CHC33021 or CHC43015? Choose the Right Aged Care Qualification
One course builds direct-support foundations. The other moves into specialised aged-care planning, coordination and greater responsibility.
Choose according to the work you are ready to learn—not simply the higher course title.
Certificate IV is not automatically the best starting course
CHC33021 and CHC43015 are designed around different levels of aged-care responsibility.
CHC33021 reflects individual-support work performed under supervision and delegation while following an individualised plan.
CHC43015 reflects specialised aged-services work in residential, home or community settings. Workers take responsibility for their own outputs and support quality service delivery through individual planning, coordination and review.
A higher qualification may be appropriate for an experienced worker, but it can be an unnecessarily difficult starting point for someone who has not yet developed direct-support foundations.
What each course is designed to develop
Certificate III in Individual Support
This qualification develops foundation skills for providing person-centred support in community, home and residential-care settings.
Work is generally performed under supervision and delegation as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- 15 units: 9 core and 6 electives
- At least 120 hours of work
- Available with ageing-focused electives
- Focus on direct individual support
- Common starting point for new entrants
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
This qualification reflects specialised tasks and functions in aged services across residential, home and community environments.
It includes service coordination, individualised planning, dementia, palliative care, risk intervention and responsibility for service quality.
- 18 units: 15 core and 3 electives
- At least 120 hours of work
- Greater depth in ageing support
- Planning and service-coordination focus
- May suit experienced or progressing workers
The practical differences that should guide your choice
| Decision factor | CHC33021 | CHC43015 |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification level | Certificate III. | Certificate IV. |
| Units | 15 units: 9 core and 6 electives. | 18 units: 15 core and 3 electives. |
| Work requirement | At least 120 hours of work. | At least 120 hours of work. |
| Primary work focus | Providing direct person-centred support while following an individualised plan. | Performing specialised aged-care functions and facilitating, coordinating and reviewing service delivery. |
| Supervision and responsibility | Work is performed under supervision and delegation. | Workers take responsibility for their own outputs within organisational guidelines. |
| Dementia and palliative care | Availability depends partly on the provider’s elective package. | Dementia and palliative-care capability form part of the core course structure. |
| Planning and coordination | Focuses more on implementing established support plans. | Includes coordinating services and facilitating individual service planning and delivery. |
| Potential student fit | New entrants and students building direct-care foundations. | Existing workers or students prepared for specialised support and greater responsibility. |
Both qualifications require at least 120 hours of work
The higher qualification does not remove the practical requirement. Students still need access to an appropriate aged-care workplace and assessment conditions.
Ask whether the provider arranges the workplace, accepts an existing employer, offers the course as a traineeship or expects the student to source a placement.
Also confirm whether the advertised course duration includes workplace waiting time, induction, screening, assessment observations and possible resubmissions.
Online or flexible theory does not automatically mean the complete qualification can be finished from home.
Which qualification may fit your next move?
Investigate CHC33021 first
Certificate III may provide a more realistic foundation in direct support, communication, safety, legal practice, healthy body systems and person-centred care.
Compare CHC43015 against your intended responsibilities
Certificate IV may be relevant when you want deeper capability in service planning, dementia, palliative care, risk intervention, coordination or workplace leadership.
Check the elective package and employer requirements
CHC43015 can include leadership electives, but not every provider offers them and the qualification does not guarantee a supervisory position.
Ask about credit transfer and recognition
Previous units may support credit transfer, while relevant experience may be considered through recognition of prior learning. The provider must assess the evidence formally.
Compare the complete workload, not only months advertised
Check units, weekly attendance, placement scheduling, independent study, assessment support and the realistic completion timeline.
Could both qualifications be available through Free TAFE?
The Victorian Skills Gateway currently marks both CHC33021 and CHC43015 for Skills First, Free TAFE and traineeship delivery.
Eligible students may have tuition fees covered, but the provider must assess personal eligibility and confirm that a funded place is available.
Other costs may include student services, learning materials, screening, uniforms, travel, workplace requirements or other provider-specific charges.
A traineeship requires relevant employment and an employer willing to enter a formal training contract and support workplace learning.
A Free TAFE listing is not personal funding approval. Confirm eligibility, intake availability, entry conditions and every fee before enrolling.
Confirm these points before choosing either course
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to complete CHC33021 before CHC43015?
The national CHC43015 qualification does not state one universal prerequisite. However, providers may apply their own entry, employment or readiness requirements. Students without direct-support foundations should ask the provider to assess whether Certificate IV is a realistic starting point.
Does CHC43015 include work placement?
Yes. Candidates must complete at least 120 hours of work as specified in the qualification requirements.
Does CHC33021 also require 120 hours?
Yes. CHC33021 also requires at least 120 hours of work.
Is Certificate IV better for getting an aged-care job?
Not automatically. Employers consider the role, experience, screening, suitability and workplace needs. A higher qualification does not guarantee employment.
Can I study either course online?
Theory may be offered online or through flexible delivery, but workplace hours and practical assessments still require access to an appropriate aged-care environment.
Are both courses available through Free TAFE?
Both are currently marked as Free TAFE courses in Victoria. Personal eligibility, funded-place availability and additional costs require provider confirmation.
Can previous aged-care experience reduce the course?
Credit transfer or recognition of prior learning may apply, but the provider must assess prior units, experience and evidence formally.
Sources and information checked
- Training.gov.au — CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support Supported the qualification description, unit structure and minimum 120-hour work requirement. Accessed 31 July 2026.
- Training.gov.au — CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support Supported the qualification description, 18-unit structure, specialised aged-services focus and minimum 120-hour work requirement. Accessed 31 July 2026.
- Victorian Skills Gateway — CHC33021 Supported Victorian Skills First, Free TAFE, traineeship and provider-variation guidance. Accessed 31 July 2026.
- Victorian Skills Gateway — CHC43015 Supported Victorian funding signals, course focus, elective variation and traineeship guidance. Accessed 31 July 2026.
- Australian Skills Quality Authority — Choose a course and provider Supported pre-enrolment checks covering delivery, placement, fees, support and provider information. Accessed 31 July 2026.
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