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Home >CHC30125 CERTIFICATE III IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.Â
Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.Â
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 160 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
Course Name: CERTIFICATE III IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
VET National Code: CHC30125
CRICOS CODE:Â 119648E
The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne Metro College (CRICOS 119648E) equips students with the skills, knowledge, and regulated placement experience required to meet the minimum qualification standards approved by ACECQA.
This nationally recognised training reflects the role of educators who work in approved Australian children’s education and care services, supporting children’s wellbeing and development within the context of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Holding this qualification enables graduates to apply for entry-level educator roles in regulated services such as long day care centres, family day care, kindergartens, and OSHC programs.
The entry requirements to get into this course are as below:
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 enrolling in the CHC30125 at Melbourne Metro College complete a mandatory Pre-Training Review (PTR) prior to commencement. The PTR includes a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment that identifies individual study support needs and ensures each student’s skills match the academic demands of the qualification.
Where an LLN skills gap is identified, Melbourne Metro College develops a personalised learning support plan so students receive the assistance they need to progress through the CHC30125 course units. Additional English language support resources are available for international students throughout the duration of study.
To be prepared for study, applicants should be able to:
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 |
The qualification is delivered over 52 weeks comprising of:Â
Students are required to attend 20 hours of classroom training per week. Â
Homework is expected to be approximately 10 hours a week. Â
The training and assessment schedule shows the weeks during which training is delivered and assessment conducted for each unit.Â
Unit of Competency
Code | Title  | Core or Elective |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | Core |
CHCECE034 | Use an approved learning framework to guide practice | Core |
HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | Core |
CHCECE055 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care | Core |
CHCPRT025 | Identify and report children and young people at risk | Core |
CHCECE035 | Support the holistic learning and development of children | Core |
CHCECE036 | Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning | Core |
CHCECE033 | Develop positive and respectful relationships with children | Core |
CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures | Core |
CHCECE037 | Support children to connect with the natural environment | Core |
CHCECE032 | Nurture babies and toddlers | Core |
CHCECE038 | Observe children to inform practice | Core |
CHCECE031 | Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing | Core |
CHCECE030 | Support inclusion and diversity | Core |
CHCECE056 | Work effectively in children’s education and care | Core |
BSBSTR401 | Promote innovation in team environments. | Elective |
BSBSUS411 | Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care reflects the role of entry-level educators who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. These educators support children’s wellbeing and holistic development within the context of an approved learning framework. They apply a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment, operating within established policies and procedures — either independently or under the guidance of a senior educator.
At Melbourne Metro College, the CHC30125 program covers these essential practice areas:
Competency Area | What You Learn and Apply |
Health, Safety and Wellbeing | Implement and monitor child health and safety practices within a regulated service setting |
Nurturing Babies and Toddlers | Provide responsive, respectful care for infants and toddlers from birth to age 2 |
Positive Relationships with Children | Develop age-appropriate communication and interaction strategies with children up to 5 years |
Approved Learning Framework | Apply the EYLF or other approved learning frameworks to plan, document and evaluate children’s learning |
Holistic Learning and Development | Support children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and creative development |
Play-Based Learning | Design and implement play-based learning experiences in indoor and outdoor environments |
Inclusion and Diversity | Support children from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children |
Child Safe Practices | Identify and respond to children at risk under mandatory reporting obligations |
First Aid (HLTAID012) | Provide emergency first aid including CPR — First Aid Certificate awarded on completion |
Legal and Ethical Frameworks | Comply with the Education and Care Services National Law and National Quality Standard (NQS) |
Nutrition | Plan and provide nutritious meals and positive meal experiences for children |
Observation and Documentation | Observe children’s behaviour to inform programming and improve daily practice |
Melbourne Metro College provides structured placement support to all enrolled students. We maintain active partnerships with regulated childcare services across the Melbourne metro area — covering Melbourne CBD, as well as northern, western, southern and eastern suburban childcare centres.
