Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 12:51 PM AWST
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Certificate IV in Defence Public Affairs
Certificate IV in Defence Public Affairs
DEF42925
BMF4
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 14/04/2025 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification allows for the attainment of competencies in Defence Public Affairs.
This qualification is for personnel who work autonomously within a team environment that requires them to write material for publication, make judgements about the suitability of material for publication within known and changing contexts, and take responsibility for their decisions.
Graduates with this qualification:
provide public affairs support to military operations, exercises, and activities within Australia and overseas
protect and enhance the public profile of the Defence Forces
write and edit public information products, including print and digital articles, social media content, and media releases
gather high-quality public relations products, such as video, still photographs, and text for release to the media
prepare senior officers and military personnel for media engagements
liaise with the media and manage media releases
liaise with the community, particularly at events
perform escort and support duties
oversee the gathering, management, and quality of Defence public relations product, including stills and video imagery, and articles for publication.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Eleven (11) units of competency are required for this qualification comprising:- Eight (8) core units
- Three (3) elective units.
Choose a minimum of two (2) elective units from the list of elective units below.
Choose the remaining elective unit from the list of elective units below or from elsewhere within this training package, or another endorsed training package or accredited course.
Where an elective unit is chosen from outside this qualification:
- it must reflect the occupational and learning outcomes of this Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification level
- it must not duplicate content already covered by other units in this qualification
- care must be taken to ensure that all prerequisite units specified are complied with.
1. Core Units
All eight (8) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBC25 | DEFDPA009 | Apply knowledge of public affairs in a service environment | 0 | Unit of competency |
| BBC89 | DEFDPA007 | Develop and implement effective communication strategies | 0 | Unit of competency |
| BBC11 | DEFDPA002 | Identify material suitable for media publication | 0 | Unit of competency |
| AVR25 | DEFGEN003 | Lead a team | 0 | Unit of competency |
| BBC63 | DEFDPA004 | Manage media requirements at major events | 0 | Unit of competency |
| BBD09 | DEFDPA001 | Promote the organisation's mission and values | 0 | Unit of competency |
| AVR22 | DEFGEN006 | Work with equity and diversity | 0 | Unit of competency |
| AVR10 | DEFGEN019 | Write material suitable for publication within Defence | 0 | Unit of competency |
2. Elective Units
Three (3) elective units must be selected.
Please refer to the Packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODX31 | PSPGEN090 | Engage with stakeholders | 30 | Unit of competency |
| OAZ68 | PUACOM005 | Foster a positive organisational image in the community | 30 | Unit of competency |
| AVR18 | DEFGEN011 | Interpret policy, legislation and regulations | 0 | Unit of competency |
| OAZ66 | PUACOM007 | Liaise with other organisations | 20 | Unit of competency |
| BBC40 | DEFDPA008 | Manage public affairs projects | 0 | Unit of competency |
| ODX55 | PSPPCY014 | Support policy implementation | 25 | Unit of competency |
| ODX65 | PSPGEN140 | Use advanced workplace communication strategies | 50 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDU5 | DEF40117 | Certificate IV in Defence Public Affairs | Qualification |