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Certificate IV in Local Government
Certificate IV in Local GovernmentWorking in local government means balancing community expectations, internal processes, regulatory requirements and constant change. You’re often the person others rely on to keep things steady — even when resources are tight or priorities shift overnight. This qualification strengthens your confidence across leadership, communication, operations and customer service, helping you support your council and community with professionalism and clarity.
100% Online Delivery
9–16 Month Completion
Build practical local-government and frontline leadership capability
Strengthen communication, risk, WHS and customer-service skills
Flexible Payment Options: VISA, MasterCard, time payments.
Affordable weekly or fortnightly payment plans available.
NSW Smart & Skilled funding approved (subject to eligibility and funding availability). See our Funding Information page for full details.
Build Confident, Community-Focused Local Government CapabilityLocal government roles are wide-ranging — frontline support, stakeholder communication, team leadership, WHS, sustainability and operational coordination. Many council staff develop these skills on the job without structured training, which can make the role feel heavier than it should, especially when community demands are high or compliance requirements shift.
The Certificate IV in Local Government (General) helps you build the practical capability behind effective council operations. You’ll develop stronger communication, leadership, customer-service and risk-management skills, along with the ability to coordinate operational plans and support sustainable work practices.
If you want to improve your confidence, prepare for leadership, or gain recognition for the work you already do in your council, this qualification provides clear direction and nationally recognised credibility.
What You'll Develop
- Clear, professional workplace communication
- Team-leadership and team-facilitation skills
- Strong workplace-relationship capability
- Practical frontline leadership habits
- Ability to guide team effectiveness
- Business-risk management awareness
- WHS implementation and monitoring
- Sustainable work-practice implementation
- Operational-plan coordination
- Confident meeting organisation and facilitation
- Customer-service delivery skills
- Understanding of local-government structure and responsibilities
Quick Facts
Duration
9–16 months (self-paced, fast-track available)Study Mode
100% online – self-paced and flexible, with people to help when you need itUnits
12 units of competencyAssessment
Workplace projects — no examsSupport
Unlimited trainer support by phone and emailCredit Transfer and RPL PathwaysIf you have any past studies or experience, you may be eligible to receive credit where possible. This means you don’t need to relearn what you already know and can significantly reduce your study time by up to 60%.
Most experienced workers save 3 to 6 months of study time through RPL. Your practical experience has real value and we help you prove it.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Each module typically takes around 4 weeks to complete but can be completed faster if your personal time allows.Module 1
BSBXCM401Council environments rely on clear communication; learn to deliver messages that reduce confusion and support constructive interactions.
Communication
Workplace Interaction
Module 2
BSBXTW401Support teams in achieving shared outcomes by guiding workflow, setting expectations and encouraging collaboration.
Team Leadership
Coordination
Module 3
BSBLDR413Working in local government requires trust and cooperation; build the skills to maintain respectful, productive relationships.
Relationships
Collaboration
Module 4
BSBLDR411Develop the foundation behaviours of reliable leadership — accountability, professionalism and steady decision-making.
Leadership
Professional Conduct
Module 5
BSBLDR414Learn how to support team performance, manage dynamics and help teams deliver consistent outcomes for the community.
Team Effectiveness
Performance
Module 6
BSBOPS403Councils carry significant responsibility; build confidence identifying risks, applying controls and supporting organisational stability.
Risk Management
Compliance
Module 7
BSBWHS411WHS compliance is essential; learn how to apply and monitor safety procedures across council workplaces.
WHS
Safety
Module 8
BSBSUS411Support sustainability within council operations by applying practical environmental practices and monitoring outcomes.
Sustainability
Environmental Practices
Module 9
BSBOPS402Help your team deliver planned outcomes by coordinating resources, workflow and operational activities.
Operational Planning
Coordination
Module 10
BSBOPS405Meetings are central in council work; strengthen your ability to organise agendas, documentation and follow-up actions.
Meetings
Administration
Module 11
BSBOPS304Local government exists to serve the community; this module develops your customer-service professionalism and responsiveness.
Customer Service
Community Support
Module 12
LGACOR001Gain a clear understanding of council roles, legislation, functions and responsibilities within the local-government framework.
Local Government
Governance
Entry Requirements
To make sure this course is the right fit and that you’re set up for success, you’ll need to meet the following entry requirements.Age:- 21 Years or over- If under 21 (must be over 18), have a Certificate III + 2 years relevant work experience, OR have proof of high level of skills that may lead to an interview for possible enrolmentAcademic Suitability: have completed one of the following:- Year 12/Senior Certificate- Certificate III + 2 years relevant work experience- Pass a GTI Language, Literacy and Numeracy testDigital Literacy and Access Requirements:- Digital literacy sufficient to complete online study- Access to a computer and reliable internet connectionLanguage Requirements- See 'English Language Entry Requirements' for more information
Notes:• Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may request a meeting with the Training Manager/CEO. Enrolment may be accepted at their discretion.• These requirements do not apply to Traineeships but are strongly recommended.
Honest WarningPeople without the recommended experience often struggle and may not complete the course. This is simply due to the level of responsibility required in the assessments. If you have any past studies or experience, you may be eligible to receive credit where possible. This means you don’t need to relearn what you already know and can significantly reduce your study time by up to 60%.
Career PathwaysLocal government offers strong career variety, with pathways across community services, administration, operations, compliance and frontline leadership. Typical local-government support and coordination roles sit between $60K–$105K, depending on council, level and experience.
Local Government Officer
Team Leader (Council Operations)
Customer Service Coordinator
Administrative Officer
Governance Support Officer
Community Liaison Officer
Frontline Supervisor
Business Support Officer
Graduate Success Stories
“I think the course was an accurate reflection on what I’ve been doing for the last 6 years and confirmed the policies and processes relating to the workforce/workplace were relevant. The GTI staff have been very supportive and always available to assist, guide, advise when asked. I would very much recommend the training to others as a method of formally recognizing what they already do and to qualify them for future employment at a higher level.”
Skills formally recognised
Gary Shakespeare
“I have 3 x Diplomas with Global Training Institute and am now completing my Advanced Diploma so I can go to University. I now work overseas in Laos and have sessions with my Trainer via skype and emails, and I use the online area for everything. The courses have all been great and it made me confident to apply for higher positions, which I now have. The support from Global is excellent. The supplied materials were very helpful to use for developing my work skills. I am able to use my former experience and evidence in my assessments. I would recommend the training to others 100% – very good school, good Trainers and very helpful staff.”
Confident career progression
Michael Schroers