Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A Career Development Practitioner helps people manage their careers using proven methods and one-on-one support. They use tools such as the Australian Blueprint for Career Development to assess client needs and design clear career paths. Practitioners work across higher education, government, private firms, and community groups.
Core tasks include running career assessments, giving one-on-one coaching, and leading workshops on career planning and job search skills. Practitioners also track labour market trends to keep their advice current and useful. Many hold a Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice (CHC81315, confirm current code on training.gov.au) endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA).
The profession is guided by the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners. These standards set skill targets across five practitioner levels. Listing on CICA’s National Register signals to employers that a practitioner meets those standards. Continuing professional development is required for renewal each year.
Average pay sits at around $85,000 per year in Australia (based on recent Australian labour market data, 2025). Senior roles can reach above $120,000. Demand is growing in both the public and private sectors. This career suits people with sharp analytical thinking and strong people skills.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
