A nationally recognized qualification designed for individuals who want to build the practical skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred care and support to people who need assistance in their daily lives. This course prepares students to work in the growing health and community services sector, supporting older people, individuals living with disability and those requiring assistance to maintain independence and wellbeing.
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support can be delivered through flexible learning options including online learning, blended delivery, workplace-based training or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Students have up to 12 months to complete the qualification.
Whether you are beginning a career in the care sector, seeking to formalize existing experience, or looking to transition into a meaningful role supporting others, this qualification provides the foundation skills required to work confidently in aged care, disability support and community care environments.
Through this program, you will develop the ability to support individual needs, promote independence, follow safe work practices and communicate effectively with clients, families and healthcare teams.
With flexible study options and structured trainer support, this nationally recognized certificate provides strong employment opportunities in a sector experiencing significant workforce demand across aged care, disability services, community support and home care organisations.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) reflects the role of workers who provide person-centred support to individuals who require assistance due to ageing, disability or other personal circumstances. Workers in these roles follow individualised care plans and support clients to maintain dignity, independence and quality of life.
This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical workplace experience, preparing graduates for real-world care environments.
This course is suited to individuals who are seeking to start a career in the care sector or formalise existing experience.
Delivered online, through traineeships, workplace placements, corporate programs or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), this qualification offers flexibility to suit personal and professional commitments. Students have up to 12 months to complete the course.
On successful completion, you will receive a nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — demonstrating your ability to provide quality care and support services in residential, community and home care environments.
Due to Australia's ageing population and increasing demand for disability services, qualified support workers are highly sought after nationwide.
9 core units develop the essential knowledge and practical skills required to provide safe, respectful and person-centred care. 6 elective units deepen specialist capabilities.
Alternate elective combinations may be available for corporate training programs or customised workplace delivery (additional fees may apply).
Here's exactly what you need to enrol — a simple, guided process.
All students must complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) review prior to enrolment. This ensures learners have the required foundation skills to successfully complete written assessments, documentation and communication requirements relevant to the care sector. Information about the LLND process will be provided during enrolment.
To enrol in this qualification, students must:
As this qualification includes online learning components, students require:
Some assessments may require students to submit written reports, case studies or workplace documentation electronically.
We are committed to inclusive education and accessible learning opportunities. Students who require reasonable adjustments, additional learning support or clarification regarding course participation are encouraged to discuss this during enrolment. Support services and reasonable adjustment processes are available to ensure equitable participation for all learners.
Choose the study mode that fits your schedule, experience and goals.
Ideal for learners who require flexibility while balancing work or personal commitments. Study at your own pace with access to learning materials, assessments and trainer support.
RPL is available for individuals who already have experience working in aged care, disability services or community support roles. Through an evidence-based assessment process, candidates may achieve the qualification by demonstrating existing skills and knowledge gained through workplace experience.
This qualification provides a strong pathway into higher-level qualifications within the health and community services sector.
Further study can support progression into supervisory roles, specialised care positions or broader community services careers.
There are no specific licensing requirements attached to this qualification. However, depending on employment settings, employers may require:
These requirements may vary depending on the organisation and workplace.
Everything you need to know before enrolling.
The CHC33021 is part of the Community Services Training Package, regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). It is recognised by employers across every state and territory in aged care, disability services and community support sectors as the standard for individual support workers.
Students have up to 12 months to complete the qualification. The self-paced nature means you can progress faster if your schedule allows, or take the full duration around your work and personal commitments.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This allows you to demonstrate existing competence through workplace evidence, reducing or eliminating the need to complete traditional assessments. Our team will provide guidance regarding evidence requirements, workplace documentation and assessment procedures.
Our trainers are industry-experienced professionals who have worked in aged care, disability services and community support roles. They bring real-world context to every unit, ensuring your learning is practical and immediately applicable to care environments.
There are no specific licensing requirements attached to this qualification. However, depending on your workplace, employers may require a National Police Check, Working With Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check or evidence of vaccinations. These requirements vary depending on the organisation and workplace environment.
Absolutely. We are committed to inclusive education and accessible learning opportunities. Students requiring reasonable adjustments, additional learning support or have specific participation needs are encouraged to discuss this during enrolment. Support services and reasonable adjustment processes ensure equitable participation for all learners.
"I highly recommend them. I was hired before finishing my placement and love working in this industry. My teacher helped me all the way through — found me placement, very friendly, professional and caring."
"I completed my Certificate III in Individual Support with no complaints. They explained everything and were supportive throughout. They helped me find work placement quickly. Highly recommended."
"Had a great experience. A huge thank you to Olivia and Margaret — I wouldn't have done it without your patience and support. Well organised, managed everything brilliantly."
Leadership Institute Australia is a Registered Training Organisation delivering nationally recognised qualifications across Australia. We help professionals gain industry-ready skills and advance their careers through recognised education pathways.
