Qualification Overview: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) supersedes the older CHC33015 qualification to serve as the national baseline credential across Australia's aged care and disability support sectors. It prepares frontline care staff to deliver person-centred assistance that promotes independence, preserves dignity, and complies with the Aged Care Quality Standards and NDIS Practice Standards.
This qualification is ideal for Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), Residential Support Workers, In-Home Carers, and Respite Aides who have accumulated practical care experience but lack a formal qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), your authentic on-the-job care hours can be formally evaluated against national competency units without taking time off work.
Packaging Rules: 15 Units of Competency
To achieve the CHC33021 credential, candidates must demonstrate competency in 15 units (comprising 9 core units plus 6 elective units chosen according to the candidate's industry stream: Ageing, Disability, or Home & Community Care).
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCCS038 | Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support | CORE |
| CHCCCS039 | Recognise healthy body systems | CORE |
| CHCCCS040 | Support independence and wellbeing | CORE |
| CHCCCS041 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | CORE |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | CORE |
| CHCLEG003 | Maintain legal and ethical work practices | CORE |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | CORE |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | CORE |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | CORE |
| CHCACU001 | Provide support to people living with dementia | ELECTIVE (Ageing) |
| CHCACU002 | Support independence and wellbeing in older people | ELECTIVE (Ageing) |
| CHCDIS011 | Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach | ELECTIVE (Disability) |
| CHCDIS012 | Support independence and wellbeing of people with disability | ELECTIVE (Disability) |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | ELECTIVE |
| CHCCCS031 | Provide support to clients with complex care needs | ELECTIVE |
RPL Evidence Criteria: Meeting the 120-Hour Benchmark
Assessing RTOs require authenticated workplace documentation demonstrating that you have completed at least 120 hours of hands-on care work in an aged care facility, disability accommodation, or community home care setting.
Key Workplace Evidence Required:
- Supervisor Third-Party Reports: Formal verifications completed by a Registered Nurse (RN), Facility Care Manager, or NDIS Service Coordinator confirming your personal care competence.
- De-identified Daily Care Documentation: Progress notes, handover logs, personal care charts, mobility hoist transfer logs, and fluid/food balance records (with all personal client identifiers redacted).
- Mandatory Training & Infection Control Proof: Current First Aid certificates, manual handling competency sign-offs, and infection prevention logs.
- Employment Verification: Official employment contracts, duty rosters, payslips, or position descriptions confirming past hours and active service in care.