Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Completing placement is compulsory, and students will be expected to complete 160 hours of placement to satisfy this component of the qualification. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours. Students may be required to work shifts determined by the placement provider, which can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays.

Yes. To successfully satisfy all course requirements, students will be required to apply for a Blue Card (Working with Children check). It is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application. If students cannot obtain a Working with Children Check (Blue Card), they will be ineligible to undertake placement and any related assessment, which will affect the course outcome.

Students must achieve an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no band lower than 5.0. Equivalent tests accepted include TOEFL iBT (before 25 July 2023) with a score of 64, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 169, PTE Academic 50, and OET B (each component). Students must also complete the LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) test. Alternative pathways include completion of Year 12 or an AQF Certificate IV within 2 years of course start date, or at least 5 years of study in English in select countries.

The institute's assessment methods include written assignments, written and oral questioning, observation, and work-based projects. Delivery is classroom-based with students completing in-class activities, presentations, discussions, and assessment tasks that include practice exercises reinforcing required practical skills, learning activities in small groups and pairs, and use of textbooks, reference materials, and handouts.

Yes. An application can be made for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) when the student believes that they have already attained the necessary skills and competencies elsewhere (work, other study, etc.) or have an equivalent qualification or part of a qualification. The institute recognises AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by any other RTOs and grants credit for these towards an award where applicable. The application for RPL and/or Credit Transfer should be lodged prior to or immediately after enrolment.