How long will the course take?
Course durations are estimates, not fixed completion times. ITAC courses are self-paced and flexible, so completion time can vary considerably depending on each student’s background, weekly study routine, confidence, support needs, placement or workplace access, and personal circumstances.
Students may complete closer to the shorter end of the timeframe where they have:
- relevant industry or related-role experience
- substantial experience with children through parenting, volunteering or community involvement
- transferable workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, WHS, following policies and procedures, documentation and time management
- prior study experience, such as completing another certificate, diploma or degree
For students who are newer to study, the sector, workplace documentation, online learning or professional English, the longer end of the timeframe may be more realistic. Some students may require an extension beyond the standard enrolment period.
Sarah – about 12 months
Sarah is 35 and has three children aged 4, 7 and 12. She has about six years of relevant work experience, including two years as a teacher aide and experience in family day care. She has completed several certificates in the past including a Diploma of Community Services and partial completion of an early childhood degree. This background gives her a strong foundation in child development, daily routines, communication, supervision, WHS awareness, documentation, teamwork and following workplace policies and procedures.
Sarah completes the Certificate III component first, then progresses into the Diploma component. Because she is already employed in an early childhood service, she can complete Diploma-level workplace evidence through her regular role. For Sarah, completing in about 12 months is realistic if she is dedicated and consistent with her studies.
Mia – about 18 months
Mia is 23 and has worked in retail and hospitality since leaving school. She has some experience caring for younger siblings, but limited experience in formal early childhood services. Mia holds a Certificate IV in Hospitality and a Certificate IV in Business. She is confident with customer service, teamwork, punctuality and following workplace procedures, but needs more time to build confidence with babies, toddlers, care routines, observations, curriculum planning and Diploma-level assessment tasks.
Mia completes the Certificate III component first, then moves into the Diploma component at a steadier pace. For Mia, completing in about 18 months may be more realistic.
Amina – longer than 18 months
Amina is 31 and has experience caring for children in family and community settings. She is capable and motivated, but needs more time with professional English, written assessments, service policies, planning tasks and early childhood documentation. She may understand the practical work but need longer to read policies, complete written responses and prepare workplace evidence. Amina has completed an engineering degree in her home country and is very confident caring for children with substantial informal experience.
Amina may need an extension beyond the standard enrolment period due to challenges with her English language skills which slows down her progress.