Qualification Overview: CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
The Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) is the nationally accredited benchmark qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) for individuals who provide professional, person-centred counselling services. It encompasses therapeutic modalities, ethical boundaries, micro-counselling skills, crisis intervention, and structured psychological case formulation.
This qualification applies to practitioners operating within non-profit welfare agencies, telephone and digital crisis helplines, school pastoral settings, family relationship centres, and private practices. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), practitioners with proven client contact hours can transform their real-world consultations, clinical supervision logs, and case reflections into an accredited AQF Level 5 Diploma without attending lectures or repeating theoretical modules.
Packaging Rules: 17 Units of Competency
To achieve the CHC51015 qualification, candidates must demonstrate competence in a total of 17 units of competency (comprising 13 core units covering central therapeutic frameworks plus 4 elective units reflecting family, grief, crisis, or relationship counselling streams).
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCOU001 | Confirm client developmental status in counselling | CORE |
| CHCCOU002 | Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of counselling | CORE |
| CHCCOU003 | Select and use counselling approaches | CORE |
| CHCCOU004 | Apply learning theories in counselling | CORE |
| CHCCOU005 | Foster cultural safety in counselling | CORE |
| CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship | CORE |
| CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills | CORE |
| CHCCSL003 | Facilitate the counselling process and manage transitions | CORE |
| CHCCSL004 | Reflect and improve upon counselling practice | CORE |
| CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | CORE |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | CORE |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | CORE |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | CORE |
| CHCCOU006 | Provide counselling to children and young people | ELECTIVE |
| CHCCOU007 | Provide counselling for loss and grief | ELECTIVE |
| CHCMHS003 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and AOD issues | ELECTIVE |
| CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond to domestic and family violence | ELECTIVE |
RPL Evidence Portfolio for Professional Counsellors
Assessing RTOs require authenticated workplace records confirming that you have applied micro-counselling skills, managed therapeutic boundaries, and maintained regular clinical supervision.
Key Documentation Required for Portfolio Submission:
- De-identified Case Session Notes: Intake forms, risk assessments, therapeutic goal plans, session notes, and referral documents (redacting all client names and identifying data).
- Clinical Supervision Records: Verified logs documenting one-on-one or group clinical supervision with a registered supervisor (detailing cases reviewed, ethics discussed, and self-care strategies).
- Therapeutic Reflections: Reflective practice journals demonstrating familiarity with modalities such as Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or Narrative Therapy.
- Workplace Third-Party Reports: Testimonials on official agency letterhead signed by a Clinical Director, Registered Psychologist, or Senior Accredited Counsellor validating your competence across client consultations.
- Compliance & Position Documents: Job descriptions, employment contracts, current National Police Clearance, and Working with Children Checks (WWCC).