Our placement support process:
The CHC30125 Certificate III serves as the direct entry pathway into the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Completing the Diploma opens access to higher-level roles including room leader, educational leader and centre director positions — roles that attract significantly higher remuneration and greater responsibility within regulated services.
Qualification | Roles Unlocked | Next Step |
CHC30125 Certificate III (current) | Early Childhood Educator (Entry-Level) | Starting point — you are here |
CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | Room Leader, Educational Leader | Direct entry from Certificate III |
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | Registered Early Childhood Teacher | University pathway post-Diploma |
Yes. Cert 3 Childcare is the common industry name for the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. CHC30125 is the current nationally endorsed qualification code under the CHC Community Services Training Package. It supersedes the previous CHC30121 version. Any reference to cert 3 childcare, certificate 3 in childcare, certificate III in early childhood education and care or cert III childcare in Australia refers to this same AQF Level 3 qualification.
Melbourne Metro College delivers the CHC30125 face-to-face at its Melbourne CBD campus. The course requires mandatory on-campus attendance for practical training and a minimum of 160 hours of vocational work placement in a regulated Melbourne childcare centre — both of which cannot be completed fully online. Some theory components may include blended eLearning elements, but students must attend campus and complete in-person placement hours. Contact the admissions team to discuss your specific study situation.
Educators are employed under the Children’s Services Award or enterprise agreements. Pay rates vary depending on employer, experience, and setting.Â
Childcare educators in Australia are employed under the Children’s Services Award or enterprise.
At Melbourne Metro College, the CHC30125 is designed for full-time completion in 52 weeks including scheduled holidays. This covers all 15 core units, 2 elective units and the mandatory 160 hours of vocational work placement. Part-time study options may extend the duration — contact Melbourne Metro College admissions to confirm part-time scheduling availability for domestic and international students.
Yes. Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011), all educators working in regulated children's education and care services in Australia must hold an ACECQA-approved qualification — or be actively working towards one under a defined supervision arrangement. The CHC30125 is the ACECQA-approved minimum qualification for paid educators in long day care centres, family day care, kindergartens and OSHC programs. Working as an unsupervised educator without this qualification is a breach of the National Law.
The CHC30125 Certificate III does not expire once awarded. As a nationally recognised AQF Level 3 qualification, the certificate remains valid indefinitely as a record of attainment. However, the First Aid unit (HLTAID012) requires periodic renewal — typically every 3 years — to maintain currency. Employers and licensing authorities may also require ongoing professional development under the National Quality Standard (NQS) to maintain registration and compliance.
Melbourne Metro College delivers the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in Melbourne CBD — face-to-face, with 160 hours of regulated placement, expert industry trainers and full CRICOS registration (119648E) for international and domestic students. This cert 3 childcare course gives you the ACECQA-approved minimum qualification to enter Australia’s growing early childhood education sector with confidence and practical experience.
Intake dates are limited. Contact Melbourne Metro College now to confirm your eligibility, discuss your enrolment options and secure your place in the next CHC30125 cohort.
Melbourne Metro College | CRICOS 119648E | melmc.edu.au
Melbourne Metro College Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering nationally recognised training in accordance with the Standards for RTOs 2025, as enabled under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. Course information is accurate at the time of publication and may be updated to reflect current ASQA regulatory requirements.
For international students, MMC complies with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, including all amendments commencing 5 December 2025, and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, as amended in 2026. Full details are available in our Student Handbook and relevant policies.
All student enrolling in this course is expected to have basic computer skills including use of internet, email and word processor.
Students are required to complete 160 hours of work placement as part of the qualification. Students will commence their work placement in term 4.
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
• 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.
Students are provided with:
• Student Assessment Booklet
• Other documents specific to the workplace simulation task requirements
After achieving CHC30121 Certificate III in Early childhood Education and care, learners may undertake the following pathways:
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or related courses.
This qualification provides pathway to work as an educator in regulated education and care service such as childcare centres and Family Day Care