SIS40621

Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership

Take the next step in your outdoor recreation career with this practical course. This qualification will set you up with the specialised knowledge and skills required to work as an activity guide or instructor.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Sunshine Coast

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 23 Jul 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$4,915

Subsidised

$5,835

Full Fee

$10,045

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Take the next step in your outdoor recreation career with this practical course. This qualification is perfect for people who want to work as leaders in the great outdoors. You will gain the specialised knowledge and skills required to work as an activity guide or instructor. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics there are over 65,000 people employed in the sport, fitness and recreation industry. Live everyday like an adventure with a unique career in this exciting industry.

This course will give you the skills to motivate others, and help people realise their potential and develop a better understanding of themselves. You will also gain practical skills in areas such as canoeing, high and low ropes courses, and hiking. Our passionate, industry experienced teachers will give you all the support and guidance you need to succeed.

Successful completion of this course will equip you to lead, guide and instruct outdoor recreation activities. You will be qualified to work as an outdoor guide or instructor in the outdoor recreation industry.

What can I do?

Outdoor Recreation Activity Instructor
Outdoor Recreation Activity Guide

Course outcome:

SIS40621 Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 15 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
HLTWHS003

Maintain work health and safety

UNIT CODE :
HLTWHS003

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and work practices as part of a small work team.
UNIT NAME
Maintain work health and safety

UNIT CODE
PUAOPE013

Operate communications systems and equipment

UNIT CODE :
PUAOPE013

Unit description :
UNIT NAME
Operate communications systems and equipment

UNIT CODE
SISOFLD002

Minimise environmental impact

UNIT CODE :
SISOFLD002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement predetermined minimal environmental impact practices while delivering outdoor recreation activities. Environmental impact includes that to the natural environment and to Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage and cultural sites.
UNIT NAME
Minimise environmental impact

UNIT CODE
SISOPLN001

Finalise operation of outdoor recreation activities

UNIT CODE :
SISOPLN001

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to organise the final operational logistics for any type of outdoor recreation activity before departure. It requires the ability to evaluate the predetermined activity plan, which might be self-developed or developed by others, and to adjust this according to current conditions. It involves the final selection and packing of equipment.
UNIT NAME
Finalise operation of outdoor recreation activities

UNIT CODE
SISOPLN002

Plan outdoor activity sessions

UNIT CODE :
SISOPLN002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to plan sessions for any type of outdoor recreation activity and to coordinate operational logistics. It requires the ability to plan for activity sessions within a whole of program, or for standalone activity sessions that meet the needs of participants, and to evaluate the effectiveness of sessions.
UNIT NAME
Plan outdoor activity sessions

UNIT CODE
SISOPLN004

Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities

UNIT CODE :
SISOPLN004

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify hazards, assess associated risks, take measures to eliminate or control those risks and document all processes. It covers the processes necessary to manage the significant risks associated with delivering outdoor recreation activities. It can apply to whole of program planning or planning for standalone activity sessions and is relevant to any type of activity.
UNIT NAME
Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities

UNIT CODE
SISOPLN005

Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities

UNIT CODE :
SISOPLN005

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage integrity in sport risks, inform participants about integrity in sport and assist participants to address integrity issues.
UNIT NAME
Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities

UNIT CODE
SISORSC001

Conduct search and rescue

UNIT CODE :
SISORSC001

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct a search and rescue within an activity-specific context. It requires the ability to fully assess the situation, develop a response plan and complete searches and rescues using methods and equipment appropriate for the situation.
UNIT NAME
Conduct search and rescue

UNIT CODE
SISXCAI006

Facilitate groups

UNIT CODE :
SISXCAI006

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish and facilitate the effective functioning of a group of people participating in an activity.
UNIT NAME
Facilitate groups

UNIT CODE
SISXCCS003

Address client needs

UNIT CODE :
SISXCCS003

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage ongoing and sometimes complex relationships with clients. It requires the ability to match client services to client needs and to be familiar with service provision options that can be negotiated with the client and customised to meet their needs.
UNIT NAME
Address client needs

UNIT CODE
SISXEMR002

Coordinate emergency responses

UNIT CODE :
SISXEMR002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to coordinate a response to an emergency situation. The unit focuses on assessing emergency situations, implementing an emergency action plan, and coordinating a prompt and effective response.
UNIT NAME
Coordinate emergency responses

UNIT CODE
SISXFAC001

Maintain equipment for activities

UNIT CODE :
SISXFAC001

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
UNIT NAME
Maintain equipment for activities

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE
SISOABL001

Lead adventure-based learning activities

UNIT CODE :
SISOABL001

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead adventure-based learning activities in situations where the overall responsibility for the session or program rests with a more experienced facilitator.
UNIT NAME
Lead adventure-based learning activities

UNIT CODE
SISOABL002

Facilitate adventure-based learning activities

UNIT CODE :
SISOABL002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate learning through adventure activities according to a pre-designed adventure based learning program which might be self-developed or developed by others. It requires the ability to adjust program content and manage all learning activities to encourage participant engagement.
UNIT NAME
Facilitate adventure-based learning activities

UNIT CODE
SISOBWG001

Bushwalk in tracked environments

UNIT CODE :
SISOBWG001

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete walks in any type of environment including bushland, arid, alpine or tropical areas and according to planned routes.
UNIT NAME
Bushwalk in tracked environments

