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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children's education and care services in Australia. They support children's wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children's education and care service in Australia, as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
A working with children clearance 'Ochre Card' from SAFE NT will be required.
Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011) the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Early childhood educator
- Nanny
- Outside school hours educator
- Home-based educator
- Support worker
- Preschool assistant
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care include but are not limited to CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Fees
2025 Fees
| Fee Type | 2025 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $4,395.60 |
| Full Fee | $16,228.08 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a total of seventeen (17) units of competency must be completed comprising fifteen (15) Core and two (2) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1188.
Course structure
To achieve CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a total of seventeen (17) units of competency must be completed comprising fifteen (15) Core and two (2) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1188.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity | 63 |
| CHCECE031 | Support children's health, safety and wellbeing | 160 |
| CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers | 108 |
| CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children | 100 |
| CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice | 80 |
| CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children | 100 |
| CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support children's play and learning | 75 |
| CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment | 50 |
| CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice | 40 |
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures | 55 |
| CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in children's education and care | 60 |
| CHCECE056 | Work effectively in children's education and care | 65 |
| CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | 40 |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 22 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 1038 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select two) | ||
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | 120 |
| HLTFSE001 | Follow basic food safety practices | 30 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 150 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1188 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification, however, applicants who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level, e.g. completion of Year 10 or equivalent and a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication.
Everyone employed or volunteering in child-related work is required by law to hold an Ochre Card. It will, therefore, be a mandatory requirement to hold an Ochre card in order to complete any work placement. If you have not yet obtained an Ochre card, please contact SAFENT.
| Darwin | Alice Springs | |
| Location Address | Ground Floor 37 Woods Street Darwin City | The Green Well Building 50 Bath Street Alice Springs |
| Phone | 1800 SAFE NT (1800 72 33 68) | 1800 SAFE NT (1800 72 33 68) |
| safent.police@pfes.nt.gov.au | safent.police@pfes.nt.gov.au | |
| Postal Address | PO Box 39764 Winnellie NT 0821 | PO Box 39764 Winnellie NT 0821 |
To ensure you have teh right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Away from base
AFB: This is an approved Away From Base (AFB) 'mixed-mode' course.
For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Palmerston, Katherine, Remote
Study Mode: On campus, online, both, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Education and Foundation Skills |
Health and Community Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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