before you commit to the full diploma. The two counselling units are core units of that diploma, so nothing is wasted.
Add Counselling Skills to the Job You Have
Maybe you already support people in community services, aged care, education or health. You'll learn how to hold a structured conversation, set boundaries and respond safely to family violence.
Study Around Work
Most of the course is self-paced online. The Zoom role plays run for 90 minutes, and you pick from several times each week, so they fit around a job.
What You'll Learn
Eight units: the counselling conversation, safe responses, and how to work within the law.
What You’ll Get
In the Course
- ✓Eight nationally recognised units, six are core Diploma units
- ✓Pre-recorded teaching sessions, study in your own time
- ✓Zoom role plays, 90 minutes, booked in advance
- ✓Written tasks and case studies, no exams
As a Student
- ✓Trainer support, through the course
- ✓Learner Support Officer, help with the skills check and portal
- ✓Job-Ready Program, from the start of study
- ✓Interest-free payment plans, weekly or fortnightly
What Makes It Different
Three things set this short course apart: skills practised in role plays, units that carry into the diploma, and support from people who know the work.
You'll complete 16 assessed role plays: five assessor-led sessions over Zoom in small groups, and 11 shorter ones you record yourself. By the end, holding a counselling conversation will feel familiar rather than new.
Six of the eight units are core units of the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling. If you go on to the diploma, you apply for credit and those units are not repeated.
A Learner Support Officer helps with the skills check, the portal and the pre-training call. Your trainer is there through the course, and the Job-Ready Program covers resumes and cover letters.
What You'll Earn
Counselling Short Course
Statement of Attainment · 8 nationally recognised units
Statement of Attainment
On completion, you receive a Statement of Attainment for the eight units. It's a formal VET credential, not a full qualification.
Credit Toward the Diploma
Six of the eight units are core units of the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, so you can apply for credit if you go on.
Other Doors It Opens
The same units also count toward the CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services and the CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health.
How It Works
Apply
Complete a pre-enrolment application online or over the phone.
Quick Skills Check
Take a short online literacy and numeracy quiz.
Have Your Call
An orientation call confirms you're eligible and ready to start.
Start Your Study
Get your letter of acceptance and your portal login.
How to Get Started
Common Questions
What do I need to start?
You'll need to be 18 or over, with study rights here. You'll do a short language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills check, then a pre-training call rather than a test. No Year 12, ATAR or prior study is needed, and there's no police check, because there's no placement.
How will I study?
Most of the course is self-paced and online, with pre-recorded teaching sessions and case studies. The Zoom role plays run for 90 minutes, booked in advance, with several times offered each week. Most learners finish within three months at around 14 to 16 hours a week.
How will I be assessed?
Through written tasks, case studies and practical activities, plus 16 assessed role plays. Five are assessor-led over Zoom, and 11 shorter ones you record yourself and submit through the portal. There are no exams.
Is this course government funded?
This course is not government funded. You pay the college directly, weekly or fortnightly interest-free, or upfront. Some plans may carry a set-up fee.
Can I study while working?
Yes, the course is built for that. Learning is self-paced, and you choose your role play sessions from a weekly timetable.
Can I use past study or experience?
You may be able to. Recognition of Prior Learning covers skills you already have, and credit transfer covers identical units completed at another RTO. Raise it at your pre-training call.
Is this a counselling qualification?
You'll finish with eight nationally recognised units and a Statement of Attainment. It isn't a full qualification, and counselling roles usually ask for a Diploma or higher. The same units count toward the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, so it's a way in rather than the whole road.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, early on. Cancel before or within 3 calendar days of acceptance for a full refund. After that, no refund applies and you stay liable for the full fees.
About the College
Hader Institute of Education is a registered training organisation, RTO 45162, based in Armadale, Victoria. Across all its courses, students rate the college 4.9 out of 5 from 850+ Google reviews.
Your Future Starts Today
In three months you'll know if counselling is for you, with credit toward the Diploma.