Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months on a full-time/part-time basis. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential setting who follow an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing, disability or some other reason. Work involves using discretion and judgement in relation to individual support as well as taking responsibility for own outputs. Workers have a range of factual, technical and procedural knowledge, as well as some theoretical knowledge of the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 120 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
Infection control, including COVID-19 measures and the associated restrictions, have been implemented, to ensure the safety and well-being of students, lecturing staff and the wider community.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Community Services include:
> aged care worker
> disability services worker
> personal care giver
> residential disability support worker
> respite care 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 CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support include but are not limited to CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services.
Fees
2023 course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place range from $2,275.00 - $2,590.00, and for students who are not eligible range from $6,500.00 - $7,400.00 dependent on the units chosen.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of a Veteran's Affairs payment
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) 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 provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities - Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses"
What will I study?
To achieve CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support a total of Thirteen (13) units of competency must be completed comprising Seven (7) Core and Six (6) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses. Certificate III in Individual Support
Course structure
Certificate III in Individual Support
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support | 30 |
CHCCCS023 | Support independence and well being | 80 |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | 70 |
HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 330 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY - GROUP A OR B | ||
CHCAGE001 | Facilitate the empowerment of older people | 50 |
CHCCCS011 | Meet personal support needs | 60 |
HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 |
OTHER ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | 100 |
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
CHCPAL001 | Deliver care services using a palliative approach | 60 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 375 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 705 |
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support | 30 |
CHCCCS023 | Support independence and well being | 80 |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | 70 |
HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 330 | |
GROUP A (Ageing Specialisation) | ||
CHCAGE001 | Facilitate the empowerment of older people | 50 |
CHCAGE005 | Provide support to people living with dementia | 65 |
CHCCCS011 | Meet personal support needs | 60 |
HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 |
OTHER ELECTIVES | ||
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
HLTHPS006 | Assist clients with medication | 80 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 360 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 690 |
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support | 30 |
CHCCCS023 | Support independence and well being | 80 |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | 70 |
HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 330 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY - GROUP B (Disability Specialisation) | ||
CHCDIS001 | Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach | 40 |
CHCDIS002 | Follow established person-centred behaviour supports | 50 |
CHCDIS003 | Support community participation and social inclusion | 60 |
CHCDIS007 | Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability | 100 |
HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 |
OTHER ELECTIVE UNITS | ||
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 355 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 685 |
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support | 30 |
CHCCCS023 | Support independence and well being | 80 |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | 70 |
HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 330 | |
GROUP A (Ageing Specialisation) | ||
CHCAGE001 | Facilitate the empowerment of older people | 50 |
CHCAGE005 | Provide support to people living with dementia | 65 |
CHCCCS011 | Meet personal support needs | 60 |
HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 |
GROUP C (Home and Community Specialisation) | ||
CHCCCS025 | Support relationships with carers and families | 70 |
CHCHCS001 | Provide home and community support services | 50 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 320 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 650 |
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support | 30 |
CHCCCS023 | Support independence and well being | 80 |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | 70 |
HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | 25 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 330 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY - GROUP C (Home and Community Specialisation) | ||
CHCAGE001 | Facilitate the empowerment of older people | 50 |
CHCCCS011 | Meet personal support needs | 60 |
CHCCCS025 | Support relationships with carers and families | 70 |
CHCHCS001 | Provide home and community support services | 50 |
OTHER ELECTIVES | ||
CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | 100 |
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 410 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 740 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification. However, applicants who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level e.g. completion of Year 10 or equivalent and a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication.
To be eligible to gain a placement in a community services, aged care or disability care facility, students may be required to attain an Ochre Card to work with children or a police clearance. If you have not yet obtained an Ochre card, please contact SAFENT:
Alice Springs
The Green Well Building
50 Bath Street, Alice Springs
1800 SAFE NT (1800 72 33 68)
safent.police@pfes.nt.gov.au
PO Box 39764, Winnellie NT 0821
Darwin
Ground Floor,
37 Woods St, Darwin City
1800 SAFE NT (1800 72 33 68)
safent.police@pfes.nt.gov.au
PO Box 39764, Winnellie NT 0821
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

Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers. Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.
Vicki
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
VET for secondary schools
VET for Secondary Students (VSS)
Select VSS for more detail about this program.
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, Katherine
Study Mode: On campus, Online, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET 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 VET and undergraduate.
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