Ageing, disability or home and community - which do I need?

It depends on the job you want, and it is set by the six electives rather than the code. Employers in aged care and disability often specify a particular specialisation. Ask any provider which elective set they deliver before enrolling.

Is this the qualification for NDIS work?

It is the common entry qualification for disability support roles, but NDIS worker requirements are set by the NDIS Commission and by employers, not by the training package. Check the requirements for the role you want alongside the qualification.

Do I need a police check or working with children check?

Almost always, and providers usually require them before placement rather than before enrolment. These are set by employers and state regulators, not by the qualification.

Can I get CHC33021 through RPL?

Often, yes, particularly for people who have been caring informally or working in a related role. Whether RPL is offered is decided by each provider, and practical assessment requirements still apply.

What does it cost and how long does it take?

Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register. This qualification usually includes mandatory work placement hours, which affects duration.

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support

About this qualification

CHC33021 is the qualification that gets people into care work. The register describes individuals “in the community, home or residential care setting who work under supervision and delegation as 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”.

Fifteen units: nine core and six electives. The core is the whole of the job's foundation — individualised support, empowerment, independence and wellbeing, healthy body systems, communication, working with diverse people, legal and ethical practice, infection control and safe work practices for direct client care.

The electives are where it specialises, and this matters more than most people realise. The same code can be packaged toward ageing, disability or home and community support, and employers often ask for a particular specialisation by name. Ask which one a provider delivers before you enrol — it is the difference between the qualification opening a door and not.

Roles it maps to

Roles described on the national register for CHC33021.

Personal Care Assistant Disability Support Worker Aged Care Worker Home Care Assistant

Where it sits

CHC33021 is the entry rung of the community services ladder.

Certificate III · you are hereCHC33021 Individual Support
Certificate IVCHC43121 Disability Support
DiplomaCHC52025 Community Services
Advanced DiplomaCHC62015 Community Sector Management

What it covers

9Core units

6Elective units

Fifteen units in total. At least three electives must come from Groups A or B, with the remaining units from any of Groups A, B or C.

The 9 core units, required by everyone:

CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support
CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
CHCCCS040 Support independence and wellbeing
CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care

For a full list of elective units, visit training.gov.au →

Frequently asked questions

Ageing, disability or home and community — which do I need?: It depends on the job you want, and it is set by the six electives rather than the code. Employers in aged care and disability often specify a particular specialisation. Ask any provider which elective set they deliver before enrolling.
Is this the qualification for NDIS work?: It is the common entry qualification for disability support roles, but NDIS worker requirements are set by the NDIS Commission and by employers, not by the training package. Check the requirements for the role you want alongside the qualification.
Do I need a police check or working with children check?: Almost always, and providers usually require them before placement rather than before enrolment. These are set by employers and state regulators, not by the qualification.
Can I get CHC33021 through RPL?: Often, yes, particularly for people who have been caring informally or working in a related role. Whether RPL is offered is decided by each provider, and practical assessment requirements still apply.
What does it cost and how long does it take?: Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register. This qualification usually includes mandatory work placement hours, which affects duration.

Specialisations

CHC33021 is awarded with a named specialisation printed on your testamur, and employers ask for them by name. The specialisation is decided entirely by which six electives you complete — here is exactly what each one requires.

Ageing

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)

All three Group A electives, plus three more from Group C.
- CHCAGE011 Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
- CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
Plus three electives from Group C.
Disability

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

All three Group B electives, plus three more from Group C.
- CHCDIS011 Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
- CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability support
Plus three electives from Group C. This is the specialisation CHC43121 requires for entry.
Ageing and Disability

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

All six units from Groups A and B. That fills the elective allowance exactly — no Group C electives are taken.
- CHCAGE011 Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
- CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- CHCDIS011 Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
- CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability support
No specialisation

Certificate III in Individual Support

At least three electives from Groups A or B, the rest from any of A, B or C. Awarded without a specialisation on the testamur.

Choose this only if the job you want does not ask for one.

Other registered providers

Filtered by where each provider is based, not where they can deliver.

QLD

EXELL TRAINING PTY. LTD.RTO 45040

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

TAFE NSWRTO 90003

Deliver and assess · NSW, QLD
QLD

TAFE QueenslandRTO 0275

Deliver and assess · QLD
WA

North Metropolitan TAFERTO 52786

Deliver and assess · WA
QLD

Halo Nation TrainingRTO 32485

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Brighton PacificRTO 41138

Deliver and assess · National
WA

Skills Strategies InternationalRTO 2401

Deliver and assess · National
VIC

The Management EdgeRTO 3927

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

AshtrailRTO 6139

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

Joblink PlusRTO 91434

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

Open CollegesRTO 90796

Deliver and assess · National
TAS

Reach Community CollegeRTO 40747

Deliver and assess · National
Find more providers

12 of 642 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →

More in Community Services

Other qualifications in the CHC training package, nearest level first.

Was this information useful?

Certificate III in Individual Support

Choose an RTO

Enrol through Four Legs

EXELL TRAINING PTY. LTD.

About this qualification

Roles it maps to

Where it sits

What it covers

Frequently asked questions

Specialisations

Ageing

Disability

Ageing and Disability

No specialisation

Other registered providers

More in Community Services

Looking for a different course?