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 individuals who use a broad range of specialist guiding skills combined with a substantial depth of subject matter knowledge to deliver tours. They operate independently or with limited guidance from others and use discretion to solve non-routine problems.
This qualification provides a pathway to work as a guide in many tourism industry sectors. Guides at this level usually conduct tours that involve multiple products, services and sites involving the management of tour logistics. They are employed or contracted by inbound tour operators, outbound tour wholesalers, local tour operators, or they may be owner-operators of small tourism or travel businesses.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/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.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is not available for this course.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
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:
-
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 |
|---|---|
| Coordinate and operate tours | Core |
| Enhance customer service experiences | Core |
| Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks | Core |
| Lead tour groups | Core |
| Manage conflict | Core |
| Manage extended touring programs | Core |
| Participate in safe work practices | Core |
| Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities | Core |
| Provide First Aid | Core |
| Show social and cultural sensitivity | Core |
| Work as a guide | Core |
| Access and interpret product information | Elective |
| Address protocol requirements | Elective |
| Allocate tour or activity resources | Elective |
| Book tourism products and process documentation | Elective |
| Build and maintain business relationships | Elective |
| Coach others in job skills | Elective |
| Conduct oral communication in a language other than English | Elective |
| Coordinate and operate sustainable tourism activities | Elective |
| Develop and maintain the general and regional knowledge required by guides | Elective |
| Develop in-house recreational activities | Elective |
| Develop interpretive activities | Elective |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture | Elective |
| Licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to drive a light rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to drive a medium rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Load touring equipment and supplies | Elective |
| Operate coach/bus | Elective |
| Operate commercial vehicle | Elective |
| Operate four wheel drive vehicle | Elective |
| Operate tours in a remote area | Elective |
| Participate in sustainable work practices | 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 |
| Provide advice on Australian destinations | Elective |
| Provide advice on international destinations | Elective |
| Provide arrival and departure assistance | Elective |
| Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | Elective |
| Provide freelance services | Elective |
| Provide outdoor catering | Elective |
| Read and write information in a language other than English | Elective |
| Research and share information on Australian Indigenous cultures | Elective |
| Respond to a customer in crisis | Elective |
| Sell tourism products or services | Elective |
| Set up and operate a camp site | Elective |
| Source and use information on the tourism and travel industry | Elective |
| Use hygienic practices for food safety | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Guiding sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
Tour Guide
ANZSCO 451412
Tour Guides escort visitors on sightseeing, educational and other tours, and describe and explain points of interest.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Guiding
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
-
CAIRNS COLLEGE OF ENGLISH & BUSINESS (RTO code 40520)
Contact this provider
-
Clarendon Business College Pty Ltd (RTO code 7029)
Contact this provider
-
PNL 4WDRIVING (RTO code 20810)
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.