Understanding our fees and processing times
Our services support people at different stages of their career , and each has its own set of fees and expected timeframes. These reflect the level of assessment involved and ensure applications are reviewed carefully and consistently.
Below we outline what to expect when applying for membership, , course accreditation or training endorsement.
For more information about Skills Assessment fees and processing times, head to the Skills Assessment Fees page.
Membership fees
A Community Work Australia membership provides professional recognition, resources, and support to strengthen your career in community work.
| Membership | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard annual membership | $300 |
| Student membership | $20 |
| Discounted membership (available to graduates of a Community Work Australia–accredited course within the past 2 years) | $100 |
| Personalised insurance certificates | $50 |
Refunds and outcomes
The application process to become a Community Work Australia member generally takes between 2 and 4 weeks to process.
If you are found suitable, you will receive 12 months of membership, with renewal required after this period. If you pay the standard fee and are found unsuitable or withdraw your application, you will receive a $200 refund.
Applicants may request an appeal or review.
Please note:
Community Work Australia members are covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance as a member benefit. Some members, typically those in private practice, need personalised insurance certificates of currency as proof of this cover.
Become a member and benefit
By joining, you gain access to professional recognition, practical support and resources designed to strengthen your skills and enhance your career in community work.
Course accreditation fees
Course accreditation fees vary depending on the type of program and assessment required.
| Qualification / Provider Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Degree or postgraduate program | $12,000 |
| Diploma – private providers | $12,000 |
| Diploma – TAFEs and not-for-profit providers | $6,000 |
| Fee type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Annual course registration | $2,500 |
Course accreditation processing times
We aim to provide an initial assessment within 16 weeks of your application lodgement.
Once accreditation is granted, the status is added to our public course finder and you may begin using our accreditation mark.
Training endorsement fees
Training endorsement helps organisations demonstrate quality, relevance, and alignment with community work standards.
| Service | Fee (AUD |
|---|---|
|
Application for training endorsement per activity (discount available for applications of more than 3 activities). |
$250 |
The endorsement period is 12 months.
Training endorsement processing time
Once you submit a complete application, we assess the program against our quality criteria (content, structure, trainer qualifications) and aim to finalise the endorsement within 2–4 weeks under normal circumstances.
Quality education for a stronger community work sector
Strong, accredited training strengthens the entire community work sector.
Explore endorsed training or find out how to have your program assessed.
Apply for course accreditation
If you’re confident your course meets the criteria, you can get started now with our application form. Alternatively, you can contact the course accreditation team for further advice and information.
Apply for training endorsement
When your program aligns with the endorsement standards, you can lodge an application at any time. If you need help understanding the criteria or preparing your materials, the endorsement team is available to assist.