CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
Learn how to support the independence and wellbeing of people with disability and older people in the community and/or residential settings. Make a positive difference while developing in-demand skills and achieving work/life balance.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Duration
Locations
Course overview
There is a huge demand for workers who are qualified to care for people with disability and people over 65 and this will only increase in years to come.
Develop your skills and knowledge for a career in the disability and aged care sectors with the Certificate III in Individual Support. This course provides training to those who want to start their career or formalise their experience of working in support positions with a recognised qualification. It’s also a great course to study as a stepping stone to higher qualifications.
You’ll learn how to provide physical and social support to people living with disability and older people, foster independence and wellbeing, as well as communicate effectively with your clients, their families, your colleagues, and other health professionals.
Are you a school leaver? Or are you someone wishing to re-enter the workforce? The Certificate III in Individual Support has foundation Language, Literacy and Numbery entry requirements. You will need a NDIS worker screening check, a Police Check, a Working with Children Check (WWCC), and immunisations according to health industry requirements for the healthcare workforce.
Course specifics
The Certificate III in Individual Support will develop skills in:
- following safe work practices for direct client care
- applying basic principles of infection prevention and control
- assisting clients with medication
- supporting community participation and social inclusion
- supporting independence and wellbeing for the ageing population and those living with disability.
Plus, a range of other skills to help you effectively provide individualised support to a diverse range of people.
Course delivery
You can attend classes at our Mt Helen Campus (Ballarat) or our Wimmera Campus (Horsham).
In addition, we’ve teamed up with East Grampians Health Services to deliver the Certificate III in Individual Support in Ararat. As part of this amazing opportunity, you’ll get practical experience while building skills for a range of employment options.
Placement hours:
160 hours However, providing that all unit of competency placement requirements are completed, student may graduate with a minimum of 120 hours
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
The outcomes from this program will provide graduates with the broad skills and knowledge required to undertake work as a Personal Care Worker.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $917 | $4,585 | $12,757 |
Material fees
This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $162.
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Delivered over a 10 month period comprising of 33 weeks of on-campus face-to-face classes (12 hours a week = 6 hours face-to-face x2 days) and complete 3 weeks of placements (120 hours) and for the submission of all placement assessments requirements
Additional study time is required to complete assessments, reading and activities. We recommend that approximately 10 hours per week should be put aside for these activities.
Work integrated learning
Placement is 120 hours.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Provide individualised supportCHCCCS031
- Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving supportCHCCCS038
- Support independence and wellbeingCHCCCS040
- Recognise healthy body systemsCHCCCS041
- Communicate and work in health or community servicesCHCCOM005
- Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
- Work legally and ethicallyCHCLEG001
- Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and controlHLTINF006
- Follow safe work practices for direct client careHLTWHS002
- Provide support to people living with dementiaCHCAGE011
- Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approachCHCDIS011
- Support community participation and social inclusionCHCDIS012
- Work effectively in disability supportCHCDIS020
- Provide First AidHLTAID011
- Assist clients with medicationHLTHPS006
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Undertake a VETASSESS and achieve the following results:
- Pre - training review
- Undertake a VETASSESS review;
- Literacy – Level 2
- Numeracy – Level 2
- English Writing Skills – Level 2
- Digital level - Intermediate
Prior to going on placement you will be required to complete:
- Police Check
- Working with Childrens Check
- Statutory Declaration
- Mandatory COVID-19 and Fluvax immunisations
- Additional Immunisations required – Diphtheria, tetanus, Pertussis, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Measles, mumps, rubella and Tuberculosis test.
- A valid NDIS Worker Screening Check, cost to student $135.00 (current as of 01/07/2025) valid for 5 years.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- JAX
- National course code
- CHC33021
HLT23221 Certificate II in Health Support Services. Potential credits may apply
Hear from our students
Hi, my name is Maddie and I'm studying a Bachelor of Education. I'm specialising in inclusive Ed and I'm in my third year of studies. I chose to study at Fed Uni because it is close to home and because I had a few friends who were studying here as well. I would recommend federation to those considering studying because of the placement opportunities they have here. This year as part of my diversity placement I was given the opportunity to travel to the NT to a remote indigenous community. This option was available to all students in my degree in the third year and it was made even more accessible as the majority of the accommodation and flights were funded by the Uni Arunga. The community I was placed in was the most beautiful little community with wonderful students and incredible classroom facilities. I'm so glad and proud of myself for taking that leap of faith because now I have so many more skills and experiences under my belt. This opportunity will be something I'll happily share with anyone and we'll think about forever. I really couldn't recommend this programme more.