The ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Qualifications Strategy aims to ensure the development and maintenance of a competent and professional specialist workforce in the ACT. It also aims to ensure that all AOD workers in the ACT have a shared minimum knowledge and skill base.

The three main components of the Strategy are: the AOD Skill Set (AOD specialised units of the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs), the Remaining Units (non-AOD content of the Certificate IV in AOD) and First Aid Training.

The Strategy has maintained a focus on the provision of education and training through AOD specialist industry providers. The training delivery also includes the provision of multiple student support days and information sessions for participants and managers.

Following the completion of the training, participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment. Training for the AOD Skill Set and the Remaining Units is coordinated by ATODA and fully subsidised for participating AOD workers.

Download the ACT AOD Qualification Strategy here.

In order to meet the Qualification Strategy requirements all specialist ACT AOD services (funded by ACT Health) will require relevant staff to successfully complete:

1. A qualification in AOD or addiction studies which is equivalent to, or above, the Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215).

OR

2. A health, social, or behavioural science related tertiary (university) qualification plus the ‘Alcohol and Other Drug Skill Set’:

CHCAOD001    Work in an AOD context

CHCAOD004    Assess the needs of clients with AOD issues

CHCAOD006    Provide interventions for people with AOD issues

CHCAOD009    Develop and review individual AOD treatment plans

AND

3. A First Aid qualification equivalent to the following units:

HLTAID001      Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

HLTAID002      Provide basic emergency life support

HLTAID003      Provide first aid

Enrolments 2025

AOD Skillset

Enrolments now open.

Start date 1 May 2025.

Online classes held Thursdays 9:30am – 1:30pm for 10 weeks.

To enquire about the AOD Skillset, please contact training@atoda.org.au.

The AOD Skill Set Course is comprised of four core, AOD specific, units from the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work. Upon successful completion of the AOD Skill Set, each worker will be provided with nationally-recognised Statements of Attainment.

Units are:

CHCAOD001 Work in an AOD context
CHCAOD004 Assess the needs of clients with AOD issues
CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with AOD issues
CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual AOD treatment plans


Training fees are fully subsidised by ATODA with funding from ACT Health.

Please contact training@atoda.org.au to discuss enrolment in the AOD Skillset in 2025.

Certificate IV

Training in the non-AOD content of the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) comprises core and elective units. Only those workers in the specialist AOD sector that do not have existing health, social or behavioural science tertiary qualifications are required to undertake this training.

Upon successful completion of this training, each worker will be provided with a nationally-recognised Statement of Attainment for each of the competencies completed and a testamur at completion of the qualification (i.e. when evidence of completion of the AOD Skill Set and First Aid Course is provided).

The Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is offered by a number of providers including CIT and TAFE. Fee-free places may be available. Please contact training@atoda.org.au to discuss how you can access the Certificate IV as a requirement of the Qualifications Strategy.

First Aid

Provide First Aid (Senior First Aid) is comprised of the following units:

  • HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • HLTAID010 Provide Basic Life Support
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Maintaining a current First Aid certificate is a requirement of the Qualifications Strategy. ATODA offers limited spaces in subsidised First Aid training for workers in the ACT ATOD sector. To enquire about enrolment, please contact training@atoda.org.au.

Upcoming training: