We recommend the Teacher Aide Combo because it qualifies you to work in both mainstream and special needs. Having two qualifications on your resume also looks better than one plus you will know everything from both courses which makes you much more employable and skilled. For government funded students (QLD), we recommend completing both courses starting with the Certificate III.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support is a basic course that we recommend for students who are attending high school, school leavers, individuals learning to speak English, or those who have another reason to not enrol directly into the higher-level course.

The CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is the best course for adult learners because it covers disabilities and disorders. It is the new standard that schools expect their support staff to hold. As most graduates work with students with additional needs, the higher course means far more employment opportunities.

We recommend the Teacher Aide Combo more than any other course as it means twice the certificates on your resume and many additional skills. All three courses take about the same amount of time. Read more detailed FAQs about the Teacher Aide Combo here.

There are no exams, essays or tests with ITAC. The assessments consist of short answer questions, quizzes with printable certificates, and activities related to your work placement. To see how we do things at ITAC, view our sample page here.

Students access their portal and complete set tasks before starting the theory assessments. These tasks include reading the Learner Guide and associated activities, watching webinars and lectures, completing interactive e-learning modules, and also reading through supplementary readings on specific topics to extend your knowledge. Students can also attend live webinars each week.

Because our courses are self-paced it is really up to each student. We recommend to aim for 12 hours per week but students often study when they can. Around 20 hours per week is considered full-time. Some students study a smaller amount of time each week and then set aside additional time when they are free.

A person with no experience with children and no prior study or work history is expected to take around 26 weeks to complete any of our courses. Those with experience with children (including raising children) can expect to finish their course much sooner (up to half this time). Students who have worked in 'caring' industries such as childcare and aged care typically finish sooner as well.

ITAC's unique integrated course structure means saving a huge amount of time while still learning the exact same content. In short, an integrated course means studying a small number of modules (3 or 4) instead of a large number of overlapping units (15+).

ITAC deliver the only true Teacher Aide Combo in Australia thanks to our unique integrated course structure. Most combo programs do not actually combine all units into a streamlined program - they are simply one course studied after the other on a unit-by-unit basis (saving basically no time at all). ITAC's integrated course structure means 32 units (15 from Cert III and 17 from Cert IV) are mashed together into 4 simple, practical and logical work-like modules.

To learn how to choose the best provider, read this article.

The placement is for 100 hours which is about 16 days. It mainly involves helping students one-on-one or small groups and applying the instructional techniques that you will learnt in the theory parts of your course.

Yes we can find one for you however most students find their own placement by asking people who they know or by approaching a few preferred schools near them. We can call schools on your behalf but as we have so many students to manage, we cannot guarantee where you will be placed (you may need to travel or go to a non-preferred school e.g. a high school if wanting primary).

You may do a placement in a school where your child attends, however it is standard practice to not be in the same classroom as this can cause issues.

Students can phone or email one of our expert trainers at any stage of their course. Students can also attend our regular virtual catchup webinars, book a phone meeting, attend face-to-face tutorials in selected areas, and access our extensive library of learning resources (e-learning modules, readings, lectures, videos etc.). See some of our support services on our course sample page here.

Online students follow a structured and supported program with ongoing regular contact from their trainer including live webinars. Students complete set learning tasks followed by the assessments and a placement. Read more FAQs about studying online here, or read our article about studying online here.

Classes are currently available in Western Australia (Cockburn) 8 times per year. Please check the course calendar for dates. Classes are very popular and always fill up so get in early. Read more FAQs about classes here.

Our classes run 1 day per week for 10 weeks. We run new classes every school term. Classes are more like workshops that introduce students to key topics. Students complete various activities at home plus a placement in a local school.

All ITAC students are provided with a free electronic copy of their learner guide. Students may purchase hardcopies if desired.

Each case is different however RPL typically requires several years of experience as a support worker in a school, plus evidence of ongoing professional development. Applicants from childcare or with partially completed university studies are likely to move through the full course faster but are not eligible for RPL. Read more about RPL here.

Unfortunately due to government regulations, ITAC do not currently enrol students who are in Australia on a student visa.