CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling (Generalist)
Course Information Brochure
Want to learn specialist skills to help people manage debt and financial difficulties? Blend the unique skills of counselling, financial knowledge and advocacy work within a social justice framework and become a Financial Counsellor.
Eva Burrows College Vocational Training RTO 0328 is registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.
Delivery Mode Online + Work Placement + Workshops
2026 Enrolment Intakes • 31 August – 14 September
Course Duration Two years
Thank you for your interest in undertaking the CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling (Generalist) with Eva Burrows College Vocational Training.
This course is for people who want to become a Financial Counsellor within community services and community legal organisations, supporting people in need.
Four important things you should know about this course.
1. You may attend face-to-face workshops. Students can attend scheduled workshops, as well as participate in self-directed online learning.
Counselling Cluster Financial Counselling Cluster
18-19 June 2026 (2 days) or 12-13 November 2026 (2 days)
Eva Burrows College 100 Maidstone Street Ringwood, VIC 3134
15-17 July 2026 (3 days) or 2-4 December 2026 (3 days)
2. You have two years to complete this online course. This is an online course delivered via our online portal, Booth Online. You will have two years from enrolment to complete this course.
3. 220 hours of work placement is required to complete this course. To ensure you are well equipped for the role, this qualification also includes a mandatory 220 hours of work placement.
4. Approximately 16 hours a week should be set aside for study. We recommend students allocate up to 16 hours per week to work through the Learner Guides, online activities, assessments and complete the work placement component.
You can find all the relevant course details including entry requirements, enrolment dates and course fees in this Course Information brochure. Whether you are looking to start a career as a Financial Counsellor, already work in the sector with no formal qualification or looking to specialise in this area of community service, we are here to help and support you in achieving your goals.
For any further information email the Student Support Services team vtoenquiries@ebc.edu.au.
Course Overview
Financial Counsellors provide advice and support to people experiencing financial stress. This can vary across different clients and situations, from explaining the pros and cons of bankruptcy, to negotiating reduced payments or debt waivers, to clarifying whether a debt is even legally owed. Throughout this course you will acquire specialist knowledge, paralegal skills, and competencies that focus on credit and debit issues that affect those who are facing significant debt and financial issues.
Financial Counsellors need excellent counselling and communication skills as many people they see are emotionally on edge and worried. Working in community organisations, the financial counselling services are free, confidential and independent.
Industry Trends
Financial Counsellors provide advice to people with money and debt issues and need an in-depth knowledge of credit law, bankruptcy law, debt collection law and practices, industry hardship processes and government concession frameworks.
Financial Counselling Australia estimated that face to face Financial Counsellors assist around 140,000 people each year and in 2025 the National Debt Helpline received almost 170,000 calls, an increase of 11% on the previous year. In 2024, there were approximately 1150 Financial Counsellors in Australia.
Delivery Mode Online + Work Placement + Workshops
Duration Two Years
2026 Enrolment Intakes
• 31 August – 14 September
2026 Course Start Dates
• 21 September
2026 Course Fees
This course is open to all Australian residents and costs $7,223. There are two options for paying your course fees.
Option 1
Pay on Enrolment and Save
$6,566
A non-refundable 10% deposit is required at time of enrolment, and the balance is required before commencement of the course.
or
Option 2
Monthly payment plan
$7,223
A non-refundable 10% deposit is required at time of enrolment, and the balance paid in 10 instalments.
Course fees are correct at time of distribution. You can confirm the current Course Fee here.
Course Structure
The CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling (Generalist) is a competency-based course which requires 17 units for the qualification (13 core units and 4 elective units). Students may select four electives to best meet their workplace requirements.
