Can I set up my own counselling practice with this?

The register says no - it describes defined and supported roles in established agencies rather than independent practice. Independent practice generally needs higher qualifications and association registration.

Is counselling a registered profession?

Counselling is not registered the way psychology is. Professional associations set their own membership standards, and this diploma is commonly the entry point to those.

Is it the same as a psychology qualification?

No. Psychology is a registered profession requiring university study and registration with AHPRA. This is a vocational counselling diploma.

Are there entry requirements?

The register records none for this qualification.

CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling

About this qualification

CHC51015 is the counselling diploma. The register describes counsellors who work with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities, drawing on varied therapies.

It is not a licence to practise independently. The register states that at this level the counsellor “will be working in defined and supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice”. That is a meaningful limit and it is worth knowing before enrolling.

Thirteen of the 17 units are core — a high proportion for a diploma. They run the full arc: establishing the counselling relationship, specialist interview skills, personality and development theories, learning theories, selecting therapies, and supporting client decision-making.

Crisis response is core too. CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations sits alongside the counselling units rather than being left to an elective.

Roles it maps to

Where this qualification leads, per the national register.

Counsellor Community Services Support Worker Case Work

Where it sits

Community services runs from individual support through to sector management. Counselling is a specialisation at diploma level.

Certificate IIICHC32015 Community Services
Certificate IVCHC42021 Community Services
Diploma · counselling stream · you are hereCHC51015 Counselling
DiplomaCHC52025 Community Services
Advanced DiplomaCHC62015 Community Sector Management

What it covers

13Core units

4Elective units

Total number of units = 17: 13 core units plus 4 elective units, consisting of up to 4 units from the listed electives, any endorsed Training Package or accredited course, provided they are relevant to the work outcome. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

The 13 core units, required by everyone:

CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

For a full list of elective units, visit training.gov.au →

Frequently asked questions

Can I set up my own counselling practice with this?: The register says no — it describes defined and supported roles in established agencies rather than independent practice. Independent practice generally needs higher qualifications and association registration.
Is counselling a registered profession?: Counselling is not registered the way psychology is. Professional associations set their own membership standards, and this diploma is commonly the entry point to those.
Is it the same as a psychology qualification?: No. Psychology is a registered profession requiring university study and registration with AHPRA. This is a vocational counselling diploma.
Are there entry requirements?: The register records none for this qualification.
How many providers deliver it?: 64 providers can deliver it.

Other registered providers

Filtered by where each provider is based, not where they can deliver.

NSW

TAFE NSWRTO 90003

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

TAFE QueenslandRTO 0275

Deliver and assess · National
WA

North Metropolitan TAFERTO 52786

Deliver and assess · WA
NSW

Open CollegesRTO 90796

Deliver and assess · National
WA

Insight Training Group AustraliaRTO 32142

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Strategix Training GroupRTO 31418

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

National College of AustraliaRTO 45361

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Aurora Training Institute Pty LtdRTO 32237

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Australian Institute of Professional CounsellorsRTO 0670

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

The Da'Vange GroupRTO 45241

Deliver and assess · National
VIC

Education Training & Employment AustraliaRTO 5089

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

AH&MRC of NSWRTO 91020

Deliver and assess · National
Find more providers

12 of 64 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →

More in Community Services

Other qualifications in the CHC training package, nearest level first.

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Diploma of Counselling

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