Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.
This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.
This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 12 to 18 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 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.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Health include:
- Senior Personal Care Assistant
- Care assistant
- Accommodation Support Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Community Access Coordinator
- Community care worker
- Community House Worker
- Residential Care Worker
- Food Services Deliverer
- In-Home Respite Worker
- Disability Service Officer
- Care Worker, Client Assistant
- School Support Officer (Disability)
- Family Support Worker
- Care Service Employee
- Planned activity assistant
- Residential Aide
- Nurse's Aide
- Home care 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 this qualification include but are not limited to Certificate III in Community Services.
Fees
2025 Fees
| Fee Type | 2025 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $3,341.10 |
| Full Fee | $12,334.98 |
*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 CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising nine (9) core and six (6) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 903.
Course structure
To achieve CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising nine (9) core and six (6) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 903.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CHCCCS031 | Provide individualised support | 100 |
| CHCCCS038 | Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support | 120 |
| CHCCCS040 | Support independence and wellbeing | 80 |
| CHCCCS041 | Recognise healthy body systems | 80 |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | 35 |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 565 | |
| Elective units of competency (Complete ALL 6) | ||
| CHCAGE011 | Provide support to people living with dementia | 80 |
| CHCAGE013 | Work effectively in aged care | 65 |
| CHCPAL003 | Deliver care services using a palliative approach | 70 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 338 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 903 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no mandatory entry requirements; however, candidates 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. A pre-assessment may be required
To be eligible to undertake a mandatory work placement in an aged care setting, students may be required to obtain:
- Ochre Card to work with children
- NT Police Clearance
Students may also require occupational health screening, including vaccinations.
To ensure you have the 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
Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers. Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.
Vicki
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
Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers. Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.
Vicki
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
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, Casuarina
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
Health and Community Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
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.
Share this course