This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
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. While actions are limited by the parameters of plans, policies and procedures, they work with a considerable amount of autonomy.
This qualification reflects the role of leaders who can work at or close to base but often work in remote areas distant from support. Communication systems may be unreliable and assistance from medical and emergency services may not be readily available. They are expected to make high level independent judgements about logistical, technical, safety and emergency response issues.
This qualification provides a pathway to work for any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Address client needs | Core |
| Conduct search and rescue | Core |
| Coordinate emergency responses | Core |
| Facilitate groups | Core |
| Finalise operation of outdoor recreation activities | Core |
| Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities | Core |
| Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities | Core |
| Maintain equipment for activities | Core |
| Maintain work health and safety | Core |
| Minimise environmental impact | Core |
| Operate communications systems and equipment | Core |
| Plan outdoor activity sessions | Core |
| Abseil in easy to intermediate canyons | Elective |
| Abseil in intermediate to advanced canyons | Elective |
| Abseil multi pitches, natural surfaces | Elective |
| Abseil single pitches in caves | Elective |
| Abseil single pitches, natural surfaces | Elective |
| Assess competence | Elective |
| Bushwalk in difficult tracked environments | Elective |
| Bushwalk in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments | Elective |
| Carry out inspection of trailers | Elective |
| Carry out maintenance of trailers | Elective |
| Carry out trip preparation and planning | Elective |
| Carry out vehicle inspection | Elective |
| Carry out vehicle servicing and maintenance | Elective |
| Complete underwater search and recovery dives | Elective |
| Coordinate and operate tours | Elective |
| Coordinate client service activities | Elective |
| Coordinate work teams or groups | Elective |
| Cross rivers during bushwalks | Elective |
| Descend and ascend ladders in caves | Elective |
| Descend and ascend single ropes in caves | Elective |
| Design and develop assessment tools | Elective |
| Determine nutritional requirements for sport or recreational horses | Elective |
| Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships | Elective |
| Develop and maintain the general and regional knowledge required by guides | Elective |
| Develop interpretive activities | Elective |
| Develop personal work priorities | Elective |
| Engage respectfully with young people | Elective |
| Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on natural surfaces | Elective |
| Establish belays for single pitch climbing on natural surfaces | Elective |
| Establish ropes and belays for abseils in easy to intermediate canyons | Elective |
| Establish ropes and belays for abseils in intermediate to advanced canyons | Elective |
| Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces | Elective |
| Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces | Elective |
| Establish ropes, ladders and belays for caving | Elective |
| Facilitate adventure-based learning activities | Elective |
| Facilitate inclusion for people with a disability | Elective |
| Facilitate responsible behaviour | Elective |
| Guide a raft on grade 3 rivers | Elective |
| Guide a raft on grade 4 rivers | Elective |
| Guide horse trail rides in untracked areas | Elective |
| Handle horses | Elective |
| Identify and report children and young people at risk | Elective |
| Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks for horse handling and riding activities | Elective |
| Inspect and fill SCUBA cylinders | Elective |
| Instruct fundamental horse riding skills | Elective |
| Instruct horse handling skills | Elective |
| Lead and participate in complex white water rescues | Elective |
| Lead bushwalks in difficult tracked environments | Elective |
| Lead bushwalks in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments | Elective |
| Lead canoeing activities on grade 2 rivers | Elective |
| Lead canoeing activities on inland flatwater | Elective |
| Lead canoeing activities on moving water up to grade 1 rivers | Elective |
| Lead canyoning activities, easy to intermediate canyons | Elective |
| Lead canyoning activities, intermediate to advanced canyons | Elective |
| Lead caving activities | Elective |
| Lead challenge course sessions, high elements | Elective |
| Lead challenge course sessions, low elements | Elective |
| Lead climb multi pitches, natural surfaces | Elective |
| Lead climb single pitches, natural surfaces | Elective |
| Lead cycling activities on roads, up to moderate terrain and heavy traffic | Elective |
| Lead four wheel driving activities | Elective |
| Lead kayaking activities on grade 2 rivers | Elective |
| Lead kayaking activities on inland flatwater | Elective |
