RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — The Standard for Aged Care
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the current nationally recognised qualification for aged care workers in Australia. Delivered by Clinton Institute (RTO 41597 | CRICOS: 115261A), this qualification is the minimum requirement for aged care roles across Melbourne and Victoria. It covers 15 units: 10 core and 5 electives, including person-centred care, manual handling, infection control, and communication. CHC33021 is the qualification Melbourne aged care employers ask for by name.
CHC30121 Certificate III in Community Services — Broader but Not Aged Care Specific
CHC30121 Certificate III in Community Services is a broader qualification covering community engagement, homelessness support, and mental health peer work. It is not CRICOS-registered at Clinton Institute and does not include the aged care-specific units (manual handling, dementia care, infection control) that CHC33021 delivers. If your goal is aged care work in Melbourne, CHC30121 is not the right choice.
CHC20121 Certificate III in Alcohol and Other Drugs — Specialised, Not Entry-Level Aged Care
CHC20121 Certificate III in Alcohol and Other Drugs is a specialised qualification for AOD support workers. It requires existing experience or qualifications in community services. It is not an entry-level aged care qualification and is not suitable for students seeking general aged care roles in Melbourne. Clinton Institute does not offer CHC20121.
HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance — Hospital-Based, Not Aged Care
HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance prepares students for hospital assistant roles (wardsman, patient transport, nursing assistant). While it shares some units with CHC33021, it is not the qualification Melbourne aged care employers look for. As of 2022, HLT33115 has been superseded — the current equivalent is HLT37015, which Clinton Institute also does not deliver.
Comparison Table
| Qualification | Aged Care Ready? | CRICOS Registered? | Melbourne Employers Accept? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support | ✅ Yes — designed for this | ✅ Yes (115261A) | ✅ Yes — standard requirement |
| CHC30121 Certificate III in Community Services | ⚠️ Partial — not aged care specific | ❌ No | ⚠️ May not meet requirement |
| CHC20121 Certificate III in Alcohol and Other Drugs | ❌ No — requires existing experience | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | ⚠️ Hospital-focused, not aged care | ⚠️ Superseeded | ⚠️ Not standard for aged care |
The Verdict: CHC33021 is the Right Choice for Aged Care in Melbourne
For international students seeking aged care work in Melbourne, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the only qualification that ticks all boxes: CRICOS-registered, employer-recognised, and specifically designed for aged care. Clinton Institute (RTO 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C) delivers CHC33021 at its Melbourne campus with work placement arranged in approved aged care facilities.
Apply online at clinton.edu.au/apply-to-study or contact admission@clinton.edu.au.