Certificate III in Individual Support

Course at a glance

• Qualification: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, nationally recognised training delivered by Equinox College (RTO 45040)
• Specialisations: Ageing, Disability, or Ageing and Disability
• Study modes: Face-to-face classes (Morayfield QLD, Ipswich, Honiara Solomon Islands); online self-paced; Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Duration: 16 weeks face-to-face; up to 12 months enrolment online. Online completion time depends on your study pace.
• Entry requirements: No academic entry requirements; language, literacy and numeracy suited to Certificate III; National Police Check; NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Practical requirement: At least 120 hours of work placement, arranged by Equinox College with approved host organisations
• Assessment: A combination of written knowledge assessment and practical demonstration
• Fees and funding: $2,000 (face-to-face or online); RPL $1,400. Queensland Government Career Start funding may be available to eligible students. Check funding and fees
• Next step: Enquire about this course or start your enrolment

What is the Certificate III in Individual Support?

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the national entry-level qualification for people who give person-centred support to older people and people with disability. You learn to follow an individualised support plan, work under supervision as part of a team, and support people at home, in the community or in residential care.

Who this course suits

• People starting a career in aged care or disability support
• Carers and volunteers who want a recognised qualification
• Current support workers who want to formalise their skills, often through RPL

Choose your specialisation

Ageing specialisation

Includes the units Provide support to people living with dementia (CHCAGE011), Work effectively in aged care (CHCAGE013) and Deliver care services using a palliative approach (CHCPAL003). It suits work in residential aged care and in-home aged care.

Disability specialisation

Includes the units Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach (CHCDIS011), Support community participation and social inclusion (CHCDIS012) and Work effectively in disability support (CHCDIS020). It suits disability support work, including NDIS-funded services.

Ageing and Disability

Completing both groups of units gives you the combined specialisation. Your specialisation depends on the electives you complete. Ask us which specialisation suits your goals.

Where graduates work

Graduates often work in residential aged care, in-home aged care, hospitals, disability services and mental health services. Employment depends on your circumstances and the local job market.

Training and assessment

You can study in face-to-face classes at Morayfield, Ipswich or Honiara, or online at your own pace. Assessment combines written knowledge tasks with practical demonstration of skills, including during your work placement.

120-hour work placement

The qualification requires at least 120 hours of work. Equinox College arranges your placement with an approved host organisation. You need a National Police Certificate and an NDIS Worker Screening Check before your placement. Read about student placement.

Entry and enrolment

There are no academic entry requirements. You need language, literacy and numeracy skills suited to Certificate III study. View upcoming class dates, read the student information, then enrol online.

Funding

Eligible Queensland residents may be able to study with Queensland Government Career Start funding, which carries a small co-contribution. Not every student is eligible. Eligibility depends on your circumstances. The Funding and Fees page explains current programs and eligibility.

Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced workers

If you already work in aged care or disability support, RPL can recognise skills you already have against the units of this qualification. RPL is a way to gain credit. It does not determine funding eligibility. Find out how RPL works.

Common questions

Can I study the Certificate III in Individual Support online?

Yes. Online study is self-paced, with up to 12 months enrolment. You still complete the 120-hour work placement.

Where are the face-to-face classes held?

At our Morayfield campus (14/110 Morayfield Road, Caboolture South QLD), and in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Contact us for directions.

Do I need a screening check before I start placement?

Yes. You need a National Police Certificate and an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

What can I study next?

Common pathways are CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health and CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services. CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a current national qualification that Equinox College does not currently offer.

Employers can arrange training for their teams. See training for employers.

Where you study

Face-to-face classes run at our Morayfield Road campus in Caboolture South, in the Moreton Bay region, convenient for learners from Caboolture, Morayfield and North Brisbane. You can also study online from anywhere in Queensland. For employers in South East Queensland, including Moreton Bay, North Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, training can be arranged at your workplace.