CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
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CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support is Australia's most popular qualification for teacher aides, education assistants, SSOs, LSOs, and classroom support staff. You’ll learn practical, job-ready skills to assist teachers, support student learning, and contribute to safe and inclusive classrooms. Study online, at your own pace, with expert local trainer support. Most students finish in just 6 months.
As part of the CHC30221 Certificate III, you'll complete a 100-hour placement in a registered Australian school. This hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in real classrooms – supporting literacy and numeracy, working with students of all backgrounds, and helping teachers with daily routines and learning activities.
You’ll develop the core skills expected of education support workers, including:
Supporting student literacy and numeracy
Managing behaviour using positive, research-based strategies
Working with diverse student needs and backgrounds
Following school policies and ensuring safety
Supporting teachers and contributing to classroom planning
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:
Online Mode: Enrol anytime, with ongoing support [Read more]
Experienced Learner Pathway: Available [Read more]
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available [Read more]
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]
* 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
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
This unit applies to all workers.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and comply with legislation, policy and industrial instruments that relate to the education support worker role in school settings.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist teachers in the planning and delivery of education programs. Classroom-level support is provided to ensure the learning environment is inclusive and relevant, and appropriately resourced and maintained. This includes routine classroom administration and operational functions.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development of students with a focus on the inclusion of all students.
This unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional to support student education according to established curriculum. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes skills and knowledge required to establish program guidelines, provide support, and monitor progress when working with students who need support with their reading, writing and oral language skills.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement numeracy programs as identified by the teacher to assist students requiring numeracy support.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support students with recognised additional needs in classrooms, where there are students with a mix of abilities and needs.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement work health and safety policies and procedures to support the health, safety and wellbeing of students in an educational environment.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary and secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to generate positive, respectful and effective interactions with students and colleagues.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary and secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support and guide responsible and positive behaviour of students.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary and secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create, maintain and monitor individual and/or small group learning environments. This may include a learning activity area in a classroom, library or home-based learning environment, or a virtual learning environment.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others.
The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to contribute to the planning and implementation of strategies to support students who have challenges that may limit their access to the curriculum and its outcomes.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate and monitor student learning according to principles of practice used in a school.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support the implementation of behaviour plans within a school. It includes developing an understanding of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
The unit applies to education support workers who operate under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or other educational professional. They work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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.
Students must obtain the relevant working with children clearance for their state or territory (e.g., WWCC, Blue Card, WWVP). [Read more]
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 is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification for teacher aides and education assistants. It prepares you to support students in literacy, numeracy, behaviour, and daily classroom activities. You’ll gain the practical skills required to work in mainstream school environments.
Most students complete the CHC30221 Certificate III in about 6 months. The course is self-paced, with up to 18 months allowed. Those with relevant experience (e.g. parenting, volunteering, prior study) often finish sooner.
Yes. The course includes a 100-hour placement in a registered Australian school. You’ll apply your learning in real classrooms, assist students and teachers, and gain experience with literacy, numeracy, behaviour support, and classroom routines.
Yes — our placement team can assist. However, you’re encouraged to arrange your own placement, especially through personal contacts. This often leads to better experiences and job opportunities. If needed, ITAC will help arrange a school, though flexibility is required.
Most students begin placement after completing the majority of their theory assessments. This ensures you are prepared to complete your placement successfully without delays or repeat tasks. Your trainer will advise based on your progress.
You’ll receive personalised support from local trainers, weekly live webinars, phone and email access, and workplace visits during placement. Our JobAssist program also connects you with employment opportunities in local schools.
No. Assessment is practical and job-focused. You’ll complete short-answer questions, classroom activity plans, knowledge checks, a workplace portfolio, and on-site trainer observations. No exams, no essays.
Yes. The course is built for adult learners with work, family, or other commitments. Study is fully self-paced with up to 18 months to finish. You can adjust your pace as needed.
Graduates work as teacher aides, education assistants, SSOs, LSOs, and similar roles in schools. This qualification meets minimum employment requirements in all Australian states and territories.
We recommend the Education Support Combo for the widest career flexibility and best long-term value. Certificate III is suitable for those new to education or with limited experience. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you choose the right option.
Yes – many students go on to complete the CHC40221 Certificate IV or the Education Support Combo. This opens the door to more specialised roles and better job prospects.
Placement visits are a training and regulatory requirement. Schools also expect it. Trainers visit you on site to complete assessments, support you, and help ensure your qualification is respected and recognised by employers.
Andrea is a qualified primary teacher with 14 years' experience in classroom and leadership roles. She loves camping trips and spending family time at the beach.
Kylie is a degree-qualified early childhood teacher with over 10 years in adult education. She enjoys the variety of her role and planning family adventures.
Lisa is an experienced early childhood teacher who balances teaching and training roles. At home, she's happiest spending time with her family and their beloved pets.
Candace is a qualified primary teacher with nearly 10 years' classroom experience. She enjoys helping students succeed and relaxing at the beach with family and friends.
Aliesha has over 20 years' experience in education and loves supporting ITAC students and staff. Outside work, she enjoys camping trips and time with her grandchildren.
Kylie has nearly 12 years' experience supporting primary students, especially in literacy. She loves helping others achieve their goals and sharing the joy of reading.
Carolyn is a degree-qualified teacher who also works as a university lecturer. She enjoys helping future teacher aides and spending weekends cheering on her son at swim meets.
Catherine has dedicated 25 years to supporting students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Outside work, her family life keeps her smiling—and she adores giraffes!
Shelley is a qualified special education teacher who enjoys supporting students with diverse learning needs. She’s passionate about music and loves combining creativity with teaching.
Carla is an experienced primary teacher and former Assistant Principal specialising in special education. Outside work, she enjoys painting and beach adventures with family.
Joy is an experienced primary and specialist education teacher who's passionate about education support and technology. She loves reading, travel, and discovering amazing food along the way.
Margie is a secondary-trained teacher experienced in special education and vocational training. She loves exploring Queensland’s countryside and beaches in her free time.
Experience our range of innovative programs at ITAC, enhancing your educational journey towards success.
JobAssist
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EnablePath
Aimed at creating an inclusive environment, this program offers customized learning plans, specialist staff, and one-on-one support for students with disabilities.
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Flexible Learning
Local Expertise
Experienced trainers across major Australian cities, providing tailored support and local insights throughout your studies.
Online Learning Platform
24/7 access to our comprehensive digital resources, allowing you to study at your own pace, wherever you are in Australia.
Personalised Support
Dedicated team committed to your success, offering academic guidance and practical assistance to help you balance study with life's demands.
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