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

Become a financial capability worker

Sector jobs

Become a financial counsellor

In order to work as a financial counsellor, you must:

CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling

About the qualification

To work as a financial counsellor in Australia, you must either:

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
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Up to 2 years
Placement: 220 hours in a financial counselling agency
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

ICAN Learn

For more details about the CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling, visit training.gov.au

About Financial Counselling

A companion to the FCA Diploma of Financial Counselling Learning Guides

Become a financial capability worker

About the qualification

To become a financial capability worker, you must:

This skill set provides the essential foundation for supporting clients in building money management skills and understanding basic consumer credit.

Course overview

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

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

ICAN Learn

For additional details about the CHCSS00077 Financial Literacy Education Skill Set, check the course listings on training.gov.au

Sector Jobs

Financial Counsellor

Broome CIRCLE is a unique and highly regarded NFP organisation with a significant track record of social impact, driven by the vision of developing a vibrant, cohesive, happy and thriving community.