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Course Description
Are you passionate about helping others and looking to start a meaningful career in Disability Support? The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support Disability could be the perfect fit for you!
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals who want to build a rewarding career supporting people living with disability in Australia’s growing community services sector.
This course prepares you to work in disability support roles across home care, community settings, and residential care environments, delivering person-centred care that promotes independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
At DP Training, this qualification provides practical, job-ready skills aligned with industry expectations and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) workforce requirements.
Certificate III Individual Support Disability qualification provides for employment in the following roles:
- Disability Support Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Personal Care Worker
- Support Worker
- Direct Care Worker
This course is delivered via
- Class Based – Face to Face
- Online – Self-Paced
- Recognition Prior Learning (RPL)
Class Based (face to face):
Regular classes are run from our Brisbane and Gold Coast training locations providing you the flexibility to fit in with your schedule. All classes are delivered by qualified, industry experienced Trainer Assessors who work closely with students to optimise their learning experience. Students will attend mandatory class one day per week (Mondays) and attend Vocational Placement at an approved disability or aged care facility.
- One day mandatory classroom based training per week ( Every Monday from 8.30am – 4.30pm for 24 weeks)
- The opportunity to attend additional classroom based training on Tuesdays (8:30am – 4:30pm) and trainer-led study support sessions every Wednesday (9:00am – 12:00pm) for the duration of your course
- Vocational placement of at least 120 hours
- Hard copy workbooks and learning resources
- Rolling intake, start anytime!
Online Delivery: Self-Paced
- Online delivery for 15 units of competency through the E-Learning system
- Vocational Placement of at least 120 hours
- Trainers/Assessors being available Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 4:30pm AEST through email and/or telephone
- Simulated workshops held at our training locations (as timetabled), if required
- The opportunity to attend weekly trainer-led study support sessions via Zoom for the duration of your course (optional)
- Self-paced (up to 12 months to complete)
- Enrol anytime, start anytime!
RPL
- If you consider yourself to already have the knowledge and skills for the qualification, any person currently working in the industry has the opportunity to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment-only pathway.
- You will be required to successfully demonstrate that you have acquired the required knowledge and skills specified in the training package through formal, non-formal and informal learning. To demonstrate your knowledge and skills assessed via the RPL process, please take our skill assessment below and select RPL on your enrolment form.
Take a 60 sec Skill Assessment Check Now to determine your eligibility for RPL.
Certificate III Individual Support is delivered via both Face-to-Face Class-Based Learning and DP Learning@Home Program, offering a mixture –
- self-paced
- online
- blended
- on-the-job
- block or day release for apprentices
- a combination of the above
This course is delivered online Nationally.
Class-based or practical training may be delivered at the locations below.
DP Training Campus
- Brisbane – 162 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
- Gold Coast – Level 4, Suite 403, 89 Scarborough Street, Southport QLD 4215
The target learners and entry requirements for this course must:
- be over 15 years of age, and no longer attending secondary school
- undertake Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Skills Indicator assessment questionnaire
- obtain security clearance*
- ability to undertake vocational placement, which includes manual handling tasks
- have technological skills to undertake computer/online work and have access to a computer and software with the following minimum specifications- Microsoft Windows XP, or later, or Mac OS X or above; Microsoft Office or equivalent and Adobe Acrobat Reader/Adobe Flash Player and up to date internet browser
RPL: Students must provide evidence of employment in the industry providing direct care and have the ability to complete a workplace log book equivalent to at least 120 hours.
Please be advised the following documents will be required to be submitted with your enrolment:
- Proof of ID: Colour copy of Passport or Driver’s Licence.
- Unique Student Identification Number (USI)
- Colour copy of Certificates and Statement Results for any previously attained or partially completed qualifications completed in or recognised in Australia If you do not hold a USI Number or have forgotten your USI Number, please visit the link provided below: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-usi
- Course Fee- $2450
- RPL assessment – total assessment fee $1500, then if applicable , $100 per unit of gap training capped at 10 units
A $250 deposit is required prior to commencing training and assessment, with fortnightly and monthly payment plans to pay the remaining fees.
Certificate III in Individual Support Disability is made up of 15 units of competency, which reflect the needs of the industry.
| Unit code | Unit Name |
| 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 |
| CHCDIS011 | Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach |
| CHCDIS012 | Support community participation and social inclusion |
| CHCDIS020 | Work effectively in disability support |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| CHCCCS036 | Support relationships with carer and family |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
To receive an award for this qualification Students are required to complete all units listed above as competent and meet the requirements of at least 120 hours of vocational placement within a period of 12 months.
