CHC33021 CERTIFICATE III IN INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
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Course overview
This qualification reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential settings 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.Â
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.
Course Name:CERTIFICATE III IN INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
VET National Code: CHC33021
CRICOS CODE: 113678C
- Tuition Fee: Onshore - $AU 9,000, Offshore - $AU 12,000
- Material Fee: Onshore - $AU 500, Offshore - $AU 500
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements to get into this course are as below:
- International students must be 18 years of age or above at the time of their course commencement at Melbourne Metro College.
- To enter this qualification, applicants should have successfully completed Australian equivalent of Year 12 or higher.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency with minimum score of:
IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic), or
PTE (Pearson Test of English) 46; or equivalent.
- All students must undertake a pre-training review conducted before the enrolment to identify students training needs and their suitability into the course.
- This review can by completing a questionnaire or via an interview with a designated Melbourne Metro College staff. The review also helps to assess oral communication skills of the student.
- All student enrolling in this course is expected to have basic computer skills including use of internet, email and word processor.
Contact Information
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Language Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) Test
Prior to the commencement of the course, all students are required to undertake a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) test mapped at Australian Core Skills Framework and required to attain score at ACSF Level.
Learning skills: | 4 |
Reading skills: | 3 |
Writing skills | 3 |
Oral communication skills | 4 |
Numeracy skills | 3 |
- Melbourne Metro College will use online ACSF mapped LLN assessment tool to conduct a LLN test (https://llnrobot.com.au/)
- If students do not meet English and LLN requirements, students will be provided with appropriate strategies to assist them with their learning including:
- Flexible scheduling and delivery of training and assessment
- Providing the student with extra language/LLN assistance during class time; or
- Advising students to enrol in a language and literacy course to develop his or her skills to an appropriate standard, eg ELICOS (See LLN support in Student Support Section)
Course Duration
The qualification is delivered over 52 weeks comprising of:Â
- 4 terms of 10 weeks each (40 weeks classroom delivery and assessment, self-study)Â
- 3 weeks for Work placement (120 hours)Â
Holiday breaks amounting to 9 weeks (as specified in the timetable)Â
Students are required to attend 20 hours of classroom training per week. Â
Homework is expected to be approximately 5 hours a week. Â
The training and assessment schedule shows the weeks during which training is delivered and assessment conducted for each unit.Â
Course Structure
Unit of Competency
Code | Title  | Core or Elective |
CHCCCS031 | Provide individualised support | Core |
CHCCCS038 | Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support | Core |
CHCCCS040 | Support independence and wellbeing | Core |
CHCCCS041 | Recognise healthy body systems | Core |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | Core |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | Core |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | Core |
HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | Core |
HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | Core |
CHCAGE011 | Provide support to people living with dementia | Elective (Group A) |
CHCAGE013 | Work effectively in aged care | Elective (Group A) |
CHCPAL003 | Deliver care services using a palliative approach | Elective (Group A) |
CHCDIS011 | Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach | Elective (Group B) |
CHCDIS012 | Support community participation and social inclusion | Elective (Group B) |
CHCDIS020 | Work effectively in disability support | Elective (Group B) |
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support in Melbourne
Obtaining a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the essential entry-level qualification for individuals aiming to enter the healthcare and community services sector in Australia. As the demand for aged care and disability support services increases across metropolitan Melbourne, Melbourne Metro College (MMC) provides a comprehensive, nationally recognised training program designed to make you job-ready.
Why Choose Melbourne Metro College (MMC) for Individual Support Courses in Melbourne?
Centrally Located Melbourne CBD Campus
Our campus is situated in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, providing easy access via public transport for both onshore and international students. Studying at a central location ensures you are connected to Melbourne’s major healthcare networks and facilities.
Integrated Practical Placement Assistance
Melbourne Metro College prioritises your career readiness by offering integrated practical placement support. We assist students in securing their mandatory workplace-based assessment hours, ensuring you gain real-world experience in a regulated care environment.
Industry-Expert Trainers & Mentors
Learn from experienced professionals who bring years of clinical and community care expertise to the classroom. Our mentors provide personalised guidance to help you master the procedural knowledge required for high-quality person-centred care.
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As a CRICOS registered provider, MMC offers tailored support for international students. From help with an ELICOS pathway to achieving the required IELTS overall band score, we ensure your transition into the Australian VET system is seamless.
