Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:17 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation
Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation
SIS40310
D439
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.00 | 14/09/2013 | Current | Approved |
Description
Depending on the specialisations chosen, this qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in:
Guiding outdoor recreation activities in an uncontrolled environment
It requires technical knowledge of the outdoor recreation activity to be transferred to allow individuals to safely participate in the outdoor activity. It does not provide the skills and knowledge to impart the required level of technical knowledge and expertise to allow participants to independently undertake outdoor recreation activities.
A guide operating in an uncontrolled environment has the skills, knowledge and experience that enable them to work independently within a variety of settings and contexts that may be complex and non-routine.
Instructing outdoor recreation skills
An instructor has the skills, knowledge and experience to facilitate skill transfer or development to clients in order that they may participate independently (or with minimal supervision) in outdoor activities. This requires the instructor to be able to:
transfer required technical skills and knowledge to participants
apply a variety of appropriate instructional strategies
critique participants technique
assess participants skill and knowledge acquisition during and at the end of a program or session
In all cases those with this qualification would be managing expected and unexpected situations with considerable autonomy. Leadership, guidance and supervision are involved when organising activities of self and others, as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature. Work would be performed in field locations with varied contexts requiring contingency planning and in differing environments such as water-based, dry land and mountainous terrains, using a diverse range of equipment.
Job roles
The following are indicative job roles for this qualification:
outdoor guide (uncontrolled environment)
outdoor instructor
Schedule
Packaging Rules
ENTRY REQUIREMENTSEntry to this qualification by persons without prior outdoor recreation industry experience or formal qualifications is not recommended.
Examples of sufficient relevant skills and knowledge for entry into the qualification may include:
- Previous qualification at the AQF level below
- Previous experience in the outdoor recreation industry and interest in outdoor pursuits
Entry into this qualification and progression between qualification levels will be based on the professional judgement of the RTO, in consultation with the individual.
PACKAGING RULES
Thirty one (31) units must be completed:
- fifteen (15) core units
- sixteen (16) elective units, consisting of:
- all the units in any two (2) of Groups A to AAF, or
- all the units in any one (1) of Groups A to AAF, and all the units in any one (1) of Groups AAG to AAS
- the remaining to make up the required sixteen (16) elective units from the General electives, or any of the above groups
1. Core Units
All fifteen (15) units must be completed
2. Groups A to AAF
All the units in any two (2) of Groups A to AAF,
OR
All the units in any one (1) of Groups A to AAF, and all the units in any one (1) of Groups AAG to AAS.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full details of available groups and their units.
The following units are from Group E Bushwalking - Guide - Intermediate and Group AG Kayaking - Instruct - White Water Grade 2
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D6399 | SISOKYK303A | Apply inland kayaking skills on Grade 2 water | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D6272 | SISOBWG302A | Apply intermediate bushwalking skills | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D6420 | SISONAV302A | Apply navigation skills in an intermediate environment | 25 | Unit of competency |
| D6274 | SISOBWG404A | Apply river crossing skills | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D6419 | SISONAV201A | Demonstrate navigation skills in a controlled environment | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D6519 | SISOWWR201A | Demonstrate self rescue skills in white water | 15 | Unit of competency |
| D6520 | SISOWWR302A | Demonstrate white water rescues and recoveries | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D6404 | SISOKYK408A | Instruct kayaking skills on Grade 2 water | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D2875 | PUAOPE002B | Operate communications systems and equipment | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D6429 | SISOOPS202A | Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site | 20 | Unit of competency |
3. Groups AAG to AAS
All the units in any two (2) of Groups A to AAF,
OR
All the units in any one (1) of Groups A to AAF, and all the units in any one (1) of Groups AAG to AAS.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full details of available groups and their units.
4. General Elective Units
The remaining to make up the required sixteen (16) elective units may be chosen from the General Elective Units.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full details of available units and options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D6276 | SISOBWG406A | Apply bushwalking skills in uncontrolled landscapes | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D6187 | SISXEMR402A | Coordinate emergency responses | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D6464 | SISOSCB318A | Dive in open water using surface supplied air | 35 | Unit of competency |
| D6413 | SISOKYS408A | Guide sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D6432 | SISOOPS305A | Provide first aid in a remote location | 35 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D024 | SRO40206 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
VET Info Notes
1. This qualification is the copyright of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
2. Further information on this qualification is contained in the training Package available from the national website at Training.gov.au.
3. This qualification was entered on to STARS on 28/9/2011.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this qualification by persons without prior outdoor recreation industry experience or formal qualifications is not recommended.
Examples of sufficient relevant skills and knowledge for entry into the qualification may include:
Previous qualification at the AQF level below
Previous experience in the outdoor recreation industry and interest in outdoor pursuits
Entry into this qualification and progression between qualification levels will be based on the professional judgement of the RTO, in consultation with the individual.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships