CHC33021
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing/Disability)
With the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing/Disability) course, you'll gain essential skills & knowledge to be qualified for in-demand community service roles.
CHC33021 Overview
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) is your entry point into one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries. In as little as 7-10 weeks, you can be job-ready and qualified to work across both aged care and disability support – two sectors with strong, ongoing demand for skilled workers across Perth and beyond.
This is a dual-specialisation course, meaning you graduate with both Ageing and Disability streams completed – giving you significantly more employment options than a single-stream qualification.
The course includes 9 core units and 6 elective units, and comes with placement included – we find your work experience for you.
Fee-Free training is available in 2026 for eligible students. Download the Fee-Free Brochure or see the Enrolment tab for eligibility criteria.
Is This the Aged Care Course? (Individual Support vs Aged Care)
If you searched for a “certificate 3 in aged care,” “cert 3 aged care,” or “certificate iii in aged care,” you’re in the right place. CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, also written as Certificate 3 in Individual Support or Cert 3 Individual Support, is the current national qualification that covers aged care training (it replaced the older, separate aged care-specific certificate in 2015, then again as CHC33021 in 2022). “Individual Support” is simply the qualification’s official name, it’s still the aged care course, and at Bestwest Care it’s delivered as a dual specialisation covering both ageing and disability, so you graduate qualified for both sectors rather than one.
If you’re specifically after aged care work in Perth or Kwinana, this course, with the Ageing specialisation stream, is exactly what you’re looking for.
Many students pair this qualification with First Aid and CPR training, common add-ons for aged care and disability roles, and go on to Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Certificate IV in Disability Support as a next step.
Either way you write it, certificate 3 in individual support or cert 3 individual support, you’ll graduate with the same nationally recognised qualification, delivered right here in WA. Check the fee-free courses page for current WA Government funding across all our accredited qualifications.
What you’ll be qualified for
On completion, you’ll be ready to step into a range of roles across aged care and disability support. See Career Outcomes below.
Training Location – Kwinana, Serving Perth and Rockingham
Bestwest Care is a leading provider of aged care courses and disability support training in WA. Classes are held at Unit 8 / 40 Meares Ave, Kwinana – conveniently located close to bus and train connections.
Bestwest Care also regularly trains students from Rockingham and surrounding Perth suburbs seeking quality local aged care and disability training, not just Kwinana itself. If you’re searching for certificate 3 individual support Perth or cert 3 aged care Perth WA options, this is where classes are actually held.
Intake Dates:
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support Courses run on an ongoing schedule and you can commence throughout the year.
Flexible study options apply with choices of blended and in-person classes. Download our brochure above to see our next intake dates*.
Longer classes are available. These classes suit people who may require more support, have difficulties studying at home or who are funded through Department of Training and Workforce Development initiatives. The course commences regularly and class hours have been structured to assist people with school-aged children.
*Bestwest Care reserves the right to amend course dates if necessary.
Course Delivery
Flexible study options are available for this course, each followed by work experience (practical placement). Choose one of the following two class options, followed by 120 hours of placement at an aged care facility (we find your placement).
Fee for Service // Blended
- 2 weeks of self-paced online theory at home, or tune in to virtual class
- 10 days practical classes (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
- Placement 120 hours
- Enrol and start anytime
*FREE in 2026 Government Funded Class // In-person
- 17 weeks face-to-face classes // 8:30am to 3pm
- Placement 120 hours
- Download the Fee-Free Brochure
*For further detail on FREE in 2026 eligibility, see the Enrolment tab above.
Bestwest Care finds your placement closest to your home and provides students with a uniform shirt and ID badge.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) acknowledges previous work experience, while credit transfers apply to previously completed units. Submit a Course Enquiry or speak to our Training Manager for more information.
Core Units Include:
- 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
Enrolment Requirements
To enrol in Certificate III in Individual Support, you must:
- Phone and book your enrolment appointment with a member of our training staff on (08) 9439 1673.
- Provide Photo ID (Driver’s Licence or Passport).
- Provide Proof of Residency / Citizenship (Birth Certificate / Passport).
- Be reasonably fit and physically capable of performing the role.
- Meet the foundation skills (literacy and numeracy levels) necessary to perform in the role.
- Be able to attend and complete the training room and practical components of the course.
- Be eligible to participate in training in Australia.
For applicants under 18, please read our Learners Under 18 Years Policy and our Information for Learners, Parents and Guardians.
Placement Requirements
To get placement for this course you must:
- Hold a current National Police Clearance (apply online).
- Proof of minimum 3 Covid vaccinations.
- Proof of Influenza vaccination (current year).
Fee-Free Training 2026 Eligibility
The WA State Government, through Jobs and Skills WA, subsidises vocational education and training (VET) courses in priority areas, to reduce or remove the fees and make training more accessible to all Western Australians.
Applicants will be required to submit valid forms of photo ID and proof of citizenship / residency status at enrolment. To be eligible for FREE training in the Ageing or Disability stream, you must have left school, have your primary place of residence in Western Australia, and you are either:
- an Australian citizen; or
- a permanent visa holder or holder of visa subclass 309, 444, 449, 785, 786, 790, or 820; or
- a dependent or spouse of the primary holder of a visa subclass 457 or 482; or
- a bridging visa holder who has made a valid application for a visa subclass 866; or
- a bridging visa E holder (subclasses 050 and 051) who has made a valid application for a visa subclass 785 or 790.
If you are currently employed, please chat to our enrolment team to see which program you can enrol into (dependent upon contracted working hours).
Total course fee for applicants not meeting the above eligibility criteria is $3,350.
Elective units:
- CHCAGE011 – Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCAGE013 – Work effectively in aged care
- CHCPAL003 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- CHCDIS011 – Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
- CHCDIS012 – Support community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS020 – Work effectively in disability support
How much is the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support?
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support specialises in both Ageing and Disability.
- Cost: $3,350 – with no extra costs.
This includes both Ageing AND Disability streams, ‘in-person’ Manual Handling training, flexible (blended) training options, us sourcing your placements on your behalf, and the ability to fast-track your studies to complete the course within 7-10 weeks.
‘FEE-FREE’ Government funding is available for eligible students, including Australian citizens and certain visa holders. For more information on this, see the Enrolment tab.
A $1,000 Deposit is to be paid at enrolment, with the remainder of fees due in instalments during your class schedule. All fees are to be paid before placement.
Aged Care & Disability Careers in WA – Demand and Pay
Aged care and disability support is currently the second-highest employing field in the country, after registered nurses, and demand in WA is only growing. WA’s population aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 43.3% over the next 10 years, which means more Western Australians will need skilled care workers, not fewer (Jobs and Skills WA).
Nationally, Aged and Disabled Carers is a workforce of 376,300 people, growing by around 27,100 people a year, with median full-time earnings of $1,761 a week (Jobs and Skills Australia occupation data, current to February 2026). Western Australia accounts for roughly 10% of that national workforce, a workforce this size and this short on people is exactly why Certificate III in Individual Support graduates are in genuine demand, not just told they are.
Real numbers, not a marketing claim, that’s the honest version of “fastest-growing,” and it’s the case for why this course is worth doing, not just a course description.
Career Outcomes
With a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), you'll be qualified to work across either or both aged care and disability support - two of Australia's most in-demand care sectors.
Aged Care Roles
- Aged Care Worker
- Assistant in Nursing
- Residential Care Worker
- Personal Care Worker
- Home Care Assistant
- Respite Care Worker
- Care Companion
- Health Care Assistant
Disability Support Roles
- Disability Support Worker
- Community Support Worker
- NDIS Support Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Community Participation Support Worker
- Behaviour Support Assistant
- In-Home Support Worker
Work Environments
- NDIS service providers
- Community and home care services
- Group homes and supported accommodation
- Residential aged care facilities
- Hospitals and health services
- Day activity and respite centres
- Community organisations and charities
Course FAQs
Why can I see cheaper courses with other providers?
When choosing where to study and obtain your CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, first understand what is included in the price and what is not.
At Bestwest Care, the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is $3,350 – with no extra costs. Here is what is included and the key advantages of training with Bestwest Care:
- It is a dual-stream course (both Ageing and Disability).
