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Types of awards and qualifications

Central TAFE award courses are in line with the Australian Qualifications Training Framework (AQTF). The AQTF establishes standard titles and levels for courses across Australia.

Central TAFE accredits all its award courses. These courses are then registered with the National Training Information Service (NTIS) to obtain national status. All Central TAFE's accredited courses are therefore nationally recognised.

The qualifications are:

  • Advanced Diploma
  • Diploma
  • Certificate IV
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate II
  • Certificate I 

Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma is the highest TAFE qualification. It involves two to three years full-time or equivalent part-time study, and is about the same level as the older Associate Diploma.

It recognises the ability to apply fundamental principles and complex techniques in a wide range of contexts. Significant judgement in planning, technical or leadership functions is developed with highly specialised technical, creative or conceptual skills and accountability for your own and your work group's achievements.

Diploma
Diploma courses involve up to two years full-time study or equivalent part-time study. The Diploma is about the same level as the older Associate Diploma.

At this level, you are given broad theoretical knowledge and/or technical and creative skills at substantial depth. Analysis, judgement and planning are involved across a broad range of technical and/or management situations. Graduates at this level could be expected to work autonomously in complex technical operations or to coordinate their own work or the work of others.

Certificate IV
At this level you are developing a broad knowledge base. You learn to analyse and evaluate information and to apply the knowledge and skills to a wide variety of contexts. With this qualification you could be expected to take limited responsibility for the work of other people. The duration of the Certificate IV is usually one year full-time or equivalent part-time.

Certificate III
You learn additional theoretical knowledge and develop higher skills for solving a variety of problems. A person with this qualification would be able to use discretion and judgement in interpreting information and applying skills.

Certificate II
You move on to acquire operational knowledge in skill areas where you can apply solutions to predictable problems.

Certificate I
This first level of qualification covers training in some basic skills and routine tasks.   

For further information on the types of qualifications available at Central TAFE please call Student Services on 1300 300 822.