Frequently asked questions

Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Ageing Support need no prior experience or certification. Certificate IV in Disability Support needs Certificate III first. Certificate IV is the more advanced qualification and includes medication knowledge in aged care, which enables you to assist with medication. However, a Pre-Training Review (PTR) is essential to confirm enrolment.

As a domestic RTO, ETC does not enrol students holding a primary international student visa in accredited courses. If you hold such a visa and want to work as an aged care or disability support worker, you can enrol in the Assistant in Nursing course, which is a non-accredited course. Contact our reception for details.

Yes, you can study both Certificate III and Certificate IV disability courses without a licence, and you can still work. Many facilities now expect a licence, so we encourage you to factor that in when choosing a disability pathway.

Courses must be completed within one year of enrolment. You can finish the three parts (theory, practical and work placement) at your own pace, in as little as 3 months in the fast-track stream. Most students finish within 4 to 6 months.

Your enrolment is cancelled if you go beyond the one-year frame. You can extend before the expiry date by paying the extension fee.

Much of the theory can be completed remotely, and there are regular live online sessions. You must attend in person for First Aid and CPR, Manual Handling, medication, and the ongoing simulation workshops (Certificate III, Certificate IV and Assistant in Nursing).

Most units are foundational and do not need prior knowledge. You work through the learner guide and resources, and your trainer explains any content you find difficult. Answers must be your own work.

There are no weekend classes, but an evening option is available. For placement, some aged care facilities can offer weekend as well as evening shifts.

ETC manages placement and will do its best to arrange a facility close to you.

Yes. You can organise placement at a facility you know. ETC must approve the facility and establish a relationship with it before you commence, and you complete the placement workbook.

Give us your availability and we arrange placement around it. Limited or irregular availability means a longer wait.

Once placement is fixed on your stated availability it cannot be cancelled. If you cancel without a genuine reason such as a medical emergency, you must organise placement yourself, and a re-organisation fee may apply.

Tell the college as soon as possible by email or phone. In genuine circumstances we can postpone your course without extra charge.

Materials, placement, classes and certificates are included as stated in your course package. You pay for any police check, Working with Children Check or NDIS worker screening, an express-posted certificate if you want one, a course extension beyond one year, and any additional fees set out in our Fee Administration and Refund Policy.