Certificate IV in Community Services (Boarding Practice)
Build the professional foundation for a confident, capable, and caring boarding team.
The Certificate IV in Community Services (Boarding Practice) is Australia’s benchmark qualification for boarding school professionals. Developed and delivered by Boarding Training Australia (RTO 46363) — the only RTO dedicated solely to the boarding sector — this qualification equips staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support young people living away from home.
Whether you’re new to boarding or ready to formalise your experience, this nationally recognised course provides a practical framework for day-to-day supervision, wellbeing, communication, and compliance responsibilities in residential settings.
Why this qualification matters
Boarding is more than accommodation — it’s a learning community built on relationships, care, and trust. This course recognises the unique challenges and rewards of that environment. You’ll explore:
- Duty of care, child safety, and ethical practice in a boarding context
- Effective communication and teamwork within multi-disciplinary school settings
- Cultural awareness and inclusion, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
- Supporting wellbeing and behaviour in residential environments
- Practical leadership and supervision skills for shift and house leaders
Flexible learning that fits boarding life
BTA understands the rhythm of boarding life — early starts, late finishes, and term-time routines. That’s why the Certificate IV is offered in modular 3–6 month programs, allowing schools to design a continuous professional learning pathway for their teams.
Participants can study online, face-to-face, or through blended delivery, with all learning contextualised to real boarding settings.
Each module builds on the last, enabling staff to progress steadily toward the full qualification while applying new knowledge in their daily work.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
If you already have boarding or residential care experience, you may be eligible for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). This process allows your existing skills to be formally assessed, reducing duplication and fast-tracking your completion.
Your pathway to leadership
Completing the Certificate IV in Community Services (Boarding Practice) establishes the professional foundation for progression to the Diploma of Community Services (Boarding Leadership) — preparing experienced staff to step into leadership, coordination, and management roles within residential education.
Units
Boarding Fundamentals
- CHCYTH019 Undertake youth work in specific communities
- CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
- CHCCCS010 - Maintain a high standard of service
- CHCYTH013 Engage respectfully with young people
Boarding Communication
- CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
- CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
- CHCGRP002 Plan and conduct group activities*
Respecting Difference in Boarding
- CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues*
- CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety*
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues*
Safe & Ethical Boarding
- CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk*
- CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
- CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour*
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
*Electives: 5 electives must be chosen, of which the unit HLTAID011 Provide first aid can be claimed as credit transfer towards the Certificate IV
Diploma of Youth Work (Boarding Leadership)
Step into leadership — shape the culture, care, and future of your boarding community.
The Diploma of Youth Work (Boarding Leadership) is the next step in professional boarding education — designed for experienced boarding professionals ready to lead with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
Delivered by Boarding Training Australia (RTO 46363), this nationally recognised qualification builds advanced capability in wellbeing, program design, staff supervision, and leadership within residential and educational settings.
This course recognises that boarding leaders don’t just manage operations — they nurture people, culture, and community. Through practical, real-world learning, participants develop the skills to guide teams, support diverse student needs, and create safe, inclusive, and thriving boarding environments.
What you’ll learn
The Diploma of Youth Work (Boarding Leadership) deepens your understanding of how to lead both people and programs. Topics include:
- Leadership and management in residential and educational settings
- Advanced wellbeing and case management for young people in care
- Program design and evaluation for student engagement and growth
- Legal and ethical decision-making in complex environments
- Cultural safety, diversity, and trauma-informed practice
- Building high-performing, child-safe teams
Every unit is contextualised to the realities of boarding life, from managing shifts and critical incidents, to mentoring emerging supervisors and strengthening community partnerships.
Learning designed for leaders
The Diploma is delivered through flexible online and blended formats, allowing you to balance study with the demands of residential leadership.
Participants can enrol individually or through a school-based cohort, with learning grouped into 3–6 month modules that build toward full qualification completion within 12–18 months.
Regular coaching, reflective practice, and peer discussion ensure learning stays relevant and immediately applicable to your role.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
If you’ve completed the Certificate IV in Community Services (Boarding Practice) or have significant experience in boarding, youth, or residential care, you may be eligible for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). Our assessors will guide you through a structured process to recognise existing skills and map them against the Diploma’s competencies, helping you complete your qualification more efficiently.
Your professional pathway
The Diploma of Youth Work (Boarding Leadership) positions graduates for roles such as:
- Head or Deputy Head of Boarding
- House Leader or Senior Supervisor
- Wellbeing Coordinator or Program Manager
- Student Experience or Residential Services Manager
It also provides a pathway to higher education in leadership, youth work, or education.
Units
- Certificate IV in Community Services (Boarding Practice)
PLUS
- CHCYTH017 Develop and implement procedures to enable young people to address their needs
- CHCYTH014 - Work effectively with young people in the youth work context
- CHCCCS007 - Develop and implement service programs
- CHCYTH021 Support youth programs
- CHCDEV005 - Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
- CHCCSM017 Facilitate and review case management
boarding training that is modular, flexible, and built for continuous learning - welcome to the new suite of short course