CORE UNITS
CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCFIN006 Establish the financial counselling relationship
CHCFIN007 Provide advice, counselling and representation to financial counselling clients
CHCFIN008 Apply professional standards in financial counselling
CHCFIN009 Provide financial counselling and systemic advocacy within a social justice framework
CHCFIN010 Apply basic concepts of small business to financial counselling
CHCLEG002 Interpret and use legal information
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
ELECTIVES Note: Eva Burrows College offers the following electives
Group A – Mandatory elective
CHCCDE018 Develop and implement community programs
Group C – General electives (choose 3 from the 4 options below)
CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
FNSCUS411 Participate in negotiations
Competency-based training
Competency is the consistent application of knowledge and skill to the standard of performance required in the workplace. As this is a competency-based course, the assessments will involve the demonstration of skill, knowledge and the ability to work consistently to the standards required. The assessment tasks may include questions, case studies, third party feedback or workplace projects.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you believe you have the skills and knowledge in some or all of the units, or you already hold a similar qualification and are looking to upgrade, then you may wish to consider Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Recognition for units may be granted based on previous learning, studies, work and/or life experiences. You may apply for RPL once you have enrolled in the course. Students are encouraged to apply for RPL within their first 12 weeks of enrolment. Please note, RPL is charged at the same rate as the course fee as it is still a form of assessment. Please discuss this with the Course Coordinator when you enrol.
Credit Transfers
A credit transfer provides automatic credit for equivalent units you have already completed in an accredited course with another training provider. There is no charge for credit transfers, and your course fees will be reduced if you are eligible. Please discuss this with the Course Coordinator when you enrol.
Work Placement
Whether you are already working in the financial counselling sector or are looking to move into the industry, work placement will give you an invaluable opportunity to put your course theory into practice. Successful completion of this course requires 220 hours work placement in the financial counselling field. It may be possible to undertake your placement on-the-job if you are working in a suitable role in the financial counselling sector. If you are not currently working in the industry, you have the flexibility of identifying a placement or our Placement Officer can assist you to locate a suitable work placement. Due to the ever-changing demands placed on organisations it is not possible for the college to guarantee a suitable placement. For further information email the Placement Officer
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. However, to ensure you are enrolled in the most suitable and appropriate course of study, all applicants will be required to complete a Pre-Enrolment Evaluation as part of the online enrolment application.
Residential Status
This course is open to Australian residents. Unfortunately, we are not registered to accept international students. The eligibility of students will be confirmed during enrolment.
IT Requirements
Students will require access to a computer and the internet to allow them to study using our online learning portal, Booth Online. To participate and engage in any online courses and tutorials, it is recommended students are competent in using a computer and have:
• a laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac) with at least 2GB of RAM.
• a stable internet connection (ADSL2 equivalent or higher)
• a USB microphone headset or iPhone headset with built-in microphone.
• a current version of a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox or Safari).
• the Microsoft Office Suite installed on your computer. MS Word is required for most of the assessment tasks.
Course Materials and Resources
Trainer and Assessor
To support and guide you in your learning.
Booth Online
The login instructions for the online portal will be provided after enrolment.
Learner Guides
Eva Burrows College has trainers and assessors who are qualified and currently working in their industry, thereby providing you with the most up to date knowledge and skills to support and guide your learning.
Each topic of your learning journey commences with an introduction to the subject matter, followed by forums, quizzes, and online facilitation. At any stage of your learning, you can contact your trainer by email, who is available to help you with your query.
Access to all learning materials and assessment tasks will be available through our online portal, Booth Online. Our Online Support Team is available Monday to Friday to assist you to navigate the system and can be contacted via email at online@ebc.edu.au
Eva Burrows College will provide you with a Learner Guide for each unit, to enable you to advance your knowledge of each topic. To progress through your course, simply work through the Learner Guide and online
Learner Guides will be made available to you after enrolment.
Eva Burrows Library Can provide additional resource material on request.
Pathways
One qualification – three pathways
Pathway 1 – New
resources to complete each unit’s online assessment tasks, and then upload your completed assessments through Booth Online.
The Eva Burrows Library offers both onsite and online access to resources that help meet the study, research and leisure reading needs of our students. To become a member of the library, please complete the Library Registration Form
Pathway 2 – RPL
New to financial counselling Currently work in the sector with no formal qualification
For all aspiring and new Financial Counsellors.
You are currently working as a Financial Counsellor, who has the experience but not the qualification.
Pathway 3 – Upgrade
Needing to upgrade your qualification
You already hold the CHC51115 Diploma of Financial Counselling and want to upgrade.
Upon successful completion of all assessment tasks, work placement and being deemed competent in all units, you will be awarded a CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling
Trainers and Assessors
Maria Turnbull (OAM) is a Financial Counsellor of high standing with over 16 years of experience in working with people affected by addictions, specifically gambling as well as alcohol and other drugs. Maria is an unrelenting advocate for our community members, a person of great skill, qualifications, expertise and experience. Most of all she cares greatly about what she does and has a strong desire and commitment to improve the lot of people suffering financial hardship.
