Certificate 3 in Aged Care -
Empowering You to Excel in Senior Care Roles

Take on a meaningful role in the care industry with our Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021). This program is perfect for those eager to make a positive impact and improve the quality of life and independence for vulnerable people. You will acquire vital skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional person-centred care across various environments, such as residential aged care, home care and disability services. At First Base Training, we combine in-depth theoretical education with hands-on practical training to ensure you have both the knowledge and practical experience to confidently care for those in need.

Course overview: Certificate III in Individual Support

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support qualification (sometimes known as Certificate III in Aged Care) prepares you to work in various community and residential care settings to provide personalised assistance to people needing support due to ageing, disability or other circumstances. This qualification offers specialisations in Ageing Support and Disability Support, allowing you to tailor your training to your specific career interests. 

The Cert 3 Individual Support qualification is ideal for those looking to enter the care industry or for current care workers aiming to formalise and enhance their skills. Our industry expert trainers will guide you through a comprehensive mix of theoretical learning and roleplay in a simulated care environment before you start your on-the-job training at a real nursing home.

Additionally, our work placement arrangements offer you the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience and explore various career pathways within the care sector.

At First Base Training, we combine in-depth theoretical education in simulated care settings with hands-on practical training through work experience in Nursing Homes.

Classroom and workplace training

Teaching

Government subsidies and payment plans available

Costs

Approximately* 6 months course

Calendar

*Dependent on Work Placement Schedule

Course structure: what you’ll learn

The Certificate III in Individual Support program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom instruction with practical training in a simulated environment and nursing home.

In this course, you will gain the skills to deliver compassionate and effective support for your clients while promoting their well-being and independence by learning to:

  • Meet personal support needs

  • Interpret and carry out individualised care plans 

  • Support client's social and emotional wellbeing

  • Safely provide mobility assistance to clients (including manual handling)

  • Empower clients and promote independence

  • Provide first aid

Prepare to make a significant impact on the lives of young children and become a respected leader in the early childhood sector with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Gain real-world knowledge

Practical placement: how to gain real-world experience

To attain the Cert 3 in Individual Support, students are required to complete 120 hours of supervised Practical Placement. This hands-on experience is crucial for applying the theoretical knowledge gained during the course in real-world settings across different types of support needs. Our Practical Placement Team will arrange a suitable regulated Aged care service work placement to:

  • Apply your learning

  • Work with experienced professionals

  • Develop competence and confidence

  • Explore career pathways

  • Network with prospective employers

At First Base Training, we understand that life is busy so our Practical Placement Team work with you to factor in your preferences (e.g. location) when finding a suitable placement location. 

Students in the classroom with a professor

Course outcomes: career opportunities and further study

Completing the Cert 3 in Individual Support opens up a variety of career opportunities in the care sector. Common roles you may pursue include:

  • Assistant in Nursing (AIN)/Care Service Employees (CSE): Work under the supervision of registered nurses to provide basic care and support to clients in aged care facilities and other healthcare settings.

  • Respite Worker: Provide temporary relief to primary caregivers by offering care and support to individuals with disabilities or older adults, either in their homes or in respite care facilities.

  • Personal Care Assistant: Assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Enhance their comfort and wellbeing in residential aged care facilities, disability support services or private homes.

  • Community Care Worker: Support individuals living in the community by helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. This role may involve assisting with household tasks, providing companionship and helping with mobility and personal care.

With further experience and training after your Cert 3 in Individual Support, there is also potential for career advancement into more specialised or supervisory positions within the care sector.

Graduates of this qualification may choose to further their studies by undertaking the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support or the CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support qualifications. These advanced courses expand your expertise and open up more career opportunities, such as senior care worker or team leader roles in aged care and disability support settings. 

Writing down notes

Entry requirements: how to get into the program

To complete the CHC33021 Cert 3 in Individual Support program, you must:

  • Be able to obtain a National Police Check, which is mandatory for Practical Placement

  • Pass the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN) to determine if you have the foundational skills for the course.

Fees and financial assistance

The NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program provides government-subsidised training in industry priority areas.

Eligible students can take advantage of low cost student fees to access high-quality training in Cert 3 in Individual Support with less financial burden.

You are qualified for the Smart and Skilled program if you are:

  • 15 years old or over

  • No longer at school

  • Living or working in NSW

  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen

For those not eligible for subsidised training, the course fee for Cert 3 in Individual Support is $1,950.

First Base Training

Units of competency

Core units

  • 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

Elective units

  • 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

Additional certification

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid statement of attainment.

Register for Certificate III in Individual Support today

Join the Certificate III in Individual Support program today and start making a difference in the lives of those in need. Through our immersive learning environment, real-world practical placements and mentorship from industry professionals, you’ll be ready to pursue a fulfilling career in the care industry. Hone your skills and open doors to various career paths within aged care, disability support and community care.

Get in touch with us to enrol in our Cert 3 in Individual Support program today.

FAQs

    • Proof of Identity: Valid photo ID such as a driver’s licence, NSW photo card or passport

    • Proof of NSW Address: driver’s licence or NSW photo card

    • Citizenship/Residency Status: birth certificate, passport, Medicare card or Australian visa

  • Yes, we conduct our training sessions in person at our classrooms in Parramatta Westfield, designed to simulate workplace environments for practical, hands-on learning.

  • We are on Level 6 of the Office Tower at Parramatta Westfield, accessible via the Level 1 tunnel from Parramatta station and across from the bus interchange.

  • Yes, upon successful completion of our training, you will receive a vocational qualification recognised throughout Australia.

  • The Certificate III in Individual Support takes approximately 5 months, including 120 hours of work placement in a nursing home.

  • The fee-for-service cost is $1,950.

  • We offer flexible payment plans with monthly, fortnightly and weekly payment options.

  • You can pay via bank transfer, in person or over the phone using a credit card.

  • Enquiries for our Certificate III in Individual Support course can be made online or by phone, but enrolments must be completed in person at our Parramatta office.

  • We offer flexible start dates year-round to accommodate your schedule. Call (02) 9687 8216 to discuss timetable options with our student support team.

  • No, international students holding a Subclass 500 Student visa must study at a CRICOS-registered training provider.

  • We offer a variety of courses across childcare, aged care and disability support so you can pursue your career goals. Besides Cert 3 Individual Support, our popular courses include:

  • Embarking on a career in ageing support and offering assistance to those with increasingly complex needs is a meaningful occupation. Qualifying to work in the Community Services industry is not only highly rewarding, but it also allows you to shape your existing skills into professional tools that can help others and reward your hard work with a sense of satisfaction.

    Once you complete the Cert 3 in Individual Support course, you will also attain a nationally recognised qualification that allows you to work nationally in aged care (Australia-wide).

    If you are interested in continuing your studies, you will then meet the requirements to enrol into the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support qualification.

  • Once you‘ve completed the Cert 3 in Individual Support (formerly Aged Care) course, you will have a nationally recognised qualification that allows you to apply for work in a range of highly respected positions.

    These career paths can include:

    • Personal Caregivers

    • Care Supervisors

    • Community Care Workers

    • Assistants in Nursing

    • Respite Workers

    • Personal Carers

    • Disability workers

Kickstart your career with us today!

Enrol now