Course Overview

About This Course

The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) at TasTAFE lets students make a difference to someone else's quality of life while gaining the skills to start or further a career in aged care or disability support. TasTAFE offers the qualification in two specialisations — Ageing and Disability — which share the same CRICOS registration and core unit set. The Ageing specialisation equips students to support people who are ageing to live independently and maintain their skills, covering safe work practices and infection control, supporting independence and wellbeing, supporting people experiencing dementia and people at end-of-life stage, and the best-practice approaches, models and standards that influence aged care work. The Disability specialisation equips students to support people with disability to live independently, promote choice and control, read and follow individual plans, meet legislative frameworks, and apply current practices in skill development, community inclusion and person-centred support.

Both specialisations require at least 120 hours of work placement arranged by TasTAFE, with shifts between 7am and 11pm Monday to Friday and an up-to-date flu vaccination needed beforehand. Domestically the course runs at Alanvale, Burnie, Devonport and Clarence, full-time or part-time, with tuition of $2,465 subsidised, $410 concession or $9,035 commercial, and can be undertaken through an Australian Apprenticeship by those already employed in the sector. International students study for 40 weeks in Hobart or Launceston at 20 hours per week at AUD $9,285, and the course can be packaged with the Diploma of Nursing.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Hobart

75 Campbell St, Hobart, TAS 7000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Subsidised $2,465.00 / Concession $410.00 / Commercial $9,035.00. Additional: National Police Check $70.00; Working with Vulnerable People card (employment/volunteer $130.90, volunteer only $22.44, change of class $108.46); materials fee $60.00.

Duration

Full-time or part-time

Study Mode

Mixed learning / on-site; also available via Australian Apprenticeship

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic:

Be aged 18 by the course start date.
Working with Vulnerable People registration (volunteer status).
National Police Check, free of disclosable offences, obtained through Service Tasmania. The application form can be downloaded online and submitted at any Service Tasmania centre; the check costs $70. Select Option 1 – Schedule 1 – Any child-related activity category to avoid delays in placement or course progression.
Pre-enrolment Skills Review: a questionnaire (not a pass or fail test) identifying your literacy, numeracy, digital and learning skills against the essential foundation skills required in this industry. A link is emailed once your application has been reviewed by the Admissions team.
As part of the application process, and before being offered a place, a member of the TasTAFE team will contact you to discuss whether this course aligns with your goals. This does not apply to apprentices and trainees.

International:

Be at least 18 years of age and have completed the equivalent of Year 12.
IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.0, or equivalency.
Hold a current Working with Vulnerable People Registration.
Have a National Police Check, free from serious offences.

Licensing and other requirements (all students):

A current National Police Check is a requirement of workplaces in this industry and must be held before practical placement can be undertaken.
A Working with Vulnerable People Card is required.
A current flu vaccination is required; vaccinations are required by industry for work placement.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Aged Care Worker
Disability Support Worker
Personal Care Worker (PCA)
Extended Care Assistant (ECA)
Home and Community Care Worker
Individual Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Community Support Worker
Community Access Worker
Assistant in Nursing

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units18 units

CHCCCS031

Provide individualised support

Core unit

CHCCCS038

Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support

Core unit

CHCCCS040

Support independence and wellbeing

Core unit

CHCCCS041

Recognise healthy body systems

Core unit

CHCCOM005

Communicate and work in health or community services

Core unit

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

Core unit

CHCLEG001

Work legally and ethically

Core unit

HLTINF006

Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

Core unit

HLTWHS002

Follow safe work practices for direct client care

Core unit

CHCAGE011

Provide support to people living with dementia

Elective unit

CHCAGE013

Work effectively in aged care

Elective unit

CHCDIS011

Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach

Elective unit

CHCDIS012

Support community participation and social inclusion

Elective unit

CHCDIS020

Work effectively in disability support

Elective unit

CHCMHS001

Work with people with mental health issues

Elective unit

CHCPAL003

Deliver care services using a palliative approach

Elective unit

HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

Elective unit

HLTHPS006

Assist clients with medication

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Certificate III in Individual Support at TasTAFE?

The estimated total course cost is $9,285 AUD, which consists entirely of tuition fees. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed.

How long does the Certificate III in Individual Support take to complete?

The course runs for 52 weeks in total and is delivered in English at TasTAFE campuses in Tasmania.

Is there a practical work placement component in this course?

Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component totalling 135 hours, structured as 27 hours per week over 5 weeks, providing real-world experience in individual support services.

Where is the Certificate III in Individual Support delivered?

The course is delivered across three TasTAFE campuses: Alanvale Campus in Newnham, Clarence Campus in Warrane, and Drysdale Campus in Hobart — all owned and operated by TasTAFE.

How do I contact TasTAFE's international office for more information?

You can contact TasTAFE's International Office by phone at 0361531195 or by email at international@tafe.tas.edu.au. The institution's website for international students is www.tastafe.tas.edu.au/international.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $45,000 to $58,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $58,000 to $68,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $68,000 to $80,000 per year

Career Paths

Aged Care WorkerDisability Support WorkerPersonal Care Assistant (PCA)Home Care WorkerCommunity Care Worker

Key Skills

Providing person-centred care and individualised supportAssisting clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, mobility, and mealsCommunicating effectively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary care teamsSupporting the independence and wellbeing of older people and people with disabilityRecognising and responding to signs of cognitive decline, dementia, and mental health issues

Full Course Overview

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Certificate III in Individual Support

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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