Heather Barclay began working in the financial counselling sector in 2009. She has a passion for helping people understand and overcome financial hardship, as well as educating and coaching aspiring Financial Counsellors. Heather’s career as a Financial Counsellor is diverse. She has worked in rural, regional and central locations, while practicing as a generalist Financial Counsellor, gambler’s help, family violence, small business, National Debt Helpline, prisons and in tenancy advocacy.
Susan Kelley has a wealth of knowledge in the rural financial counselling sector with over 9+ years’ experience. For the past 9 years, Susan has been a Rural Financial Counsellor/Team Leader for the Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW covering the Western division. Susan has completed a double Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Agribusiness through Charles Sturt University as well as completing the Diploma of Financial Counselling through Eva Burrows College.
Kim Arthur commenced working as a Financial Counsellor in Victoria in 2016 and supported other Financial Counsellors with supervision, recognising the importance of informed and secure guidance. With a passion for working with people impacted by family violence, during covid, Kim completed the Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence and then in 2022, following the declared events, Kim supported vulnerable clients in an outreach role with disaster grants and insurance claims.
“The Diploma of Financial Counselling has been an incredibly enriching experience for me, and I was able to fully immerse myself in the program, which was both practical and informative.
The course provided a comprehensive overview of the financial counselling industry, equipping me with the skills needed to engage with clients and offering meaningful support. The depth of knowledge shared, particularly in areas such as counselling, community engagement, and advocacy, was invaluable. The financial cluster units were particularly beneficial, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The support from the Trainers, the Course Coordinator and the administration staff was exceptional. They were always approachable and provided clear guidance, making complex topics more understandable. I enjoyed interacting with other students doing this course.
Overall, this program has significantly enhanced my ability to serve clients and advocate for their financial wellbeing. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a positive impact in the field of financial counselling.”
Farida Graduate of the Diploma of Financial Counselling
FAQs
Why should I study at Eva Burrows College?
Eva Burrows College is the national education and learning centre of The Salvation Army Australia.
Drawing from our cutting-edge Salvation Army experience, Eva Burrows College Vocational Training (RTO ID 0328), exists to encourage and empower you through our nationally recognised and accredited courses. We provide a comprehensive learning pathway that integrates practical experience with formal qualifications. We also offer a range of study options to suit your lifestyle needs and can help schedule your learning to empower you to graduate successfully. All learning options for this course can be discussed with your Course Coordinator.
What does a Financial Counsellor do?
A Financial Counsellor helps people manage debt and negotiate with creditors by providing free, confidential, and independent advice. They assess your financial situation, help you understand your rights, refer you to other services like legal or housing support, and can even advocate on your behalf with organisations and debt collectors.
What are some possible career opportunities after successful completion of the course?
Financial Counsellors can be employed in a range of organisations and settings, including nongovernment agencies in community settings across many sectors. On graduation some of the career prospects could include:
• Generalist Financial Counsellor
• Small Business Financial Counsellor
How many hours a week will I need to spend studying?
This course is delivered online, which means you can complete it at your own pace, in your own time. As a guide, we recommend students allocate up to 16 hours per week to work through the Learner Guides, online activities, assessments and complete the work placement component.
You can fast-track your studies and graduate sooner if you wish or take time so you can focus on work or family commitments. To help you stay on track and complete your course in time you will be provided with a suggested Study Schedule Guide upon enrolment.
Is the qualification recognised nationally?
Eva Burrows College Vocational Training has been a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for over 30 years. Registered by ASQA, we deliver nationally recognised and accredited courses and conduct our operations in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework.
Our qualifications are nationally recognised and developed to meet industry needs. Our accreditation within the vocational training sector means that whatever level of study is right for you, we have an entry point that can match your current needs.
Does the course fee include GST?
Nationally recognised training delivered by Eva Burrows College is not subject to GST.
Would a VET Student Loan be available for this course?
Eva Burrows College is not registered to provide VET Student Loans.
Do I have to find my own work placement opportunity?
Students have the freedom to identify and pursue a work placement in an organisation of their choice. If required, Eva Burrows College’s Placement Officer can work with the student to secure and coordinate a suitable work placement. Due to the ever-changing demands placed on organisations it is not possible for the college to guarantee a suitable placement.
