This course is available to international students on a higher education student visa as their concurrent/ secondary course.
For Certificate level courses, students must have completed a minimum of Year 10 schooling or equivalent or to be a mature age student (20 years of age and above).
Students need to demonstrate they have proficiency in English before a place can be offered. If an international student does not have any current IELTS score or any recognised English language result, they are required to take an English language test administered by APSI*.
The minimum entry level of English proficiency for all APSI courses is the equivalent of Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band less than 5.0. English tests are only valid for 2 years.
The following English language tests are recognised and accepted by Australian Professional Skills Institute:
English Language Test Name and Scores, Entry level for APSI
IELTS (Academic) overall: 5.5, with no individual band less than: 5.0
IELTS (General) overall: 6.0, with no individual band less than: 5.5
TOEFL paper based, 527
TOEFL internet based, 46
Cambridge English Advanced, 162
Pearson PTE Academic, 42
All Certificate III in Individual Support students must be willing to apply, or already hold, a current National Police Clearance (not older than 3 months at time of enrolment). This is COMPULSORY for students/candidates to undertake workplace training. A National Police Clearance can be acquired from any Post Office for a small fee. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. Students cannot attend work experience without this.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) is designed to provide training to entry level workers who want to work in residential aged care facilities, community care, disability care, community based organisations and hospitals. This qualification reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential setting (residential aged care facilities) who follow an individualised plan for provision of person-centred care to people who may require support due to ageing, disability or some other reason. Workers are being required to increasingly support people in their homes, support people with increasingly complex needs, to tailor care and support approaches to meet individual needs with increased ‘client’ choice. The course combines both theory and practical training, with the bulk of the learning and assessment in the workplace where learners will be practising newly acquired knowledge through delivery of skills in areas relating to personal care, assisting people to maintain independence in their home of choice and provide welfare and support services to assist some of the most vulnerable people in the community.
CRICOS Course Code: 090829J
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Units of Competency
This Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) course consists of 13 units of competence with 7 core units and 6 elective units as listed below:
Unit Name
Provide individualised support
Support independence and well being
Communicate and work in health or community services
Work with diverse people
Work legally and ethically
Recognise healthy body systems
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Elective Units,
Facilitate the empowerment of older people
Provide support to people living with dementia
Meet personal support needs
Support relationships with carers and families
Provide home and community support services
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
Students can also acquire a dual qualification – Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) by taking the following extra units:
Additional Units,
Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
Support community participation and social inclusion
Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Personal Care Worker
Assistant in Nursing
Support Worker
Respite Worker
Community Care Worker
OSHC: 530$ per year
