A Diploma of Aged Care Management (commonly delivered as the CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services with an aged care management specialisation, or through related VET pathways) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification that equips students with the leadership, operational, and clinical governance knowledge needed to manage aged care services in Australia. The course covers a broad curriculum spanning aged care policy and legislation, person-centred care approaches, workforce supervision, quality and compliance frameworks, case management, and the organisational management of residential, community, and home care environments. It is aligned with the Australian Government's Aged Care Quality Standards Framework and prepares graduates to navigate the real-world complexities of managing care services for older Australians across public, private, and not-for-profit settings.

This qualification is designed for working professionals already employed in aged care, disability, community services, or health who are seeking to move into supervisory or management roles, as well as those who are new to the sector and wish to begin their career with a management-focused credential. The course typically takes 12–18 months to complete, with options for full-time, part-time, or blended online and face-to-face delivery. Employers who hire graduates of this qualification include residential aged care facilities, home care package providers, community care organisations, hospitals with aged care units, local councils, not-for-profit charities, and government health services. The sector is supported by significant Australian Government funding, with investment reaching $39.2 billion in FY2025, reflecting the scale and seriousness of aged care as a national priority.

Most VET-level Diploma of Aged Care Management providers in Australia impose minimal formal academic prerequisites, as the qualification is designed to be accessible to working professionals. At the national training register level, there are no mandatory pre-requisite qualifications for the CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services — however, providers strongly recommend that applicants have completed a Certificate III or Certificate IV in Individual Support (Ageing), Community Services, or a related health field, or have equivalent industry experience. Applicants are typically required to be at least 18 years of age, and many providers require completion of Year 12 or its equivalent. Some providers conduct a pre-training review or Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment to ensure students can engage confidently with written and oral learning materials and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.

For international students, English language proficiency requirements typically include a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5), or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Advanced English. All students undertaking practical placement components must obtain a satisfactory National Police Clearance Certificate (NPC) and, in many cases, up-to-date immunisation records. Some providers also require a current Working with Vulnerable People check depending on the state or territory of study. For higher-level programs such as Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Management, entry requirements are more rigorous, typically requiring a bachelor's degree or graduate diploma in any discipline, combined with at least two years of full-time equivalent work experience in a relevant health-related field.