Teacher aide inside an australian classroom.

Understanding Your Qualification

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support is Australia's most popular qualification for becoming a teacher aide, teacher assistant, SSO, LSO, or education assistant. By studying this course, you'll gain practical skills to effectively support student learning, assist teachers, and help students reach their potential in a school environment.

As part of the CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support, you'll complete a 100-hour placement in a registered Australian school. This placement provides valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to support students' literacy and numeracy development, assist with classroom activities, and contribute to creating safe, inclusive, and productive learning environments.

During your studies, you'll develop essential skills required of education support professionals, including:

  • Supporting students' literacy and numeracy development
  • Promoting positive student behaviours using effective, research-based strategies
  • Working with diverse student groups, including those with additional needs
  • Implementing school policies, procedures, and maintaining safety standards
  • Collaborating effectively with teachers and other school staff

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support reflects contemporary best practices, ensuring you’re fully prepared to begin your career as a teacher assistant in schools Australia-wide.

Complete Your CHC30221 Certificate III in Half the Time

ITAC’s integrated course structure enables you to complete your CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support in about 6 months—half the usual duration of traditional courses. By condensing repetitive content into focused, practical modules, you'll gain relevant skills faster so you can start earning sooner. [Read more]

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

  • Qualification:
    CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
  • Accreditation:
    Nationally Recognised
  • Availability:
    Australia-wide including WA, VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, ACT & NT
  • Duration:
    6 months standard (600 hours total); commonly faster for students with prior study, parenting, or related experience
  • Enrolment:
    Flexible, 18-month enrolment window to accommodate life events
  • Content:
    Foundational concepts including literacy and numeracy support, behaviour management strategies, inclusive education practices, and classroom safety
  • Placement:
    100 hours with support from local trainers [Read more]
  • Study Options:
  • Support:
    Experienced trainers in all major states for personalised guidance, weekly live webinars, tutorials in select areas, phone and email support [Read more]
  • Time-Saving:
    Our unique integrated structure condenses 15 units into 3 streamlined modules. Complete your qualification in a fraction of the time. [Read more]
  • RPL:
    Available to experienced learners [Read more]
  • Fees & Payment:
    $3500; Interest-free payment plans; eligible for Centrelink student payments; obligation-free 30-day trial; all materials included [See Fees tab]

Fees & Payments

  • Course Fee:
    $3,500
  • Payment Plan:
    Interest-free options available
  • Evaluation Period:
    30-day trial period
  • Centrelink:
    Eligible for student payments during study
  • Materials:
    Included – no additional costs
  • Textbook:
    PDF version provided free; optional paperback available for purchase
  • Transaction fees:
    None
  • Terms and Conditions:
    Enrolment Terms and Conditions
    Direct Debit Terms and Conditions

Interest-Free Payment Options

Frequency Per Payment # Payments Total Cost
Weekly (12 months) $67.31 52 $3,500
Weekly (9 months) $92.11 38 $3,500
Weekly (6 months) $134.62 26 $3,500
Weekly (3 months) $291.67 12 $3,500
Fortnightly (12 months) $134.62 26 $3,500
Fortnightly (9 months) $194.44 18 $3,500
Fortnightly (6 months) $291.67 12 $3,500
Fortnightly (3 months) $583.33 6 $3,500
Monthly (12 months) $291.67 12 $3,500
Monthly (9 months) $388.89 9 $3,500
Monthly (6 months) $583.33 6 $3,500
Monthly (3 months) $1166.67 3 $3,500
Monthly (2 months)* $1500 / $2000 2 $3,500

* Due to regulations ITAC cannot receive more than $1500 in advance. The second payment is scheduled soon after the 30-day census period. Students may request fees be paid over 2-3 payments.