- ‘In-person’ Manual Handling training – industry prefer face-to-face, practical training.
- Bestwest Care sources your placements on your behalf
- Flexible (blended) training options, and
- The ability to fast-track your studies to complete the course within 7-10 weeks.
Having a Bestwest Care certificate gives you more opportunities because of our reputation in WA for delivering premier, hands-on training with industry-skilled trainers.
What is the difference between CHC33015 and CHC33021?
CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support was superseded by CHC33021, in November 2022. The updates were to reflect changed industry expectations, including changes to core units; removal of one specialisation, changes to the composition of two specialisations, and changes to elective bank. This record is kept on the Australian Government Training website.
What career opportunities does the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support offer?
Certificate III in Individual Support opens up various career paths, including roles as an Aged Care Worker, Disability Care Worker, Personal Care Worker, Respite Care Worker, Health Care Assistant, and Care Companion. This versatile qualification prepares you for work in both aged care and disability support sectors.
I’m on a student visa. Can I enrol in this course?
If you are currently on a student visa, we will check your study conditions to confirm whether you are eligible to enrol in the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. Student visa holders must study full‑time courses that are registered with CRICOS.
If you already know that you are a CRICOS visa holder, your best starting point with Bestwest Care is our Intro to Disability course. This pathway is specifically designed to meet CRICOS requirements and can help you begin your training journey in the disability support sector. We’re always available if you have a course enquiry.
How long does it take to complete the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support course?
The duration of the Certificate III in Individual Support course varies depending on the study option you choose. It can be completed in as little as 7-10 weeks for the intensive options, or up to 17 weeks for the government-funded classes. This flexibility allows you to select a study schedule that best fits your needs and eligibility.
What are the study options available for the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support?
Bestwest Care offers flexible study options for the Certificate III in Individual Support course, including:
- Blended learning (10 days of practical classes, and online theory with trainer support)
- Government-funded in-person classes (17 weeks)
- Both options include 120 hours of work placement.
Is funding available for the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support course?
Yes, funding is available for eligible students. The WA State Government offers Fee-Free Training in 2026 for the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support course through Jobs and Skills WA. Eligibility criteria include being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, having left school, and having your primary residence in Western Australia. See the Enrol tab above for more details regarding eligibility.
What subjects are covered in the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support course?
The Certificate 3 in Individual Support covers a range of essential subjects through 9 core units and 6 electives. Core units include topics such as providing individualised support, facilitating empowerment, recognising healthy body systems, and following safe work practices. Elective units cover areas like dementia support, palliative care, and disability support. This comprehensive curriculum ensures you’re well-prepared for a career in individual support.
Is Certificate III in Individual Support the same as a Certificate 3 in Aged Care?
Yes. CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the current national qualification for aged care work, “Individual Support” is the official course name. At Bestwest Care it’s delivered as a dual specialisation covering both ageing and disability, so a Certificate III in aged care and this course are the same thing.
Is the course fee-free in 2026 and am I eligible?
Fee-free training is available in 2026 for eligible students through Jobs and Skills WA, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and certain visa holders who have left school and live in WA. See the Enrolment tab above for the full eligibility list, or speak with our enrolment team to check your situation.
How long does placement take and do you arrange it?
Placement is 120 hours, and Bestwest Care finds your placement for you, as close to your home as possible. You’ll also be provided with a uniform shirt and ID badge for placement.
What jobs can I get with a CHC33021?
Graduates work across both aged care and disability support, including as an Aged Care Worker, Disability Support Worker, NDIS Support Worker, Personal Care Worker, or Community Support Worker. See the Career Outcomes section above for the fuller list across both sectors.
Can I do this course online in Perth?
The blended study option combines self-paced online theory with in-person practical classes at our Kwinana training rooms, plus 120 hours of placement. It isn’t a fully online course, the practical and placement components are hands-on by design, but the theory component is flexible.
Is a Certificate III or Certificate IV better?
Neither is “better,” they suit different stages of a care career. Certificate III in Individual Support is the entry-level qualification for aged care and disability support roles, and what most people start with. Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Certificate IV in Disability Support are the next step up, for supervisory or more complex care roles, and normally build on a Certificate III rather than replace it.
