Disability (Individual Support)

Providing expert care and support to people with disability is a growing sector in Australia, and there is demand for workers in a variety of roles within residential facilities, private homes and the community.

Develop the skills, knowledge and hands on experience to perform all the functions of a disability support worker or progress to the Certificate IV and gain the ability to provide, coordinate and supervise home and community support programs.

Industry Placement

You will receive a minimum of 120 unpaid hours of industry experience fully coordinated by CIT. This industry placement will give you the firsthand skills to be ready for employment.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) | CHC33021
    CRICOS: 114025K

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    TOTAL CIT PACKAGE: 6 months
    Certificate III: 6 months

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2025 Semester 1 (February)  Semester  2  (July)

    2026 Semester 1 (February)  Semester  2  (July)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Bruce

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2025 Semester 1: $7,830 per semester (Total qualification tuition fee)

    2025 Semester 2: TBA

    2026 Semester 1: TBA

    Extra Fees:

    Certificate III: Material Fee: $502, CIT Polo Shirt: $50.00, Work clothes and shoes: $250.00, Police Check: $42.00, Working With Vulnerable People Check: $135 approx., Vaccination Covid: No charge, Vaccination Influenza: Approximately $30.

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small tuition and material fee increases may occur annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. Fees are subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)


    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry with relevant practical work or other professional experience. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements:
    Students must also meet one of the following English requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (no band score less than 5.0)
    • PTE Academic - 50 (minimum of 36 in each band)
    • Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 169

    Non-student visa applicants who hold a temporary visa for the full duration of the offered program will be required to meet Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 in Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills (LLND) or equivalent.

    Students also require an expressed interest in working with people who live with issues of disability.  Applicants may be interviewed to demonstrate interest in complex client support, human rights and person-centred frameworks and genuine interest to work with diverse colleagues and clients.

  • Course Subjects - Certificate III

    Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) | CHC33021 - 15 subjects

    Core: complete all 9 subjects

    • 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 contro
    • HLTWHS002  Follow safe work practices for direct client care

    Electives: complete 3 subjects

    • CHCDIS001 Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
    • CHCAGE012  Work effectively in disability support
    • CHCDIS012 Support Community participation and social inclusion

    Electives: complete 3 subject

    • HLTHPS006  Assist clients with medication
    • CHCMHS001  Work with people with mental health issues
    • CHCCCS036  Support relationships with carer and family
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Certificate III: Support worker, personal carer, care worker, carer, nursing assistant, respite worker.

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    Modes of study include:

    • Simulated Work Environment (SLE) where students will practice skills and perform assessments prior to industry placements, for example, personal care, manual handling.
    • Industry placements (work experience)
    • Self-directed learning
    • Online learning and student engagement through e-Learn
    • Classroom delivery

    Students must complete class work, assignments, practical components and project work throughout a course. They may then be assessed using a combination of these tasks. Assessment outcomes may be based on demonstrating competence in various practical skills, successfully completing theory-based quizzes and assignments and projects, or a combination of all four assessment methods.

  • Pathways to Further Study
    Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (6 months)
    PLUS
    Diploma of Nursing (18 months)
    OR
    Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (6 months)
    PLUS
    Certificate IV in Mental Health(12 months)
    PLUS
    Diploma of Nursing (18 months)

    Because CIT offers nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), students can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to most universities within Australia and receive credit towards a degree, even where formal credit transfer arrangements are not in place; however, RPL is not guaranteed.

    We recommend you speak directly with your chosen university in relation to credit transfer, entry requirements and their application process.