
This course is Nationally Recognised Training.

CHC40221
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
This certification teaches individuals the important skills needed to support school students with care and empathy, no matter the background or learning abilities of the school student. This course trains individuals in general administrative tasks as well as operational skills to support students while they are working under the guidance of a primary or secondary classroom teacher or another educational professional. Individuals enrolled in this course will also become fluent in the use of discretion and effective judgement as established by the workplaces’ policies and procedures. With an emphasis on special needs education and support, this course is designed for people who are seeking a career as a Teacher’s Aide or Teaching Assistant and provides all the skills and knowledge needed to easily enter those careers or improve their work style at their current job.
Earn your Certificate IV in School Based Education Support with OPEC College!
If you are seeking a career as a Teacher Aide or Teaching Assistant or you are currently working as one without the formal qualification, this is the course for you. You will gain the knowledge and experience to work with children who face a range of learning challenges. This course will provide you with the specialised skills and knowledge you will need for a long and successful career in the Education Support sector.
How to Achieve the Qualification
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Personalised to your needs, available on all OPEC College qualifications
If you believe you already have the knowledge and skills to achieve this qualification we encourage you to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Free skills assessment
Fill in our pre-assessment form and we'll give you the guidance you need for the next steps to achieving your career and qualification goals.

Evidence portfolio and review
We work with you to provide evidence and we conduct gap training if needed

You're now qualified!
Your new certifications are Nationally recognised and issued by our Registered Training Organisation (RTO). You are now ready to pursue your new career opportunities!
Our RPL Process
Empowered Learning (RPL + Study)
We use a a diverse range of assessment strategies to ensure we cover the assessment conditions for each unit of study.
We provide our students with interesting and flexible assessment experiences.
All assessments are completed in your own time and submitted online, with no assessment due dates. This modern and flexible approach is designed to reduce the uncomfortable pressure and unnecessary stress that traditional assessment testing is so famous for. Marking feedback is provided online usually within 1 week of submission.
Many assessments will include researching, reading and analysing information on your computer, laptop or tablet (Internet required), however each unit of study provides assessment instructions and benchmarks you can easily follow to successfully complete each assessment task.
Course Details and Structure
RPL is achieved at your own pace with our support for your evidence gathering process. This is typically completed within 2 to 4 weeks.
RPL + Study is achieved part time. Our skilled Trainers and Assessors will support you achieving the best educational outcomes by completing a study Unit of Competence every four to six weeks.
*We have open enrollment which means you can start whenever you are ready.
Units you will study
Total number of units = 17 (13 core units plus 4 elective units)
Core units
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
- CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
- CHCEDS045 Support student mathematics learning
- CHCEDS046 Support student literacy learning
- CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning
- CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support
- CHCEDS051 Facilitate learning for students with disabilities
- CHCEDS056 Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder
- CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans
- CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Elective Units
- CHCEDS052 Deliver elements of teaching and learning programs
- CHCEDS049 Supervise students outside the classroom
- CHCEDS035 Contribute to student education in all developmental domains
- CHCEDS034 Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs
NOTE: The elective unit options listed represent the OPEC College approved elective unit options offered. This is a reduced list from the qualification packaging rules specified electives list. If you would like an elective unit that is not included in this list, please speak to your Trainer/Assessor.
Work Outcomes & Career Pathways
Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Course Fees
- Full RPL Achieved – $1395.00 / $1695
Enrolment fee of $500 and the balance may be paid upon completion.

- Empowered Learning – $2995.00
Enrolment fee of $995 and the balance spaced evenly across the program. 25% of the remaining course fee will be invoiced 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after enrolment.
*Early completion results in final invoice for remaining amount.
**Rapid progress could result in invoices being brought forward.
Payment Options
A range of flexible payment plans are available and can be set up at the enrolment stage.
Current government funding models possibly available to OPEC College students are found on the Funding page, click here for more information.
Entry Requirements
Formal Entry Requirements
To achieve this qualification by RPL, the individual must have completed a total of least 100 hours of work in an Australian school based context. For study, placement will take place across the course duration. Video evidence will be required to show the performance of on-the-job tasks. We will provide simple guidance to help with your video collection.
Technical Requirements
Please see the technical requirements below, as you will need access to a modern personal computer and the internet to study this course. In addition, you will need to be able to use this computer, including basic word processing, use of Microsoft Office software and electronic communication platforms and internet search engines.
Windows PC / Laptop / Tablet: Windows 7 (or higher) • Latest version of Chrome • Microsoft Office (2010 or higher) • Latest Flash Player • Latest Adobe PDF Reader
Apple Mac: Mac OS X 10.6 (or higher) • Latest version of Chrome or Safari • Microsoft Office for Mac (2010 or higher) • Latest Flash Player • Latest Adobe PDF Reader
Android: Android latest version • Latest version of Chrome
iPhone & iPad: iOS latest version • Latest version of Chrome (*Students using an iPad or iPhone will need to upload documents from a Laptop, PC or have a Dropbox account)