A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) is one of the most in-demand roles in Victoria's aged care and community services sector. If you want to know how to become a PCA in Victoria — the qualification, placement, checks, and job search — here is the complete 2026 guide.

What Is a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)?

A Personal Care Assistant provides day-to-day support to older people, people with disability, or those with chronic health conditions. In Victoria, PCAs work in:

• Residential aged care facilities
• Home care and community care settings
• Supported independent living environments
• Both government-funded and private care providers

PCAs work under the supervision of registered nurses and care coordinators, helping clients with daily activities including personal hygiene, dressing, meals, medication reminders, and social engagement.

Step 1: Complete CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support

The minimum qualification for a Personal Care Assistant in Victoria is CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (RTO 41597 | CRICOS: 115261A). At Clinton Institute's Melbourne campus:

• Delivered face-to-face with practical simulation
• Includes 120 hours of supervised placement in an approved aged care facility
• Placement is arranged by Clinton Institute — you do not find your own
• Duration: 26–52 weeks depending on study mode
• CRICOS-registered for international students

The course covers: personal care support, communication in health and community services, legal and ethical practice, safe manual handling, infection control, and supporting people with dementia.

Step 2: Obtain Required Clearances

Before you can start placement or work as a PCA, you need:

• National Police Check — approximately $20–$50 via fit2work.com.au or your state police service. Allow 5–10 business days.
• Working with Children Check — free for students in Victoria. Apply online through the Department of Justice Victorian Screening website.
• Evidence of vaccinations — COVID-19 (all doses), influenza (annual), dTpa (whooping cough booster, last 10 years), hepatitis B (full course or evidence of immunity).

Clinton Institute's student support team walks you through each of these requirements before your placement begins.

Step 3: Complete 120 Hours of Work Placement

CHC33021 at Clinton Institute includes a mandatory 120 hours of supervised work placement in an approved aged care facility. Clinton Institute arranges placement for every student at facilities including:

• Arcare Caulfield, Keysborough, Knox, Burnside
• Opal HealthCare facilities across Melbourne
• Benetas aged care residences

Placement is where many students receive job offers — employers often recruit directly from placement cohorts.

Step 4: Receive Your CHC33021 Certificate

Once you have completed all theory units and 120 placement hours, Clinton Institute issues your CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. This qualification is recognised Australia-wide and meets the minimum requirement for PCA roles in Victoria.

Step 5: Apply for PCA Jobs in Victoria

With CHC33021 in hand, you can apply for Personal Care Assistant roles across Victoria. Key employers include:

• Arcare — multiple Melbourne locations
• Opal HealthCare — metropolitan and regional Victoria
• Benetas — trusted aged care provider across Melbourne
• Royal Freemasons — Melbourne aged care services
• Mercy Health — aged and community care
• Home care providers (Baptcare, Montecito, TLC)

PCA Salary in Victoria: $27–$32 per hour under the SCHA2022 Aged Care Award. With experience and further qualifications (CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support), PCAs can progress to supervisory and case management roles with higher pay.

Step 6: Consider Further Study

After gaining experience as a PCA, you can progress to:

• CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support — unlocks team leader, care coordinator, and case manager roles
• CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services — for community services management pathways

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Personal Care Assistant in Victoria?

Complete CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — the minimum qualification for PCA roles in Victoria. Clinton Institute (RTO 41597) delivers CHC33021 at its Melbourne campus with arranged placement.

What qualification does a PCA need in Victoria?

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the minimum qualification for Personal Care Assistant roles across Victoria. It is nationally recognised and meets aged care sector employer requirements.

How long does it take to become a PCA?

CHC33021 at Clinton Institute takes 26–52 weeks depending on study mode. Full-time students can complete in 26 weeks; part-time extends to 52 weeks.

What checks does a PCA need?

PCAs need a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check (free for students in Victoria), and evidence of vaccinations (COVID-19, influenza, dTpa, hepatitis B).

How much does a Personal Care Assistant earn in Victoria?

PCAs in Victoria earn $27–$32 per hour under the SCHA2022 Aged Care Award. With CHC43015 and experience, roles like care coordinator pay significantly more.

Ready to start your PCA qualification in Melbourne?

Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS: 03540C) offers CHC33021 with arranged placement and monthly intakes. Apply now or contact our admissions team.

Apply to Study

Clinton Institute is a registered training organisation (RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS: 03540C). Learn more about us.