In order to become a certified and fully trained qualified celebrant, you’ll need to attend the proper training and demonstrate your knowledge in the legislation of marriage. The minimum qualification that you’ll need to obtain is a Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015). This can be obtained from many Registered Training Organisations around Australia.
Please note, you will need to be 18 years or older to become a registered celebrant in Australia
At the completion of your certification you will be tested on your marriages and the processes and procedures associated with it.
When you have completed your Certificate IV in Celebrancy (course code CHC41015), you can then apply to become a marriage celebrant through the Australian Attorney General’s Department, alongside passing a legal questionnaire and a “fit and proper person’s test” that will be administered by the staff of the Attorney-General’s Marriage Law and Celebrants’ Section. This information and preparation for these exams will be covered in your Cert IV in Celebrancy course.
What units are involved in a Cert IV in Celebrancy?
There are 13 total units included in a Cert IV as a Celebrant including 6 core and essential units, plus 7 electives of your choosing.
Core Units:
| CHCCEL001 | Develop sustainable celebrancy practice |
| CHCCEL002 | Establish client celebrancy needs |
| CHCCEL003 | Research, design and organise ceremonies |
| CHCCEL004 | Prepare for, present and evaluate ceremonies |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
Elective Units – Celebrancy:
| CHCCEL005 | Establish and maintain marriage celebrancy practice |
| CHCCEL006 | Interview clients and plan marriage ceremonies |
| CHCCEL007 | Prepare for, present and evaluate marriage ceremonies |
| CHCCEL008 | Plan, present and evaluate funeral and memorial ceremonies |
| CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support |
| SIFXIND002 | Work effectively in the funeral services industry |
| CHCCDE005 | Develop and support relevant community resources |
Other Elective Units:
| CHCCOM002 | Use communication to build relationships | |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCPAS001 | Plan for the provision of pastoral and spiritual care | |
| CHCPAS002 | Provide pastoral and spiritual care | |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | |
| BSBADM409 | Coordinate business resources | |
| BSBADM504 | Plan and implement administrative systems | |
| BSBCMM401 | Make a presentation | |
| BSBFIA301 | Maintain financial records | |
| BSBIPR401 | Use and respect copyright | |
| BSBITS401 | Maintain business technology | |
| BSBITU306 | Design and produce business documents | |
| BSBMKG413 | Promote products and services | |
| BSBRKG403 | Set up a business or records system for a small business | |
| BSBSMB405 | Monitor and manage small business operations | |
| BSBSMB406 | Manage small business finances. | |
| BSBSMB403 | Market the small business | |
| BSBSMB404 | Undertake small business planning | |
| CUFWRT301A | Write content for a range of media | |
| CUSMPF402A | Develop and maintain stagecraft skills | |
| CUSMPF302A | Prepare for performance | |
Your electives must include at least 3 units from the Celebrancy group and up to 4 units from any other electives, any endorsed Training Package or any accredited course (of which must be relevant to your work outcomes as a celebrant).
How much does it cost to complete a Cert IV as a Celebrant?
The cost of a Certificate IV in Celebrancy will very for each course provider, however you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000.
How long will it take to finish a Cert IV in Celebrancy?
Depending on the terms of your enrolment (which can vary from institution to institution), most students complete their cert IV in 9-12 months. Remember that every person has a unique learning style so duration will vary also depending on a person’s abilities, free time, other commitments and any previous experience that may be credited.
Many course providers offer online study as well as in person, so consider the best fit for your needs. If you elect to study online, you’ll usually be assigned a personal tutor that you will be in contact with via phone and email and you may be required to film yourself performing various assessment modules, so you’ll need access to resources that facilitate this mode of education.
What assessments are included?
All vocational education is based on competence, so there are no “exams” and students are worked with to ensure they are competent in all skills and knowledge required. You may also be required to perform assignments which can be written, observational, oral or practical.
For more information, click here to see RTOs in your area that you can complete a Certificate IV in Celebrancy with.
