Ageing
For workers supporting older people through residential aged care, home care or community-based services.
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Qualification Overview
Qualification Overview
Qualification CodeCHC33021
Certificate III in Individual Support
There are 15 units, including 9 core units and 6 electives. Specialisations may include Ageing, Disability, and Ageing and Disability.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Certificate III in Individual Support |
| Code | CHC33021 |
| Units | 15 |
| Core Units | 9 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Specialisations | Ageing, Disability, Ageing and Disability |
| Entry Requirements | None |
| Direct Support Minimum | 120 hours |
| Status | Current |
Pathway Match
Choose the Pathway That Matches Your Work
Disability
For workers providing disability support, personal assistance, independence and community participation.
View QualificationAgeing and Disability
For experienced workers whose current or previous duties genuinely cover both areas.
View Qualification
Relevant Experience
Experience That May Be Relevant
Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:
Personal care
Daily living support
Mobility assistance
Individual support plans
Independence and wellbeing
Client communication
Progress notes
Care documentation
Infection control
Manual handling
Workplace safety
Privacy and dignity
Your job title is less important than the duties you actually perform.
Direct Support Hours
Direct Support Hours
120 Hours
At least 120 hours of direct support work applies through CHCCCS040.
Direct Support
This means 120 hours of employment is not necessarily the same as 120 hours directly supporting clients.
Verified Duties
Existing aged care, disability, home care or community support work may contribute where your duties and hours can be verified and meet the required assessment conditions.
Think RPL Support
How Think RPL Can Help
Pathway Selection
We look at your actual work history to identify whether Ageing, Disability or the combined pathway better reflects your experience.
Work History Check
We help identify whether your direct client-support experience may contribute toward the required workplace hours.
Evidence Preparation
We help you identify useful workplace records without collecting unnecessary documents.
Gap Identification
If your experience does not cover a particular competency, we help identify this before the formal assessment stage.
The final competency decision is made by the Registered Training Organisation.
Evidence Checklist
Documents That May Help
Relevant records can include:
Employment Contract
Position Description
Employer Reference
Service Statement
Payslips
Rosters
Care Plans
Support Plans
Progress Notes
Handover Records
Training Certificates
You do not need every document listed above. The strongest evidence shows what you personally did in the workplace.
Client information should be appropriately de-identified where required.
Assessment Support
When Documents Are Not Enough
Assessment may also involve:
Supervisor Verification
Professional Discussion
Knowledge Questions
Workplace Observation
Practical Demonstration
If some skills cannot yet be demonstrated, further evidence, assessment or gap training may be required.
Overseas Care Experience
Overseas Care Experience
Experience gained overseas may also be relevant where it can be verified.
You may still need to demonstrate Australian workplace practices relating to:
Legal responsibilities
Ethical practice
Infection control
Documentation
Workplace safety
Overseas employment is considered against the same competency requirements and is not automatically recognised.
Core Competency Areas
Core Competency Areas
The nine core units cover:
Individualised support
Client empowerment
Independence and wellbeing
Healthy body systems
Communication
Diversity
Legal and ethical practice
Infection prevention
Safe direct care
The remaining six units depend on the specialisation selected.
Qualification Level
Is Certificate III the Right Level?
Certificate III may suit workers primarily providing direct care and support.
If your role already involves more specialised disability support, complex needs or higher-level responsibilities, another qualification may better reflect the work you currently perform.
Common Questions
Common Questions
Do I need 120 hours of experience?
The requirement relates to at least 120 hours of direct support work, not simply time employed in a care organisation.
Can casual or part-time work count?
Potentially. Relevant casual or part-time experience may contribute where it can be properly evidenced.
Can experience from different employers be combined?
Potentially. Relevant experience across different care roles may contribute where it demonstrates the required skills.
What if my title is only Support Worker?
That is not necessarily an issue. The assessment focuses on your actual duties and skills rather than the wording of your job title.
Is there a minimum number of years required?
There is no universal number of years specified. The quality and relevance of your experience and evidence matter more than simply how long you have worked.
Have Your Care Experience Assessed
Have Your Care Experience Assessed
If you already provide personal care, daily living support, mobility assistance or disability support, your existing skills may be suitable for formal assessment.