Want to work in the sector?
Interested in helping others take control of their finances and build a better future?
A career as a financial counsellor or financial capability worker lets you make a real difference by supporting people through financial hardship and building money management skills.
Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, education, or practical problem-solving, this rewarding path offers the tools to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Find out more and see where one of these careers can take you!
Become a financial counsellor
- Complete the required qualification.
- Be eligible for membership of a state-based financial counselling association.
- Complete the required amount of professional development annually.
- Receive professional supervision.
CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling
About the qualification
To work as a financial counsellor in Australia, you must either:
- hold the CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling, or
- be actively studying towards this qualification.
This diploma is the only recognised qualification for financial counselling. Other qualifications, such as accounting or financial planning, do not meet the required standard.
Course overview
- Name: CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling
- Recognition: Nationally recognised qualification
- Delivery: Combination of online learning and face-to-face lectures
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Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Up to 2 years
- Placement: 220 hours in a financial counselling agency
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Focus Areas:
- Consumer law
- Credit law
- Bankruptcy
- Counselling techniques
- Advocacy skills
The course will equip you with the skills to provide practical support, legal understanding, and advocacy within a social justice framework.
Where to study
The following Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offer the CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling. Contact the provider directly for enrolment details.
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
South Metropolitan TAFE
Australian Institute of Social Relations
About Financial Counselling
A companion to the FCA Diploma of Financial Counselling Learning Guides
Download the guide
Become a financial capability worker
- complete the CHCSS00077 Financial Literacy Education Skill Set, and
- be eligible for membership with a state-based financial counselling association.
Course overview
- Name: CHCSS00077 Financial Literacy Education Skill Set
- Recognition: Nationally recognised skill set
- Entry Requirements
- No formal prerequisites
- Best suited for individuals who:
- hold a Certificate III or higher in Community Services, Health, or a related field, or
- have equivalent skills and experience assessed through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process
Focus areas
- Financial literacy
- Money management education
- Basic consumer credit awareness
This course is designed to prepare workers to educate and empower clients to make informed financial decisions.
Where to study
The following Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offer the CHCSS00077 Financial Literacy Education Skill Set. Contact the provider directly for enrolment information.
Eva Burrows College
For additional details about the CHCSS00077 Financial Literacy Education Skill Set, check the course listings on training.gov.au
Sector Jobs
Financial Counsellor
- Agency: Broome CIRCLE
- Location: Broome, Broome & Kimberley WA
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Association of Western Australia.
FCAWA is located on land belonging to the Whadjuk Noongar people, and we recognise their connection to country. Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.