All students will be required to complete either a Vocational placement Log Book or if an Existing worker, a Workplace log book of at least 120 hours of direct care within an approved Disability Support organisation. DP Training has a partnership with leading Disability Support Providers with whom we will coordinate your placement. For those who do not wish to attend DP Training’s selected placement, you will have the opportunity, in coordination with DP Training to source your own alternative vocational work placement location.
It is a requirement to obtain security clearance* before you can commence your placement.
Vocational placement is structured workplace learning; a vocational placement student log book is developed to support you to meet the requirements of all tasks to be completed during your placement. Vocational Placement is an important part of the program that has been designed for students to apply the theoretical knowledge gained to a practical level in a workplace environment. This practical approach to learning will prepare students to ease into 120 hours of on-the-job training required to gain the qualification. All students undertaking vocational placement will be required to organise their own transportation to and from the vocational placement host organisation’s facility.
*Security Clearances: Some qualifications require a security clearance (e.g., police check, valid blue card and/or yellow card) in order for the student to be eligible to undertake practical and/or vocational placement. Additionally, individual host organisations may have different requirements regarding vaccinations. Please discuss these with our Administration Team during the enrolment process and/or refer to the DP Training website for more information. Please note there are mandatory vaccination requirements within each state and it is up to the student to ensure they are complying with their own state, territory legislation and workplace organisation policies and procedures.
You may be eligible for funding based on the state of your residence and other eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is a nationally recognised qualification for people who want to support individuals living with disability. At DP Training, the Certificate III in Individual Support is completed with a Disability Support specialisation, with the relevant elective units included as part of the course. It prepares you to deliver person-centred care that promotes independence, dignity and wellbeing across home care, community and residential settings, in line with NDIS workforce expectations.
Is CHC33021 a nationally recognised qualification?
Yes. CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is a nationally recognised VET qualification listed on the national register at training.gov.au. It is delivered by DP Training, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 31888). On completion you receive a nationally accredited qualification recognised by employers across Australia.
How long does the course take, and how is it delivered?
Class-based study takes around 24 weeks, with one mandatory day of classroom training per week at our Brisbane (Bowen Hills) or Gold Coast (Southport) campus. If you study online and self-paced, you have up to 12 months to complete. Blended and RPL pathways are also available. All delivery modes include the required vocational placement.
What does the vocational placement involve, and how many hours are required?
Students are required to complete at least 120 hours of direct care in an approved Disability Support organisation. The placement provides practical workplace experience, allowing you to apply your course knowledge and skills in a real disability support environment. Existing workers may complete a Workplace Log Book, where applicable. DP Training can assist with coordinating an approved placement, or you may arrange your own suitable placement in consultation with us. Before commencing placement, students must obtain the required security clearances, which may include a police check and relevant state-based clearances. Students are also responsible for their own transport to and from the placement location.
What's the difference between the Ageing and Disability streams?
Both streams sit under the same qualification, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — the difference is the elective units. The Disability stream focuses on supporting people living with disability in line with NDIS practice, while the Ageing stream focuses on aged-care support for older people. Choose the stream that matches the career you’re aiming for.
What jobs can I get after completing this qualification?
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is a pathway to roles including Disability Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Personal Care Worker, Support Worker and Direct Care Worker.
How much does the course cost, and is funding available?
The course fee is $2,450. A $250 deposit is required before training and assessment begins, with fortnightly and monthly payment plans available for the balance. If you complete an RPL pathway, the assessment fee is $1,500, plus $100 per unit of gap training (capped at 10 units). Government-subsidised training may be available for eligible students in Queensland and South Australia, and in New South Wales under Smart and Skilled — eligibility depends on your circumstances, so check with DP Training.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
To enrol you must be over 15 years of age and no longer at secondary school, and complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Skills Indicator assessment. You’ll also need the required background checks (typically a National Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening clearance; a Working with Children Check/Blue Card may also apply depending on your placement), the ability to undertake vocational placement including manual-handling tasks, basic computer skills, and access to a computer running a current, supported version of Windows or macOS, plus Microsoft Office and a PDF reader.
Can I get Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for this qualification?
Yes. If you’re already working in the industry and have the relevant skills and knowledge, you can apply for the RPL assessment-only pathway. You’ll need to demonstrate your skills through formal, non-formal and informal learning. As part of the RPL process, you’ll be asked to provide an evidence portfolio, which may include documents such as resumes, job descriptions, evidence of current employment, third-party verification report from your employer and other workplace evidence that demonstrates your competency. DP Training’s 60-second Skill Assessment can help you check your RPL eligibility.