| Lead kayaking activities on moving water up to grade 1 rivers | Elective |
| Lead multi pitch abseiling activities on natural surfaces | Elective |
| Lead multi pitch climbing activities on natural surfaces, lead climbing | Elective |
| Lead off road cycling activities on intermediate trails | Elective |
| Lead rafting activities on grade 3 rivers | Elective |
| Lead rafting activities on grade 4 rivers | Elective |
| Lead sailing activities in open coastal waters and moderate wind conditions | Elective |
| Lead sailing activities in partially smooth water and moderate to fresh wind conditions | Elective |
| Lead SCUBA diving activities | Elective |
| Lead sea kayaking activities in enclosed waters | Elective |
| Lead sea kayaking activities in exposed coastal waters | Elective |
| Lead sea kayaking activities in sheltered coastal waters | Elective |
| Lead single pitch abseiling activities on natural surfaces | Elective |
| Lead single pitch climbing activities on natural surfaces, lead climbing | Elective |
| Lead single pitch climbing activities on natural surfaces, top rope climbing | Elective |
| Lead skiing activities on intermediate cross country terrain | Elective |
| Lead specialised SCUBA diving activities | Elective |
| Lead stand up paddle boarding activities in sheltered coastal waters | Elective |
| Lead stand up paddle boarding activities on small waves | Elective |
| Lead surfing activities, advanced manoeuvres | Elective |
| Lead surfing activities, intermediate manoeuvres | Elective |
| Lead team effectiveness | Elective |
| Lead tour groups | Elective |
| Manage extended touring programs | Elective |
| Manage horse illness and injury in remote areas | Elective |
| Navigate in difficult tracked environments | Elective |
| Navigate in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments | Elective |
| Navigate in tracked environments | Elective |
| Navigate in urban, regional and remote areas | Elective |
| Navigate prescribed routes underwater | Elective |
| Navigate waterway courses | Elective |
| Operate a four wheel drive in a towing situation | Elective |
| Operate four wheel drive vehicle | Elective |
| Organise and communicate information | Elective |
| Paddle a canoe on grade 2 rivers | Elective |
| Paddle a canoe on inland flatwater | Elective |
| Paddle a canoe on moving water up to grade 1 rivers | Elective |
| Paddle a kayak on grade 2 rivers | Elective |
| Paddle a kayak on inland flatwater | Elective |
| Paddle a kayak on moving water up to grade 1 rivers | Elective |
| Paddle a sea kayak in enclosed waters | Elective |
| Paddle a sea kayak in exposed coastal waters | Elective |
| Paddle a sea kayak in sheltered coastal waters | Elective |
| Paddle a stand up board in sheltered coastal waters | Elective |
| Paddle a stand up board in small waves | Elective |
| Participate in assessment validation | Elective |
| Participate in safe food handling practices | Elective |
| Perform basic surf rescues | Elective |
| Perform complex vertical rescues | Elective |
| Perform complex water rescues | Elective |
| Perform diver rescues | Elective |
| Perform vertical rescues | Elective |
| Perform water rescues | Elective |
| Plan and conduct disability programs | Elective |
| Plan and navigate routes | Elective |
| Plan assessment activities and processes | Elective |
| Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities | Elective |
| Prepare specialised interpretive content on cultural and heritage environments | Elective |
| Prepare specialised interpretive content on flora, fauna and landscape | Elective |
| Prepare specialised interpretive content on marine environments | Elective |
| Prevent and treat equine injury and disease | Elective |
| Protect children and young people | Elective |
| Provide brief interventions | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide first aid and emergency care for horses or other equines | Elective |
| Provide first aid in remote locations | Elective |
| Provide outdoor catering | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Recover four wheel drive vehicle | Elective |
| Recruit and manage volunteers | Elective |
| Rescue others in white water | Elective |
| Research and share information on Australian Indigenous cultures | Elective |
| Respond to critical situations | Elective |
| Ride bicycles on roads, up to moderate terrain and heavy traffic | Elective |
| Ride horses on untracked trail rides | Elective |
| Ride horses using fundamental skills | Elective |
| Ride off road bicycles on intermediate trails | Elective |
| Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat | Elective |
| Sail small boats in open coastal waters and moderate wind conditions | Elective |
| Sail small boats in partially smooth water and moderate to fresh wind conditions | Elective |
| SCUBA dive at night | Elective |
| SCUBA dive from boats | Elective |
| SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres | Elective |
| SCUBA dive to depths between 18 and 40 metres | Elective |
| SCUBA dive using Enriched Air Nitrox | Elective |
| Select, set up and operate a temporary or overnight site | Elective |
