CHC51122

Diploma of Financial Counselling

Learning Mode

Online

Location

Online

Duration

15 Months

Study Load

Full-time

Course Overview

Help people take control of their financial future – and build a rewarding career in a growing sector.

The Diploma of Financial Counselling (CHC51122) is a nationally recognised qualification delivered online, that equips you with the knowledge and skills to provide person-centred support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.

You will graduate with the confidence to work in diverse community settings, advocating for people’s rights and helping them navigate debt, credit, and hardship with dignity and hope.

Why study the Diploma of Financial Counselling?

Financial counsellors play a vital role in Australia’s community services sector. With the rising cost of living and ongoing pressures on households, demand for qualified financial counsellors is high across metropolitan, regional and rural areas.

As a student, you will:

  • Develop expertise in credit and debt options, bankruptcy, hardship negotiation, and consumer rights.

  • Learn how to assess financial situations, prioritise debts, create budgets, and negotiate with creditors.

  • Gain knowledge of legal frameworks, advocacy, and systemic change.

  • Build interpersonal skills in counselling, decision-making support, and trauma-aware practice.

  • Understand when and how to make referrals for issues such as gambling, family violence, or mental health concerns.

Financial counselling is not financial planning. This qualification prepares you to provide free, independent and confidential services that are exempt from ASIC licensing requirements.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diploma of Financial Counselling may work as:

  • Financial Counsellors (generalist or specialist roles)

  • Rural or Small Business Financial Counsellors

  • Practitioners in community legal centres, not-for-profit agencies, local government services, and specialist financial counselling programs.

According to the Jobs and Skills Outlook, demand for qualified workers in the health care and social assistance sector – including financial counselling – continues to grow, supporting strong employment prospects.

Pathways for Further Study

This qualification can be a stepping stone to:

  • The Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management

  • Bachelor-level study in social work, psychology, or social sciences

  • Specialist professional development such as the Problem Gambling Skill Set

Placement and Practical Learning

To successfully complete this qualification, you must complete at least 220 hours of supervised work placement. This ensures you graduate with real-world experience and the confidence to apply your skills in practice.

  • All placements must be approved by AISR.

  • Where possible, AISR will help arrange placements within Relationships Australia SA programs, though places are limited.

  • Students may also secure placements with other financial counselling services in their local area, with support from AISR.

You will have 12 months after completing your final unit to finish your placement hours.

Why Choose AISR?

  • Part of Relationships Australia SA, a respected community service organisation

  • Flexible, online delivery with real-time support

  • Practical placement opportunities to prepare you for the workforce

  • Training that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded

Visit Financial Counselling Australia to learn more about the role of financial counsellors.

This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority. If you have experience or have studied in a relevant field you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning.
Study this qualification through a Training Contract (traineeship) – refer to Fee section below

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites. This course is open to people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with lived, volunteer or professional experience.

Applicants should be able to:

  • Apply knowledge independently, with depth in some areas

  • Make sound day-to-day decisions

  • Use practical, technical or digital skills

Units of Competency

1 Establishing the Financial Counsellor and Client Relationship

  • CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
  • CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
  • CHCFIN006 Establish the financial counselling relationship

2 Technical skills, Knowledge and Attributes in Financial Counselling (1)

  • CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making process
  • CHCFIN007 Provide advice, counselling and representation to financial counselling clients
  • CHCFIN010 Apply basic concepts of small business to financial counselling
  • CHCLEG002 Interpret and use legal information

3 Technical skills, Knowledge and Attributes in Financial Counselling (2)

  • CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
  • CHCFIN008 Apply professional standards in financial counselling
  • CHCFIN009 Provide financial counselling and systemic advocacy within a social justice framework
  • CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

4 The Context of Financial Difficulties and Adversities

  • CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
  • CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
  • CHCCSM012 Coordinate complex case requirements

5 Financial Literacy

  • CHCCDE018 Develop and implement community programs
  • CHCEDU005 Work with clients to identify financial literacy education needs
  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) credit may be granted for relevant prior study or experience. For more details on the RPL process, visit: RPL page

Fee

$8000 Full Fee

VET Student Loans may be available (eligibility applies). Please note, this is a loan that must be repaid to the Commonwealth.

$1,500 Subsidy gap via Training Contract (employer supported traineeship). Learn more about how traineeships work and the support that is available on Skills SA

$770 (Tuition Fee Gap) for participants eligible for SA Government subsidies with valid concession card

Visit Skills SA to check your eligibility
For more information visit our fees and payments page

Qualification Information Brochure

Course Details

Date: 2 February 2026
Location: Online

Nationally Recognised
Training (NRT)

Nationally recognised training (NRT) leads to vocational qualifications and credentials that are recognised across Australia.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the cultural, spiritual and economic sovereignty of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We understand that the ongoing violation of this sovereignty continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

We are committed to strengthening the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

We recognise that respecting and nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a benefit for all Australians.

We especially honour the Kaurna Elders of the Adelaide Plains and the Elders of the River Murray and Mallee Region, which includes: Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Erawirung, Ngintait, Ngaraite, Ngarkat and small parts of Maraura and Daanggali, and Elders of Barngarla Country in the Far North and Boandik Land in Mount Gambier, upon whose country Relationships Australia South Australia offices are located.

As educators we recognise the Ancient Universities and ways of knowing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have existed for millennia, and we respect and honour First Nations expertise.