Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
SIS40621
Length
1 Year (full time)
Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership - SIS40621
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
This qualification reflects the role of highly skilled Outdoor Recreation Leaders who lead and supervise dependent participants in recreational activities according to activity plans, which they develop. These leaders are proficient in recreational activity techniques and have well-developed leadership skills to manage group participation, cohesion, operational logistics, risk, and significant problems as they arise.
Students do not need any formal previous experience, however, they should have at least an appreciation of outdoor environments and some of the challenges they may present. It is recommended students have had some camping experience, outdoor education programs, or time pursuing an adventure activity.
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Outdoor Guide (uncontrolled environment)
- Outdoor Instructor
- Basic Adventure Activity Programmer
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the SIS50421 Diploma of Outdoor Leadership. It is also a possibility to pursue a pathway to the Bachelor of Outdoor Education at La Trobe University and Victoria University. Please note each university has specific entry requirements that students must meet.
Course details
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 27 units: 12 core and 15 elective.
Core units
12 unit(s)
- HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
- PUAOPE013 Operate communications systems and equipment
- SISOFLD002 Minimise environmental impact
- SISOPLN001 Finalise operation of outdoor recreation activities
- SISOPLN002 Plan outdoor activity sessions
- SISOPLN004 Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities
- SISOPLN005 Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities
- SISORSC001 Conduct search and rescue
- SISXCAI006 Facilitate groups
- SISXCCS003 Address client needs
- SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses
- SISXFAC001 Maintain equipment for activities
Elective units
15 unit(s)
- SISOABL002 Facilitate adventure-based learning activities
- SISOABS006 Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces
- SISOBWG002 Bushwalk in difficult tracked environments
- SISOBWG004 Cross rivers during bushwalks
- SISOBWG006 Lead bushwalks in difficult tracked environments
- SISOCLM002 Top rope climb single pitches, natural surfaces
- SISOCLM006 Establish belays for single pitch climbing on natural surfaces
- SISOCLM009 Lead single pitch climbing activities on natural surfaces, top rope climbing
- SISOFLD006 Navigate in tracked environments
- SISOFLD007 Navigate in difficult tracked environments
- SISORAF002 Guide a raft on grade 3 rivers
- SISORAF004 Lead rafting activities on grade 2 rivers
- SISORSC002 Perform vertical rescues
- SISORSC004 Self rescue in white water
- SISORSC005 Rescue others in white water
Attendance & commitment
General public face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend 14 outdoor field trips during their course, varying between three to seven-day camps (67 total days in the field).
- Dates of trips will vary depending on environmental conditions.
- Attend on campus 8 days throughout the course.
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend 100% of field trips.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Simulated role plays
- Projects
- Demonstrations
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Be 18 years of age.
- Be able to attend all field trips to be deemed competent for this qualification.
Industry requirements
Individuals wishing to work within this industry will be required to provide any employer with a
- Police Check with no disclosable outcomes
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
These are not required for a place to be offered in the course.
Inherent requirements
Students need the psychological and physical stamina to carry out physical outdoor tasks in sometimes poor weather conditions.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
- Appropriate outdoor recreation clothing suitable for activities and time of year, including suitable waterproof outerwear, suitable footwear for activities (such as water shoes and hiking boots/shoes), and suitable clothing for environmental protection (sun/cold).
- A tent (preferred).
- A sleep system (bag and mat) rated to a minimum of -5C.
- A hiking pack.
- Provisions for camps including food, cooking equipment, and personal hygiene products.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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