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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 months - 2 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist teachers and support student learning in a range of classroom settings. They complete general administrative as well as operational tasks to support students with learning under the guidance of a teacher or other educational professional. Work requires use of discretion and judgement within the boundaries of established policies and procedures.
Education support workers work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Teachers' Aide
- Support Worker
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Fees
2025 Fees
| Fee Type | 2025 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $9,493.70 - $12,020.80 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 695 - 880.
Course structure
To achieve CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 695 - 880.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| CHCEDS033 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment | 35 |
| CHCEDS034 | Contribute to the planning and implementation of education programs | 70 |
| CHCEDS035 | Contribute to student education in all developmental domains | 60 |
| CHCEDS036 | Support the development of literacy and oral language skills | 55 |
| CHCEDS037 | Support the development of numeracy skills | 60 |
| CHCEDS057 | Support students with additional needs in the classroom | 85 |
| CHCEDS059 | Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students | 30 |
| CHCEDS060 | Work effectively with students and colleagues | 50 |
| CHCEDS061 | Support responsible student behaviour | 45 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 530 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select five) | ||
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures | 55 |
| CHCEDS040 | Search and access online information | 30 |
| CHCEDS041 | Set up and sustain learning areas | 45 |
| CHCEDS042 | Provide support for e-learning | 30 |
| CHCEDS048 | Work with students in need of additional learning support | 70 |
| CHCEDS050 | Support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education | 55 |
| CHCEDS056 | Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder | 50 |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice (unnamed) | 120 |
| CHCPRT001 | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | 40 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 165 - 350 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 695 - 880 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Students are to complete the LLN Robot Quiz and receive a minimum of Level 2 across all five areas, as those who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level and a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication in the education sector.
Students require a suitable workplace (either voluntary or paid) in which to undertake a placement.
Students are required to complete 100 hours of placement in a school. If the student is not currently working in a school, the University will organise the school for placement.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited skill set from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Remote
Study Mode: On campus, online, both, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Education and Foundation Skills |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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