Certificate III

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) is a recognized qualification in Australia that prepares people for jobs in aged care and disability support. The course teaches students how to provide care that respects the dignity and well-being of older individuals and those with disabilities. Key topics include communication, infection control, and health support, along with training in palliative and dementia care. Students gain practical experience through supervised placements in care environments.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles like Aged Care Worker and Disability Support Worker. With Australia’s ageing population and demand for disability services, this qualification offers strong job prospects and career stability. It’s ideal for those passionate about making a positive difference in the support services sector.

Flexible Training Options:

-> Classroom-based
-> Online
-> Blended
-> Workplace-based

Duration:

Up to 25 weeks (excluding holidays), 6-12 months flexible

Fees:

Flexible payment options. Please send us enquiry to find out the current fee’s charges.

Campus:

- New South Wales
- Queensland

Accreditation:

Start studying as soon as you enroll

Qualification details

Modification history

Not applicable.

Qualification description

This qualification reflects the role of individuals in the community, home or residential care setting who work under supervision and delegation as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, following an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing, disability or some other reason.

These individuals take responsibility for their own outputs within the scope of their job role and delegation. Workers have a range of factual, technical and procedural knowledge, as well as some theoretical knowledge of the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support.

The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 120 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Note: The RTO will determine the course fees based on credit transfer and the units of competency required to complete the qualification. Fees can be paid via cheque, money order, cash, internet banking, or bank deposit (please refer to the Enrolment Form for details). Alternative payment arrangements may be available to accommodate individual needs.

Career Prospects:
• Support Worker
• Care Assistant (at Facilities & at Home)
• Disability School Support Officer
• Respite Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Behavioural & Community Support
• Aged Care Worker
• Home Care Assistant
• Community Care Worker
• Family Support Worker

Training Delivery Method:

Training is provided using a blended learning model that incorporates scheduled in-person classroom sessions, online activities, and flexible mixed-mode delivery.

Packaging rules

Total number of units = 15

  • 9 core units
  • 6 elective units, consisting of:
    • at least 3 units from those units listed under Group A or B
    • the remaining units from any of the Groups A, B or C below.

Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the Certificate III in Individual Support.

Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation as outlined below.

Packaging for each specialisation:

All Group A electives must be selected for award of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).

All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).

All Group A and all Group B electives must be selected for award of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Assessment Methods

A combination of written tasks, practical exercises, role-playing scenarios, case studies, projects, and workplace observations.

Work Placement

This course includes a compulsory 120-hour work placement, with learners required to complete placements in both an approved Aged Care facility (for the Certificate III in Aging) and for certificate III individual support in disability with an approved Disability Organisation. These placements provide learners with the essential opportunities to apply, practice, and demonstrate their skills in real-world settings, in accordance with industry standards and the relevant units of competency.

In most cases, you will be responsible for securing your own Vocational Placement provider. However, the Vocational Placement Coordinator can offer support in this process. The Training Manager and Work Placement Coordinator will collaborate with each student to explore suitable placement options, ensuring that both the location and timing are a good fit for the student’s individual circumstances. We do have collaboration with both aged care and disability organisations to assist with work placement at the time of the places available.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years of age

English: Completion of Year 10 or equivalent, or at least 1 year of experience using English in a communication-based role

LLN:
Completion of the LLN assessment at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
Academic Requirements:
Completion of Year 10 or equivalent, or a Certificate II or higher-level qualification
Physical Conditions:

This qualification involves working in approved Aged Care services, which may require:
• Extended periods of standing and walking
• Repetitive manual handling tasks, including bending, squatting, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and other movements involved in providing direct support

Resources Required

This course is offered in a blended learning format with online resources accessible via our Learning Management System (LMS). To engage fully, you will need. Students must ensure that they have the following resources:
• Laptop/Computer
• Internet
• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Similar Software
• Acrobat Reader
• Photo, audio, and video recording equipment (e.g., phone, camera, etc.)
• Audio/video/visual tools to engage with interactive video content
• Basic computer skills for navigating the LMS and participating in live online sessions
• Volunteers to assist with role-play tasks
Where possible, access to a workplace to complete your assessments. The assessments provide a simulated environment for students that are unable to access a workplace.

USI Number:

A valid USI number is required. We can assist you in creating one if needed.

Other Requirements

• A valid and current email address
• A National Police Check
• NDIS worker screening (when working in the disability sector)
• Working with Children Check or Working with Vulnerable People Check
• NDIS worker orientation module (if applicable).
• An up-to-date NSW vaccination record showing proof of double COVID vaccination, COVID booster and yearly flu vaccination as required by all Aged Care and Disability centers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows us to acknowledge the skills and knowledge you have gained through previous training, experience, or life situations, so you don’t have to repeat what you already know.
• If you have relevant skills from past education, work, or personal experiences, you may be eligible for RPL. To find out if you qualify, please contact our team before enrolling. We will guide you through the RPL application process and help you gather the required evidence.
• Stellar Institute encourages all students to explore the RPL process and take advantage of the opportunities it offers for recognising prior learning.

Units of Competency

CORE UNITS
Unit Code Unit Title
CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support
CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
CHCCCS040 Support independence and wellbeing
CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Unit Code Unit Title
CHCAGE011 Provide support to people living with dementia
CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
CHCGRP001 Support group activities
HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication
CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
CHCCCS035 Support people with autism spectrum disorder
CHCCCS044 Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues

Join Stellar Institute today and take the next step towards a rewarding career in bookkeeping, aged care, or individual support!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your courses free?

Stellar Institute is an independent, privately owned Registered Training Organisation (RTO), unlike TAFE, which is government-funded. As we do not receive government funding, our courses are not free. If you have any questions regarding our course fees, our friendly Enrolment Consultants are happy to assist you.

You can start the course any time. Fill in the enrollment form and apply.
Absolutely! Stellar Institute offers nationally recognised Certificates that are accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This ensures that our qualifications meet rigorous national standards and have been developed in collaboration with industry experts to deliver training that is highly relevant to the workplace. Qualifications from Stellar Institute are equally recognised as those obtained through on-campus, classroom-based courses. When you study with us, you can be confident that you’re receiving quality education.
Yes. As of November 2023, the Certificate III is the mandatory entry requirement for the Certificate IV. Fortunately, Stellar Institute does offer this certificate.
The course contains a minimum of 120 hours of work placement. To find out what the suitable workplaces are for this course, download the course brochure.
Scroll to Top