Dual-Stream Specialisation (Ageing & Disability)
Our course offers a dual specialisation in both ageing and disability streams. This dual-stream approach significantly broadens your career pathways in Australia, allowing you to work as an aged care worker or a disability support worker.
Modern Training Facilities & Simulation Labs
We provide hands-on training in Melbourne through modern simulation labs. These facilities allow students to practice manual handling and direct client care in a safe, controlled environment before starting their vocational work placement.
2026 Industry Demand and Career Opportunities in Melbourne
High-Demand Job Roles after CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
Graduates of this individual support course qualify for various roles, including:
- Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
- Residential Care Worker
- Home and Community Care Worker
- Disability Support Worker
Salary Expectations and Job Growth in Australia
The healthcare sector is one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries. In 2026, the average salary for an entry-level support worker in Melbourne ranges from $55,000 to $65,000 AUD per year, with significant opportunities for overtime and shift work.
Vocational Work Placement: Gaining Hands-on Experience
Mandatory 160 Hours of Practical Training
To achieve competency, students must complete at least 160 hours of work placement in a regulated education or care service. This placement is a core component of the CHC33021 Certificate, allowing you to apply theoretical concepts in a real workplace.
How MMC Supports Your Placement Journey
MMC negotiates with industry partners to facilitate your 120–160 hours work placement. We ensure that your workplace-based assessment meets the National Quality Framework (NQF) standards.
Our Network of Industry Partners in Metropolitan Melbourne
We maintain strong connections with aged care facilities and disability service providers across Melbourne, ensuring our students have access to diverse and reputable placement locations.
Educational Pathways: What Can You Study After Cert III in Individual Support?
Successful completion of the Certificate III opens doors to advanced qualifications:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Aged Care and Individual Support?
“Individual Support“ is the modern qualification title (CHC33021) that covers both aged care and disability support, whereas “Aged Care” refers specifically to the ageing stream.
How long does it take to complete the Certificate III in Individual Support in Melbourne?
The course duration typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on your study load (full-time or part-time).
Is work placement included, and who organizes it?
Yes, a 160-hour work placement is mandatory. Melbourne Metro College provides practical placement support to help you find a suitable facility.
Can international students study the CHC33021 at Melbourne Metro College?
Yes, MMC is a CRICOS registered provider (CRICOS CODE: 03831C), making us an ideal choice for international students looking to study in Australia.
What kind of jobs can I get after I graduate?
You can work as a Personal Care Assistant, Community Support Worker, or Accommodation Support Officer in both residential and home-care settings.
What documents do I need for my work placement?
You must provide a current Police Record Check, NDIS Worker Screening, and a Working with Children Check where applicable.
Is Certificate 3 in Individual Support the same as Aged Care?
Yes, it is the nationally recognised qualification required to work in the aged care sector in Australia.
How to become a support worker in Melbourne?
- Enroll in the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support at MMC.
- Complete the required 160 hours of work placement.
- Obtain your First Aid qualification and police checks.
- Apply for roles via our industry network.
Ready to start your journey in the disability sector?
Contact Melbourne Metro College Today to discuss your application and secure your intake for 2026. Empower your future while helping others thrive.
Work Placement Requirement:
Students are required to complete 120 hours of work placement as part of the qualification. Students will commence their work placement from in term 4.
Delivery Approach
The course is delivered face to face for 20 hours a week over 3 days per week.
A face-to-face training mode is employed for this qualification. All classroom-based training will take place at the Melbourne Metro College training facilities.
The structured self-study component of this course amounts to 6 hours a week. Students are provided with access to self-study guide for completion of a range of activities. The estimated time to complete activities is documented in the guide for each unit. This is a mandatory component of a student’s study and student’s attendance and participation will be monitored.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
• Prior to the enrolment and at enrolment, students are made aware of the availability of Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Students are required to apply for CT of any relevant units and may also apply for RPL prior to course commencement.
• Students must show evidence that can be verified such as a statement of results for credit transfer to be granted.
Assessment
Students are provided with:
• Student Assessment Booklet
• Other documents specific to the workplace simulation task requirements
Pathways
Students who complete this course may wish to continue their education into the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services and a range of other community services related Diplomas.
Potential employment options are as a as a direct support worker in aged care, disability, home and community care or other direct care work in the community services industry.
Students who complete this course may wish to continue their education into the CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services and a range of other community services related Diplomas