How much does the course cost and what does this include?
This course is open to all Australian residents and costs $7,223. There are two options for paying your course fees.
Option 1
Pay on Enrolment and Save
$6,566
A non-refundable 10% deposit is required at time of enrolment, and the balance is required before commencement of the course.
Option 2
Monthly payment plan
$7,223
A non-refundable 10% deposit is required at time of enrolment, and the balance paid in 10 monthly instalments.
This fee includes all learning and assessment resources, work placement assistance, online support and assessment services for a period of two years.
Course fees are correct at time of distribution. You can confirm the current Course Fee here
Is there financial assistance available for Salvation Army Officers or employees? Officers may apply for up to 90% of the course fee. Employees may apply for up to 60% of their course fee.
For further information on the policy and how to apply see the Personnel Development Policy.
Can I access a government subsidy?
Some courses are subsidised by either State or Federal Governments. Please refer to Course Fees and Subsidies on our website to learn more about the current subsidies available.
How to Apply
Applying for a course is a simple process.
Step 1 Contact Us
Step 2
If I withdraw from the course, do I get my money back?
Please note that the 10% deposit collected on enrolment application is non-refundable. If the enrolment does not proceed to confirmation of enrolment, no fee is charged.
If the student withdraws from a course after confirmation of enrolment, the Enrolment Fee will be retained as per the conditions below:
Withdrawal Condition Fee
Withdrawal within 30 days after confirmation of enrolment 30% of course fee retained
Withdrawal between 31 and 60 days after confirmation of enrolment 50% of course fee retained
Withdrawal more than 60 days after confirmation of enrolment 100% of course fee retained
To register your interest email vtoenquiries@ebc.edu.au. The 2026 Enrolment Intakes for this course are:
• 31 August – 14 September
An online enrolment application link will be emailed to you once the intake opens.
Complete the Online Enrolment Application and upload the requested information including:
• A Unique Student Identifier (USI). Applying for a USI is cost free. It is a requirement of the federal government that when you enrol in a nationally accredited vocational training program a USI is recorded on your application. Apply for a USI at usi.gov.au.
• Photo identification documents (VIC and NSW residents applying for government funded training must provide certified copies).
• To ensure that you are enrolled in the most suitable and appropriate course a PreEnrolment Evaluation will be completed during the online enrolment application.
Step 3 We will be in contact
Your enrolment application will be reviewed, and you will be advised of the outcome via email which will include an invoice for Course Fees.
Step 4 Finalise Your Application
Confirm that you wish to proceed with your enrolment by paying the 10% non-refundable deposit. Note that enrolment is not confirmed until course fees have been paid or the monthly payment plan has been confirmed
Step 5 Begin to Study
When the enrolment process is complete, final confirmation of your enrolment will be emailed to you, and we will:
• Advise the Trainer and Assessor who will support you through your studies and answer any queries regarding the course content or assessments.
• Provide you with a login to the Booth Online portal via a separate email with instructions on how to access the portal.
• Start your learning journey with access to the interactive online orientation, available via Student Central.
Other Courses
available through Eva Burrows College Vocational Training
Certificate IV
CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
11237NAT Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology
CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management Diploma
11070NAT Diploma of Chaplaincy
CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling (Rural Specialisation)
BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
Skill Sets
CHCSS00093 Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set
CHCSS00077 Financial Literacy Education Skill Set
CHCSS00111 Problem Gambling Skill Set
CF Chaplaincy Foundations
RFC Rural Financial Counselling Specialisation
CHCFIN010 Small Business Unit
Short Courses
View a full list of accredited and non-accredited Short Courses now available.
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm W | evaburrowscollege.edu.au P | (03) 9847 5400 E | vtoenquiries@ebc.edu.au Eva Burrows College Vocational Training RTO 0328 is registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. Accreditation meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need. We have been providing quality training to equip people with work-specific skills for more than 30 years
This version 2026 publication outlines courses and services offered by Eva Burrows College. Every effort has been made by the college to ensure the information provided is accurate and current at the time of publication. Eva Burrow College reserves the right to change the contents without prior notice, including the method of delivery, or to withdraw any course offered. To make an informed decision about your study, we recommend you contact us.