CHC52025 - Diploma of Community Services

All international students must be at least 18 years of age or above at the time of course commencement.

International students applying for this qualification either off-shore or on-shore will need satisfactory completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 12 or Certificate III in any CHC package course or higher qualification.

The Diploma of Community Services includes mandatory Work Placement Arrangements (WPA) to provide learners with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the practical skills required to work effectively in community service settings. As the qualification prepares students to support individuals, families, and communities in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, learners must possess the physical and emotional capacity to perform a range of tasks safely and professionally. This may include conducting client interviews, participating in outreach activities, supporting individuals in community programs, and maintaining accurate case documentation. While the physical demands are generally moderate, learners should be able to manage extended periods of standing or sitting, travel to community sites, and engage in face-to-face client interaction. Prior to commencing placement, students must meet compliance requirements such as a current National Police Check, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening, and up-to-date immunisation records. These measures ensure the safety and readiness of learners for workplace environments and support the achievement of industry-relevant competency.

To enrol into this course with Blue Lotus College, international students, applying either off-shore or on-shore, must satisfy one of the following requirements: Either a minimum IELTS test score of 6 or equivalent for direct entry into a VET course; or, IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent with an ELICOS course (up to 10 weeks) to be taken before the main VET course; or, IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent with an ELICOS course (up to 20 weeks) to be taken before the main VET course. Results more than two years old are not acceptable. OR Evidence that they have studied in English for at least five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or United States. OR Evidence that, within two years of their application date, they have successfully completed in Australia and in the English language, either the senior secondary certificate of education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while they held a student visa. OR For assessment level 1 country students only, successful completion of the Blue Lotus College Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Test conducted by Blue Lotus College. Blue Lotus College will also accept equivalent test results from the following specified English Language Tests: PTE Academic and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 direct entry / 5.5 with up to 10 weeks ELICOS / 5.0 with up to 20 weeks ELICOS. Cambridge English: Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English): 169 direct entry / 162 with up to 10 weeks ELICOS / 154 with up to 20 weeks ELICOS. Pearson Test of English Academic (test taken on or before 6 August 2025): 50 direct entry / 42 with up to 10 weeks ELICOS / 36 with up to 20 weeks ELICOS. Pearson Test of English Academic (test taken on or after 7 August 2025): 47 direct entry / 39 with up to 10 weeks ELICOS / 31 with up to 20 weeks ELICOS. Any AQF qualification at the Certificate IV level or above in any discipline area, delivered and assessed in English only, will be deemed as meeting both the academic and English language entry requirements. The test must have been taken no more than two years before students apply for a BLC course.

All students will undertake a pre-training review which aims to identify their training needs through questions on previous education or training, basic computing skills and an interview conducted by the BLC enrolment officer. The pre-training review also identifies the suitability of the course and possible RPL opportunities. Through the pre-training review, students will demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to successfully complete the course.

Students are required to have basic computer skills including operating MS Office. Students should have the ability to use the internet and access PDF applications. Learners who do not possess basic computing skills will be provided with digital support by BLC IT support officers.

Although Blue Lotus College will provide learners with access to computers/laptops and the required resources during scheduled classroom hours, all learners are expected to have their own laptop with Windows 10 or a later operating system to complete assignments, assessment tasks, self-study activities, and other course-related work. Students must have an active email address for communication and be contactable by phone (mobile or landline) and by mail (postal address). All learners are expected to have access to MS Office applications such as Microsoft Word, and an email platform such as Microsoft.

RPL is available for each unit of competency based on relevant workplace experience, formal training, and/or other expertise. To apply for RPL, please discuss with our student support team or your trainer/assessor.

You can be granted Credit Transfer for completed parts, or all, of an accredited qualification, with equivalent units. Please discuss this at the time of enrolment.

In alignment with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (SRTOs) 2025, Blue Lotus College is committed to providing appropriate training support to ensure that all learners can successfully engage in and complete their training product. At enrolment, Blue Lotus College identifies individual learner needs through a pre-training review and LLN&D (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) test to determine the level of support required. Based on the outcomes, tailored support is provided, which may include additional academic assistance, language and literacy support, flexible delivery arrangements, access to learning resources, mentoring, or referral to external support services where necessary. Blue Lotus College ensures that all trainers and assessors are aware of learners' individual needs and implement strategies that foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment, enabling every student to achieve the required competencies and learning outcomes.