Units of Competency for the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
CHCEDS034 Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs
CHCEDS035 Contribute to student education in all developmental domains
CHCEDS036 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
CHCEDS037 Support the development of numeracy skills
CHCEDS057 Support students with additional needs in the classroom environment
CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
CHCEDS060 Work effectively with students and colleagues
CHCEDS061 Support responsible student behaviour
CHCEDS041 Set up and sustain learning areas
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support
CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning
CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans

Admission

Prerequisites No formal prerequisites specified in the accredited training package.
Language Requirements Students must demonstrate functional English suitable for school-based education support contexts. This includes reading and interpreting school policies, understanding educational resources, and clearly communicating with students and colleagues.
Literacy Requirements Students must possess literacy skills sufficient to accurately read and apply basic educational documentation such as school policies, procedures, student records, and safety instructions, as well as complete written reports, observations, and routine communication records.
Numeracy Requirements Students must demonstrate basic numeracy skills required in education support contexts, including assisting students with calculations, measurements, simple data interpretation, and understanding basic educational graphs and charts.
Digital Literacy Requirements Students must have regular access to a computer with reliable internet and standard software (PDF reader, web browser, word processor). Basic digital skills include navigating online learning platforms, managing electronic documents, and confidently assisting students with educational technologies commonly used in schools, such as computers and tablets.
Physical Requirements Students must be physically capable of participating in learning activities inside and outside classrooms. Typical tasks include assisting students during classroom activities, supervising playground activities, engaging in sports and games, and safely moving educational equipment. Reasonable adjustments may be possible for students with physical limitations—contact ITAC to discuss your needs before enrolment.
Age Requirement Students must turn 16 in the calendar year of enrolment. Students under 18 require a career guidance interview with an ITAC trainer.
Location Students must reside in Australia.
Visa Status Only available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. Student visa holders must enrol with a CRICOS provider.
[Find CRICOS providers here]
Clearances Students must obtain the relevant working with children clearance for their state or territory (e.g., WWCC, Blue Card, WWVP).
[Click here for more information]
Disposition Requirements Students must demonstrate a suitable disposition for working with children, including appropriate behaviour, professional communication, reliability, emotional maturity, and a commitment to ethical and safe conduct at all times.
Workplace Expectations Students must meet standard workplace expectations for Australian schools, including appropriate dress, personal hygiene, being drug and alcohol-free, and presenting professionally and respectfully during placement.
ITAC Discretion ITAC reserves the right to accept or decline enrolment based on relevant factors, including suitability, capability, support needs, or course appropriateness.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support includes a mandatory 100-hour placement in a registered Australian school. Typically, placement is completed over approximately 16 days, with most students attending 2-3 days per week. During your placement, you'll support students in real classroom settings under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Your tasks will include:

  • Assisting individual students and small groups with their literacy, numeracy, and general learning tasks.
  • Implementing strategies to support positive student behaviour and engagement.
  • Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students by following school policies and procedures.
  • Participating in regular classroom routines and daily activities.

ITAC trainers support you throughout your placement, offering personalised guidance, visits, and feedback. We have trainers located across Australia—including Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. We also visit many regional areas.

Students can often secure placements at schools of their choice, particularly if leveraging existing connections. Alternatively, ITAC’s dedicated placement team can assist you in finding a suitable placement, though some flexibility with location or year level may be required.

ITAC provides practical, personalised support to all students enrolled in the CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support, including:

  • Local Trainer Access: Experienced trainers based in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, available by phone and email.
  • Weekly Live Webinars: Regular interactive sessions covering assessments, course topics, and study guidance.
  • Trainer Visits: Trainers conduct visits to provide guidance, feedback, and assistance during your studies.
  • JobAssist Program: Exclusive employment assistance connecting ITAC graduates with job opportunities in local schools.

Feeling anxious about starting your course is completely normal—our trainers support students just like you every day. Helping you succeed is our priority, and we're always here to help.

You can start studying at any time after your enrolment is approved and your deposit is processed. ITAC enrolments are open year-round, allowing you to begin whenever you're ready. Some students may be asked to participate in a short, friendly phone interview before their enrolment is finalised, simply to ensure this course suits your goals and circumstances.

