your step-by-step guide to earning a certificate III in aged care.

tl;dr / summary:

• the gold standard: the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) is the nationally recognised qualification you need to start your career.
• demand is off the charts: aged care jobs are among the most stable and in-demand in Australia, with massive government focus on growing the workforce.
• you can get it for free: thanks to government subsidies like Fee-Free TAFE, 2026 is the perfect time to get this aged care qualification.
• it's hands-on: a mandatory 120-hour work placement isn't just theory; it's your direct bridge from this aged care course to a job offer.
• it's a career, not just a job: start as an aged care worker and build a solid pathway to team leadership, management, or even nursing.

Australia's aged care sector is growing rapidly, and qualified, compassionate carers are in demand like never before. If you're looking for a stable, meaningful career, the Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) is your ticket in.

But what does it actually take to get qualified? It can feel overwhelming with all the course codes, provider options, and funding questions.

Consider this your no-nonsense guide. We'll break down how to enrol in a Certificate III in Aged Care, what the training involves, the placement requirements, the cost, and why it’s one of the smartest career moves you can make in 2025.

what is the certificate III in aged care (CHC33021)?

First, let's clear up the name. You'll see it called "Certificate III in Aged Care," but its official national title is the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support. When you enrol, you’ll typically choose a specialisation, such as 'Ageing' or 'Ageing and Disability'.

• The qualification: this is the nationally recognised, entry-level aged care course regulated under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
• The providers: you can study it at TAFE institutions or with private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
• The goal: it’s designed to give you the foundational skills to work as an aged care worker or aged care support worker in residential facilities, community care, or in-home support.

how to enrol and what it costs in 2025.

This is the part that stops most people, but it's more straightforward than you think.

1. Choose a provider: compare TAFEs and private RTOs based on their course structure, placement partners, and graduate reviews.
2. Check for "free" courses: this is the big one. The government is heavily subsidising this qualification. Check your state's Fee-Free TAFE or "JobTrainer" equivalent. You may be eligible to complete the entire Certificate III in aged care free course.
3. Tick the enrolment boxes: you don't need a high-level ATAR, but you will need to:
   • Be over 18 (or 17 with guardian permission).
   • Pass a basic language, literacy, and numeracy skills (LLN) test.
   • Successfully complete a National Police Check.
   • Have up-to-date immunisations (including for COVID-19 and influenza) before your work placement.
4. Compare costs (if not eligible): If you're not eligible for a subsidy, a self-funded CHC33021 certificate III in individual support course typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000. Always ask about payment plans.
5. Explore study options: this course is built for flexibility. Choose from full-time (6-9 months) or part-time (up to 12 months). Many providers offer a blended model: online theory and on-campus labs for practical skills (like manual handling).

what you’ll learn in a certificate III in aged care course.

This isn't just theory; it's about practical, person-centred skills. The course is made up of core and elective units.

core units: the foundation of care.

These units are non-negotiable and form the heart of your aged care qualification:

• CHCCCS031 – provide individualised support: learning to tailor care to each person's unique needs, preferences, and care plan.
• CHCCCS038 – facilitate the empowerment of older people: moving away from "doing for" and towards "supporting with" to promote independence.
• CHCCOM005 – communicate and work in health or community services: mastering how to communicate with residents, families, and colleagues, and how to report and document properly.
• CHCLEG001 – work legally and ethically: covering the crucial topics of privacy, dignity of risk, and your legal responsibilities.
• HLTWHS002 – follow safe work practices for direct client care: protecting yourself and your clients through vital skills like manual handling and infection control.

the mandatory 120-hour work placement.

This is where your aged care training comes to life. The 120-hour mandatory placement is the most important part of your course.

A quick tip: treat your placement like a 120-hour job interview, because it is.

A high-quality RTO or TAFE will have strong industry partnerships and will organise your placement for you. This is your chance to turn theory into practice. Show up on time, be professional, ask thoughtful questions, and take initiative. A great placement is the number one way to secure one of the many aged care jobs available before you've even graduated.

why it’s worth it: career and salary benefits.

Let’s talk about the payoff. Enrolling in this aged care course is a direct investment in a secure future.

• Future-proof job demand: the Australian government projects a potential shortage of nearly 110,000 aged care workers over the current decade. You are stepping into a sector with guaranteed job security.
• Pay and salary: the aged care worker salary has seen significant improvements. Under the Aged Care Award, graduates can start at $28 per hour, plus penalty rates for evening, night, and weekend shifts.
• Career Progression: this certificate is your foundation, not your ceiling.
  • Step up: move on to a Certificate IV in Ageing Support to become a team leader.
  • Branch out: use it as a pathway to a Diploma of Community Services or even as credit towards a Diploma of Nursing.
• The social reward: this is the part no one can put a price on. You will be making a profound, positive impact on the lives of older Australians, supporting them to live with dignity.

what jobs can you get after a certificate III in aged care?

Graduates are qualified for a range of roles across different settings:

job titles.

• Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
• Aged Care Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Community Care Assistant
• Home Care Worker

work settings.

• Residential aged care facilities
• In-home and community support services
• Respite care centres

The Certificate III in Aged Care isn’t just another qualification - it’s the start of a career that genuinely matters. With government funding available and guaranteed job demand, 2025 is the perfect year to take the leap.

FAQs.