UNIT CODE
SISOBWG002

Bushwalk in difficult tracked environments

UNIT CODE :
SISOBWG002

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete walks in any type of environment including bushland, arid, alpine or tropical areas and according to planned routes.
UNIT NAME
Bushwalk in difficult tracked environments

UNIT CODE
SISOBWG006

Lead bushwalks in difficult tracked environments

UNIT CODE :
SISOBWG006

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead and supervise dependent participants during bushwalking activities in difficult tracked environments according to predetermined activity plans which might be self-developed or developed by others. It covers the skills required to adjust activities according to prevailing conditions and participant capabilities.
UNIT NAME
Lead bushwalks in difficult tracked environments

UNIT CODE
SISOCHC001

Lead challenge course sessions, low elements

UNIT CODE :
SISOCHC001

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead participants during challenge course sessions at a facility where low elements are set up. Participants may be individual users or groups attending for purely recreational purposes, or may be groups involved in adventure based learning activities for which there would be a predetermined activity plan.
UNIT NAME
Lead challenge course sessions, low elements

UNIT CODE
SISOCHC002

Set up and supervise challenge course sessions, low elements

UNIT CODE :
SISOCHC002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to supervise activity leaders and participants during challenge course sessions at a facility where low elements are set up. Participants may be individual users or groups attending for purely recreational purposes, or may be groups involved in adventure based learning activities for which there would be a predetermined activity plan.

Pre-requisite unit :
SISOCHC001
UNIT NAME
Set up and supervise challenge course sessions, low elements

UNIT CODE
SISOCHC003

Lead challenge course sessions, high elements

UNIT CODE :
SISOCHC003

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead participants during challenge course sessions at a facility where high elements are set up. Participants may be individual users or groups attending for purely recreational purposes, or may be groups involved in adventure based learning activities for which there would be a predetermined activity plan.
UNIT NAME
Lead challenge course sessions, high elements

UNIT CODE
SISOCHC004

Set up and supervise challenge course sessions, high elements

UNIT CODE :
SISOCHC004

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to supervise activity leaders and participants during challenge course sessions at a facility where high elements are set up. Participants may be individual users or groups attending for purely recreational purposes, or may be groups involved in adventure based learning activities for which there would be a predetermined activity plan.

Pre-requisite unit :
SISOCHC003
UNIT NAME
Set up and supervise challenge course sessions, high elements

UNIT CODE
SISOCNE002

Paddle a canoe on inland flatwater

UNIT CODE :
SISOCNE002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a canoe as part of a group on inland flatwater areas such as lakes, dams and slow moving rivers and according to planned courses. It requires the ability to self-rescue from a capsize and to rescue others in deep water.
UNIT NAME
Paddle a canoe on inland flatwater

UNIT CODE
SISOCNE005

Lead canoeing activities on inland flatwater

UNIT CODE :
SISOCNE005

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead and supervise dependent participants during canoeing activities on flatwater areas according to predetermined activity plans which might be self-developed or developed by others. It covers the skills required to adjust activities according to prevailing conditions and participant capabilities.
UNIT NAME
Lead canoeing activities on inland flatwater

UNIT CODE
SISOFLD003

Select, set up and operate a temporary or overnight site

UNIT CODE :
SISOFLD003

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select, set up, operate and dismantle a temporary or overnight site used during any type of outdoor recreation activity. Temporary sites include those used for rest and meal stops, and overnight camping. It requires the ability to pre-plan operational logistics for sites including menu planning for participants.
UNIT NAME
Select, set up and operate a temporary or overnight site

UNIT CODE
SISOFLD006

Navigate in tracked environments

UNIT CODE :
SISOFLD006

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to navigate in environments which can include tracks or inland rivers according to planned routes.
UNIT NAME
Navigate in tracked environments

UNIT CODE
SISOFLD007

Navigate in difficult tracked environments

UNIT CODE :
SISOFLD007

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to navigate in difficult tracked environments during any type of outdoor recreation activity.
UNIT NAME
Navigate in difficult tracked environments

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Mooloolaba	On Campus	23 Jul 2025	1 year	Full time 3 days per week (Semester 1) then 1 week per month (Semester 2) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday	Concession: $4,915 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $5,835 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $10,045 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Mooloolaba On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 23 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 3 days per week (Semester 1) then 1 week per month (Semester 2) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $4,915 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $5,835 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $10,045 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership (SIS40621)

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Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership

COURSE CODE: SIS40621

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

It is recommended that students have a strong interest in outdoor pursuits / personal outdoor experience or outdoor recreation industry experience.

It is highly recommended that students have an adequate level of physical fitness prior to enrolling. During this course you will be required to participate in a number of outdoor adventure activities including high ropes, canoeing and bush walking with a pack. You should be aware these activities have a degree of risk associated with them. If you are concerned your level of physical fitness is not sufficient, please contact the course coordinator.

Resources required

The total advertised cost includes the cost of Tuition fees and an estimated cost of $400 for additional resources required. The uniform and kit list cost of $350 is an approximate cost, it is highly recommended that students shop around for the best prices. Students may already have some of these items and therefore the total cost will then reduce. Please note: Orienteering Event is delivered by an external provider. Students must pay approximate cost of $50 to an external provider. This cost is also included in the total advertised cost.

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Core units

Elective units

Mooloolaba

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Resources required

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate IV in Fitness

Careers

Certificate III in Fitness

Careers

Diploma of Sport (Coaching)

Careers