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The Certificate II in Active Volunteering (CHC24015) is a nationally recognised, entry-level qualification delivered under Australia's CHC Community Services Training Package. It is designed for individuals who are new to volunteering and want to develop foundational skills to participate effectively and confidently in the volunteer sector. The course reflects the role of entry-level volunteer workers who operate under direct, regular supervision within clearly defined guidelines, performing a range of mainly routine tasks using fundamental operational knowledge. It covers what it means to be a volunteer, how to prepare for volunteer work, how to navigate different community environments, how to communicate effectively, basic workplace health and safety, use of technology, and approaching basic writing tasks.
The qualification comprises 7 units of competency — 4 core and 3 electives — and requires students to complete a mandatory minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work within a structured volunteer program. The course is delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Australia, including community organisations, TAFEs, secondary schools through VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) programs, and specialist volunteering training bodies. Delivery modes include face-to-face, fully online, blended learning, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for those with existing volunteer experience.
Employers and organisations that engage graduates of this qualification span a wide range of sectors in Australia, including not-for-profit charities, aged care providers, hospitals, disability support services, environmental organisations, community health centres, sports clubs, emergency services, cultural institutions, councils, and youth organisations. This certificate serves as both a standalone credential and a recognised stepping stone into further vocational training in community services, health support, or social work.
Australia's not-for-profit and community services sector is one of the country's fastest-growing industries. Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to grow by approximately 13.7% nationally by 2034, with tens of thousands of new roles emerging across volunteering coordination, community development, aged care, and disability support. Completing the Certificate II in Active Volunteering gives students a formal, nationally recognised credential that validates their community contribution, enhances their employability across multiple sectors, and signals to employers a commitment to civic participation and professional conduct. With an ageing population, increasing demand for NDIS services, and the growing scale of community organisations, there is a constant and increasing need for skilled, well-prepared volunteers and entry-level community workers.
Beyond career outcomes, this qualification develops transferable life and work skills that are valued across virtually every industry — including communication, teamwork, cultural awareness, and workplace safety. For school-leavers, career changers, or anyone looking to enter the workforce with purpose, this certificate provides a low-barrier pathway into meaningful work. It can also contribute to secondary school credentials in several states, making it a practical dual-benefit qualification for Year 11 and 12 students seeking both HSC credit units and a vocational qualification simultaneously.
The Certificate II in Active Volunteering has no formal mandated academic entry requirements, making it one of the most accessible vocational qualifications in Australia. There are no minimum ATAR, prior qualifications, or work history requirements specified by the national training framework. However, some registered training providers recommend that applicants have completed at least Year 8 of high school or its equivalent, and possess written and verbal English skills at a level capable of collecting, analysing, and reporting basic information. Students are also expected to demonstrate a level of organisation and self-discipline sufficient to manage assigned study and reading tasks.
All students undertaking this qualification must complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work as part of the assessment requirements. This volunteer placement must occur within an organisation that has a structured volunteer program. Students may source their own placement or be assisted by their training provider. Depending on the organisation and the nature of the volunteer work, students may be required to complete background checks prior to commencing their placement. These can include a National Police Check, a Working With Children Check, and — in states such as Queensland — a Blue Card, or a Vulnerable People Card in the Australian Capital Territory. Students will also typically complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) activity at enrolment to identify any learning support needs. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for applicants who have existing volunteer experience and can provide a portfolio of evidence.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of the Certificate II in Active Volunteering are well positioned to enter a broad range of roles across Australia's community services, not-for-profit, health, and social assistance sectors. While this qualification primarily prepares students for active volunteering roles, it also functions as a recognised pathway into paid workforce entry across community support, aged care, disability services, youth work, and event coordination. Graduates who continue their studies with higher-level certificates or diplomas in community services can advance into coordination, management, and specialist advisory roles within local councils, charities, hospitals, government agencies, and large national not-for-profit organisations.
Entry Level
Volunteer / Support Assistant
Community Volunteer, Volunteer Support Worker, Hospital Volunteer, Environmental Conservation Volunteer, Animal Welfare Support Worker, Fundraising Assistant
Early Career
Officer / Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator, Community Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Peer Support Worker, Community Outreach Assistant, Aged Care Support Worker, Event Coordinator (NFP)
Mid-Level
Adviser / Specialist
Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Community Development Officer, Case Worker, Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Community Health Liaison, Disability Support Coordinator, Outreach Worker
Senior Level
Manager / Senior Adviser
Volunteer Manager, Community Services Manager, Program Manager (NFP), Community Development Manager, Social Welfare Officer, Team Leader Community Services
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal
Director of Volunteer Programs, Head of Community Engagement, CEO (Not-for-Profit), Executive Director Community Services, Regional Director Social Services
Salary ranges for careers accessible through the Certificate II in Active Volunteering and related community services pathways in Australia vary by role, experience, qualification level, and employer type.
Melbourne
Melbourne is home to one of Australia's largest and most active not-for-profit sectors, with thousands of community organisations, charities, and social enterprises offering diverse volunteer opportunities across aged care, disability, arts, sports, and emergency services. The city's multicultural population and strong emphasis on social inclusion make it an ideal environment to develop the cultural competency and community engagement skills central to this qualification.
Sydney
Sydney offers an extensive network of community service organisations, hospitals, and large national charities that regularly engage trained volunteers, providing excellent placement opportunities for Certificate II students. The city's size and diversity ensure graduates can access a wide variety of volunteer roles spanning health, homelessness services, youth work, environmental programs, and multicultural community support.
Brisbane
Brisbane and South East Queensland have a rapidly growing community services sector, driven by strong population growth and increasing demand for volunteer-supported aged care, disability, and youth services. Queensland students also benefit from the QCE credit recognition of this qualification, allowing them to earn up to 4 Queensland Certificate of Education points while completing an industry-relevant vocational credential.
Perth
Perth's geographically spread community and strong culture of volunteering — particularly in environmental conservation, emergency services, and remote community support — makes it a unique and rewarding location to undertake this qualification. Western Australia's growing NFP sector and active Volunteering WA network provide strong pathways to placement, employment, and further study for Certificate II graduates.
Adelaide
Adelaide has a well-established volunteering culture underpinned by a large network of aged care, health, and community welfare organisations, many of which actively recruit and support trained volunteers. The city's close-knit community environment and strong links between training providers and local organisations make it particularly well-suited for students seeking meaningful, supported volunteer placements.
Canberra
As the nation's capital, Canberra offers unique volunteering opportunities within federal government agencies, national cultural institutions, community health organisations, and a wide range of peak bodies and advocacy groups. Students in Canberra benefit from proximity to organisations that operate at a national policy level, giving Certificate II graduates early exposure to the broader landscape of community services and social impact work in Australia.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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