RPL Interest Registration
Diploma of Financial Counselling
This qualification is not yet available through RPL It. Register your interest to be notified when it becomes available.
CHC51122
You have spent years advocating for those in financial hardship, navigating complex social justice frameworks and empowering clients to regain control. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to offer a recognition pathway for this qualification. Register your interest today to be notified when we can help guide your experience toward formal recognition.
About This Qualification
This qualification reflects the role of financial counsellors working in the following two contexts: Generalist financial counsellors who work in agencies that meet the requirements for exemptions from holding both an Australian Financial Services Licence and an Australian Credit Licence. Financial counsellors work across a variety of metropolitan, regional and remote settings. Generalist financial counsellors can assist both individuals and small businesses.Rural financial counsellors undertake specialised financial counselling work that assists primary producers and rural small businesses, and are employed in agencies funded for this purpose. These agencies meet the requirements for an exemption from holding an Australian Credit Licence. All financial counsellors are experts in financial difficulty and provide advice and support to help clients get back on top of their financial issues. They work from a model of social justice and client empowerment. This qualification is NOT related to the work performed by financial planners or financial advisers whose role is to provide clients with strategies to address their investment options and requires a financial services licence. This qualification is also not appropriate for financial capability workers. This qualification does NOT refer to therapeutic counselling. Psychological issues, which affect individuals, families and groups such as gambling, substance abuse, child abuse and mental or physical health problems require referral to a professionally qualified practitioner However, a recognition of, and an ability to work within, a counselling framework and the way in which other issues may interact with financial issues is highly relevant to financial counselling practice. To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 220 hours of work in an industry workplace or simulated industry environment as detailed in the relevant assessment requirements of the units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
Qualification Code
CHC51122
Training Package
CHC — Community Services
AQF Level
Diploma
Total Units
See training.gov.au
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
National Register
View on training.gov.au →RPL It Status: Not yet available — Registering interest
Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.
Career Outcomes
According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Financial Counsellor | Working in metropolitan or regional agencies to assist individuals in financial difficulty through advocacy, support, and social justice frameworks. |
| Rural Financial Counsellor | Providing specialised assistance to primary producers and rural small businesses to navigate complex financial submissions and professional referrals. |
Licensing
STATE SPECIFIC⚠️ Important
This qualification is a core requirement for practitioners seeking to operate under ASIC class order exemptions regarding financial services and credit licensing. Please note that professional accreditation and specific licensing requirements are governed by individual state authorities and industry bodies.
Work Placement
IMPORTANTThis qualification requires a total of at least 220 hours of work in an industry workplace or simulated environment. Through the RPL process, your existing professional experience in a financial counselling setting can be used to meet this requirement, provided it is verified by an assessor.
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Could RPL Be Right for You?
Experience can be evidence.
RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.
RPL typically involves:
A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements
Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency
Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation
If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise
ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice
RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.
Our approach:
“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”
What Kind of Experience Counts?
If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:
Work History & Roles
- ✓Detailed CV and work history
- ✓Position descriptions
- ✓Performance reviews and appraisals
Client Advocacy & Representation
- ✓Redacted case notes and advocacy plans
- ✓Correspondence with creditors and ombudsmen
- ✓Systemic advocacy reports
Counselling & Communication
- ✓Records of client intake and assessment
- ✓Interpersonal skills feedback
- ✓Counselling framework reflections
Legal & Financial Analysis
- ✓Evidence of interpreting credit and debt legislation
- ✓Financial statement analysis reports
- ✓Small business financial assessment summaries
Professional Standards
- ✓Membership records with financial counselling associations
- ✓Continuing Professional Development (CPD) logs
- ✓Ethical practice and boundary reflections
This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.
Is this qualification currently available for RPL?▾
Why should I register my interest now?▾
Is RPL the same as studying the course?▾
Does this qualification allow me to work as a Financial Adviser?▾
How do I prove the 220-hour work placement requirement through RPL?▾
Related Qualifications
Other qualifications in the Community Services.
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
CHC62015
Certificate I
Certificate I in Active Volunteering
CHC14015
Certificate II
Certificate II in Active Volunteering
CHC24015
Certificate II
Certificate II in Community Services
CHC22015
Certificate III
Certificate III in Active Volunteering
CHC34015
Register Your Interest
We're establishing partnerships to offer CHC51122 through RPL. Tell us about your background — we'll let you know when it's available and whether RPL is likely to suit your experience.
Priority Notification
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Preliminary Review
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No Commitments
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