| Self rescue in white water | Elective |
| Set up and supervise challenge course sessions, high elements | Elective |
| Set up and supervise challenge course sessions, low elements | Elective |
| Set up, maintain and repair bicycles | Elective |
| Show social and cultural sensitivity | Elective |
| Ski on intermediate cross country terrain | Elective |
| Support the rights and safety of children and young people | Elective |
| Surf waves using advanced manoeuvres | Elective |
| Surf waves using intermediate manoeuvres | Elective |
| Top rope climb single pitches, natural surfaces | Elective |
| Traverse canyons | Elective |
| Traverse caves | Elective |
| Use hygienic practices for food safety | Elective |
| Use snow craft skills for alpine touring | Elective |
| Work as a guide | Elective |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Bungy Jump Master
ANZSCO 452211
Bungy Jump Masters direct, supervise and control bungy jumping activities for individuals.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Fishing Guide
ANZSCO 452212
Fishing Guides plan, organise and provide guided fishing trips for individuals or groups.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Hunting Guide
ANZSCO 452213
Hunting Guides plan, organise and provide guided hunting trips for individuals or groups.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Mountain and Glacier Guide
ANZSCO 452214
Mountain or Glacier Guides plan, organise and provide guided trips for individuals or groups on mountains or glaciers.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Outdoor Adventure Instructor
ANZSCO 452215
Outdoor Adventure Instructors provide adventure-based experiential education in outdoor adventure and bushcraft.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Trekking Guide
ANZSCO 452216
Trekking Guides plan, organise and provide guided bushwalking and trekking trips for individuals or groups.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Whitewater Rafting Guide
ANZSCO 452217
Whitewater Rafting Guides plan, organise and provide guided rafting and kayaking trips for individuals or groups on whitewater rivers.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Outdoor Adventure Guide
ANZSCO 452299
Other Outdoor Adventure Guides includes jobs like Caving Guide, Cycle Touring Guide, Horse Trekking Guide, Sea Kayaking Guide, and Skydiving Instructor.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Horse Riding Coach and Instructor
ANZSCO 452313
Horse Riding Coaches or Instructors coach horse riding.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Klepper Training Academy (RTO code 45075)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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5 Star Training & Consulting Pty Ltd (RTO code 91664)
Contact this provider
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Austral College of Technology (RTO code 45568)
Contact this provider
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Australian Global Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 31690)
Contact this provider
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Avondale University (RTO code 91191)
Contact this provider
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Christian Community Ministries Ltd (RTO code 31056)
Contact this provider
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Envirotech Education (RTO code 31871)
Contact this provider
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Gold Coast Dive Centre & Marine Training College (RTO code 40864)
Contact this provider
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Group314 Pty Ltd (RTO code 91508)
Contact this provider
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Health Security & Education Pty Ltd as trustee for Health Security & Education Unit Trust (RTO code 40907)
Contact this provider
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Malyon Vocational Training (RTO code 30002)
Contact this provider
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Maroon Outdoor Education Centre (RTO code 32122)
Contact this provider
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Paramount Adventure Centres Pty Ltd (RTO code 30870)
Contact this provider
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PNL 4WDRIVING (RTO code 20810)
Contact this provider
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Pro Adventures RTO Pty Ltd (RTO code 31105)
Contact this provider
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Professional and Technical Training Australia (RTO code 30270)
Contact this provider
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Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre (RTO code 30685)
Contact this provider
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THE CRUSADER UNION OF AUSTRALIA (RTO code 90717)
Contact this provider
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The Outdoor Education Consultants (RTO code 40608)
Contact this provider
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The Scout Association of Australia (RTO code 5443)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.