How long does the Certificate III in Individual Support take?

It can be completed in 12 months or sooner.

How much does it cost, and is funding available?

It is delivered as an employer-sponsored traineeship, and paid traineeship pathways may be available. Enquire to check your eligibility.

What jobs can I get with this qualification?

Roles include Personal Care Worker, Aged Care Support Worker, Home Care Assistant, Disability Support Worker, Community Care Worker and Residential Care Worker.

How many work placement hours are required?

A minimum of 120 hours of supervised work placement in approved care settings.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be 17 years or older, an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, and pass a Working With Vulnerable People Check (incl. national police check).

CHC33021

Certificate III in
Individual Support

The core care qualification – with streams in aged care, in-home care and disability support.

CHC33021 · Nationally Recognised Training

Course overview

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the nationally recognised entry qualification for support work across aged care, in-home care and disability. You’ll gain the skills to support people in residential and community settings, backed by hands-on workplace experience.

At a glance

Course at a glance

12 months

Full-time/part-time, or sooner

15 units

9 core + 6 elective

120 hours

Supervised work placement

On the job

Trained in real employment

Specialisation streams

Choose your stream

Train in one stream, or take the package option that covers all three.

Aged Care

Support older Australians in residential aged care.

In-Home Care

Help people stay independent in their own homes.

Disability Support

Person-centred support for people with disability.

How it's delivered

Delivered on the job over around 12 months (or sooner) as an employer-sponsored traineeship – structured training combined with supervised workplace practice, including at least 120 hours of direct client placement. Paid traineeship pathways may be available; ask us about eligibility.

Units within this course

Core subjects

CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems
CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support
CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
CHCCCS040 Support Independence and wellbeing

Elective options

CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
CHCAGE011 Provide support to people living with dementia
CHCDIS011 Contribute to ongoing skills development using strengths bases approach
CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability

One of the following electives will be selected:

HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication
HLTAID011 Provide first aid
CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach

What you’ll learn

Skills for real care work

Before you start

Entry requirements

Where it can lead

Career outcomes

Paid traineeship pathways available – ask us about eligibility.

Ready to enrol?

Ask us about start dates, eligibility and paid traineeship options – or call 1300 53 50 20.

A strategic workforce partner to Australia’s care providers – we help you find the right people, then train them with industry skills. Supporting industry since 2009.