If you’re considering a career where your work genuinely helps people, you may be wondering: what is Certificate III in Individual Support? This nationally recognised qualification is one of the most common and trusted entry points into Australia’s aged care, disability, and community services sectors, particularly across ageing and disability support roles.
The demand for skilled workers in ageing and disability is growing rapidly. According to Australian Government Job Outlook and Jobs and Skills Australia, employment for aged and disability carers is projected to grow strongly over the coming years due to Australia’s ageing population and expansion of care services.
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It prepares individuals in the community to work in a care setting such as home, community, or residential care, where they provide support to people who may require assistance due to ageing, disability or some other reason.
The Three Specialisation Streams Explained
One of the strengths of this qualification is flexibility. While all students complete the same core units, you choose a stream aligned with ageing and disability, depending on where you want to work and who you want to support.
1. Ageing (Aged Care)
This stream focuses on supporting older Australians in an aged care setting, including residential care and home-based services. You will gain practical skills to work in aged care, support daily living, and deliver support and care aligned with individualised plans.
With Australia’s ageing population, the aged care sector continues to offer strong demand for roles such as care worker, residential support worker, and support officer.
2. Disability Support
This pathway prepares students to work in the disability sector, supporting people with physical, intellectual, or psychosocial disabilities. You may work as a disability service officer, school support officer, or support officer in community-based environments.
You will develop the technical and procedural knowledge, as well as the theoretical knowledge of the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred care.
3. Home and Community Care
This stream supports people living independently at home and in community care environments. You will provide support through daily assistance, social participation, and personal support aligned with individualised plans.
Many Australians prefer to remain living at home for as long as possible, which continues to drive demand for home and community-based individual support work.
What Will You Learn? Course Units Breakdown
This qualification reflects the role of individuals working under supervision as part of a multi-disciplinary team, following an individualised plan to provide person-centred support. You’ll gain real-world skills to provide individualised support, deliver personal care, and work confidently within the scope of your job role in individual support work.
The course structure requires completion of 14 units, made up of 9 core units and 5 electives, plus a minimum of 120 hours of mandatory work placement. These 120 hours of work must be completed in an approved setting.
Core Units (All Students)
These units of competency build the foundation for safe and effective practice:
- 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
Elective Units (Specialisation-Specific)
Electives align with ageing and disability streams and focus on care and support needs. Providers may vary in elective offerings.
- Ageing: Providing support to people living with dementia, palliative care approaches
- Disability: Supporting community participation, strengths-based support
- Home & Community: Domestic assistance, flexible community-based care
Entry Requirements and Eligibility
The entry requirements are designed to be accessible. Typically, students must:
- No formal academic prerequisites (in most cases)
- A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment
- National Police Check
- Working with Children or Vulnerable People Check (state-based)
- NDIS Worker Screening (for disability-related placements)
- Basic physical fitness for manual handling tasks
- First Aid certification (included in some courses or required separately)
- Minimum age requirement, often 18+ for work placement
Course Duration and Study Options
This qualification typically takes 6–12 months. Study options include on-campus delivery through TAFE, blended learning, or private providers. If you have prior experience, recognition of prior learning or credit transfer may reduce study time. Payment plan options and flexible course fees may be available.
At providers like VIITE, students receive guidance and support services throughout enrolment and study.
Career Outcomes and Job Opportunities
Upon completion of this course, each graduate is prepared for a job role supporting people under supervision. These roles involve working in an aged care or disability care environment and delivering personal care.
Job Roles You Can Apply For
- Aged Care Worker – Supporting older people in residential or home settings
- Disability Support Worker – Helping individuals live independently
- Personal Care Assistant (PCA) – Providing hands-on daily care
- Community or Home Care Worker – Supporting clients in their own homes
- Residential Support Worker – Working in supported accommodation
- Respite Care Worker – Providing short-term care to support families
- NDIS Support Worker – Delivering funded disability support services
Salary Expectations
| Job Role | Typical Annual Salary | Typical Hourly Rate | Source / Notes |
| Entry-Level Individual Support Worker | ~$50,000–$60,000* | ~$25–$35 + penalties | Based on entry expectations and award benchmarks* |
| Aged Care Support Worker | ~$65,000–$80,000 | ~$26–$35 per hr | Average range for aged care work in Australia (SEEK Australia) |
| Disability Support Worker | ~$65,000–$85,000 | ~$30–$47 per hr | Salaries vary by experience and location (Concept Care) |
| Support Worker (general) | ~$65,000–$80,000 | ~$30–$38 per hr | Typical community/support roles on SEEK (SEEK Australia) |
| Home & Community Support Worker | ~$65,000–$80,000 | ~$28–$38 per hr | Similar to support worker range, depends on duties and penalties (SEEK Australia) |
**These figures align with industry entry expectations for Cert III graduates, with the lower end (~$50k) typical for part-time or casual roles and full-time roles often higher.
How Much Does Certificate III in Individual Support Cost?
Course fees vary depending on your state and training provider. Many students are eligible for government-subsidised or fee-free training, including programs such as Fee-Free TAFE or state-based funding initiatives.
Eligibility criteria usually apply and may depend on residency status, age, and previous study history. It’s always best to check directly with your chosen provider.
Is Certificate III in Individual Support Worth It?
Yes, especially for those seeking a secure qualification with purpose. Demand in ageing and disability continues to rise, offering stable employment.
This qualification supports career progression through:
Certificate III → Certificate IV (Ageing or Disability) → Diploma → Bachelor (such as Nursing or Social Work)
Examples include Certificate IV, Diploma of Community Services, or a Diploma leading to university.
Key Benefits
- In-demand qualification
- Fast workforce entry
- National recognition
- Clear progression and higher pay
How to Choose the Right Training Provider (RTO)
Before enrolling, make sure your provider:
- Is a nationally registered RTO (check training.gov.au)
- Has CHC33021 on its scope of registration
- Offers strong work placement support
- Is transparent about fees and funding options
- Provides flexible study modes
- Offers student support services like job support or employer links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Certificate III in Individual Support recognised nationally?
Yes. The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) is a nationally recognised qualification across Australia.
Can I study Certificate III in Individual Support online?
Yes. Many providers offer online or blended study options, with mandatory in-person work placement.
Do I need experience to enrol in this course?
No. Most students enrol with no prior experience in aged care or disability support.
What is the difference between aged care and disability specialisations?
Aged care focuses on supporting older people, while disability specialisation focuses on supporting people with physical, intellectual, or psychosocial disabilities.
How much do support workers earn in Australia?
Support workers typically earn around $25–$35 per hour, with annual salaries often ranging from $50,000 to $60,000, plus penalties.
Can I work while studying this course?
Yes. Many students work part-time or casually while studying, especially with flexible study options.
Is there government funding available for this course?
Yes. Government-subsidised or fee-free training may be available, depending on your eligibility and location.
What is the practical placement requirement?
You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised work placement in an approved aged care or disability setting.
Start Your Care Career Today
So, what is Certificate III in Individual Support? It is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares individuals to provide person-centred care in aged care or disability settings. At Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE), part of this course focuses on real-world learning, ensuring students are expected to gain practical confidence. If you’re ready to enrol, this qualification can be your first step toward a meaningful career in ageing and disability support.