Yes, ITAC has a dedicated team that can help. However, because we place large numbers of students across Australia, we can’t always guarantee a spot at your preferred school, in your preferred year level, or close to home. For this reason, we strongly recommend asking around—friends, neighbours, or people you know through your community may be able to help you access a placement through their school. These personal connections often result in better placements and sometimes even job offers.

If you're unable to find a placement, ITAC will assist—but flexibility may be needed with school location, year level, or schedule.

We generally recommend starting placement after completing most or all of your theory assessments. This ensures you're fully prepared and able to successfully complete all practical tasks without delays or confusion. Beginning your placement too early can mean gaps in your knowledge, difficulties completing tasks, or having to repeat parts of your placement.

If you're unsure whether you're ready to start, check with your trainer first—they’ll guide you based on your individual progress and course requirements.

We strongly recommend enrolling directly into the Education Support Combo unless you are still in high school, have limited confidence with English, or prefer a simpler introductory course. The Combo qualification includes both Certificate III and IV content, providing you with a broader skillset, better employment opportunities, and the flexibility to work across various education support roles.

If you’re uncertain which option best suits you, speak with one of our trainers—we're here to help you choose the course that's right for your needs.

The Certificate III in School-Based Education Support covers foundational skills for general classroom support roles. It's suited for entry-level positions working under close supervision, typically in mainstream classrooms supporting student literacy, numeracy, and general activities.

The Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support builds on these foundations with additional skills for supporting students with disabilities, disorders, or other complex learning needs. It prepares you for more specialised roles and typically leads to higher employability, more responsibilities, and better pay.

The Certificate III in School-Based Education Support is designed to take approximately 6 months (600 hours total) for students studying around 20–25 hours per week. However, many students complete the course more quickly, particularly those with relevant prior experience, such as parenting, volunteering, or previous study. You have up to 18 months to complete the course, allowing you to adjust your pace to suit your individual circumstances.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support uses practical, workplace-focused assessments. There are no exams or essays. Instead, you’ll complete:

  • Short-answer questions and matching activities
  • Knowledge checks (multiple-choice style)
  • Practical tasks such as developing learning resources and classroom activities
  • Projects relevant to real classroom scenarios
  • A workplace portfolio completed during your placement
  • Practical demonstrations observed directly by your trainer

This practical approach ensures assessments are directly relevant to your future role as a teacher aide or education support worker.

Yes—this course is designed specifically for adult learners who balance study with other responsibilities, such as work, family, or community commitments. The Certificate III in School-Based Education Support is self-paced, allowing you to adjust your weekly study schedule as needed. You have up to 18 months to complete the course, offering ample flexibility to study at a comfortable pace around your personal circumstances.

We conduct placement visits because it's a regulatory requirement and a core part of quality training. Your trainer will observe you in action, check your progress, and provide feedback to help you build confidence and improve your skills.

But it’s not just about compliance—schools expect it too. Many schools won’t accept students from providers that don’t visit, and in some cases, students from non-visiting RTOs have been overlooked for jobs or had their qualifications questioned. Worse still, some providers have had their graduates’ qualifications revoked due to poor-quality training and assessment.

At ITAC, we have trainers based in all major cities, including Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Your trainer visits you during placement to support you, ensure everything is on track, and complete the required assessment tasks. Choosing a provider that conducts site visits protects both your qualification and employability.

Yes, many students continue their studies by progressing to the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support or the popular Education Support Combo. Completing the Certificate III provides a solid foundation for more advanced study and increased employment opportunities, allowing you to support students with disabilities, disorders, or other additional learning needs. Further qualifications typically enhance your career prospects, responsibilities, and earning potential.

Course Includes:

  • Australia-Wide Support Yes
  • Interest-Free Plans Yes
  • Integrated Structure Yes
  • No-Obligation Period Yes
  • Flexible Learning Yes
  • No Exams or Essays Yes
  • Start Anytime Yes
  • Local Trainers Yes

Nation-wide Support:
Trusted by Thousands of Students Every Year

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