This qualification reflects the role of an education support worker who assists teachers and supports student learning in a range of classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation. Work requires the use of discretion and judgement within the boundaries of established policies and procedures and complete general administrative as well as operational tasks to support students. To achieve this qualification, students must have completed a total of at least 100 hours of work in a classroom environment catering to primary or secondary school students, within at least one school in Australia. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
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CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
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CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
On completion of CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, students can further their study opportunities and receive direct credits towards CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Occupation includes education support workers assisting teachers in classroom settings within primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
Full-time 48 weeks - students enrol into two clusters at a time in the same study period.
Part-time 96 weeks - students enrol into one cluster at a time.
This course is delivered on Moodle and is competency and cluster-based; it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level. Students must complete all components of the assessment tasks within the course to be deemed competent.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a school environment, with a mandatory work placement of at least 100 hours at either Primary or Secondary Schools. The total number of 100 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement of workplace hours within this qualification.
Students may be required to complete 240 hours of Vocational Placement within this course to demonstrate practical tasks, which is inclusive of the 100 hours required for units CHCEDS034 and CHCEDS035.
Students are to follow the sequence in the course planner.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher at the beginning of your study.
Cluster 8 consists of HLTAID012, and you will need to attend a CQU campus at either Gladstone, Mackay or Rockhampton to complete the practical requirements for this unit. Or, complete the unit HLTAID012 with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and submit a completed certificate to receive a credit for this unit.
This course is delivered on Moodle for a period of 48 weeks, however as it is competency and cluster-based, it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level. Students must complete all components of the assessment tasks within the course to be deemed competent.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a school environment, with a mandatory work placement of at least 100 hours at either Primary or Secondary Schools. The total number of 100 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement of workplace hours within this qualification.
Students may be required to complete 240 hours of Vocational Placement within this course to demonstrate practical tasks, which is inclusive of the 100 hours required for units CHCEDS034 and CHCEDS035.
Students are to follow the sequence in the course planner.
If you have previously completed study, you may be eligible to receive a credit towards your study. Please discuss this with your teacher at the beginning of your study.
Cluster 8 consists of HLTAID012, and you will need to attend a CQU campus at either Gladstone, Mackay or Rockhampton to complete the practical requirements for this unit. Or, complete the unit HLTAID012 with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and submit a completed certificate to receive a credit for this unit.
RPL only - no training occurs.
RPL involves an assessment process of an individual’s previously obtained skills and knowledge that has been achieved outside the formal education and training system. The duration is dependent on evidence collection by the candidate and approval of evidence by the CQUniversity assessor.
Please refer to information on the CQUniversity website - Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
| CHCEDS059 | Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students |
| CHCEDS033 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures |
| CHCEDS060 | Work effectively with students and colleagues |
| CHCEDS061 | Support responsible student behaviour |
| CHCEDS036 | Support the development of literacy and oral language skills |
| CHCEDS037 | Support the development of numeracy skills |
| CHCEDS048 | Work with students in need of additional learning support |
| CHCEDS057 | Support students with additional needs in the classroom |
| CHCEDS034 | Contribute to the planning and implementation of education programs |
| CHCEDS035 | Contribute to student education in all developmental domains |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting |
To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.
This course has no residential schools.
The course is organised to reflect the learning and work activities that take place within a school environment, with a mandatory work placement of 100 hours at either Primary or Secondary Schools.
Within this time allocation, students can demonstrate the required vocational placement tasks and skills for other units as required for the qualification.
The total number of 100 hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirements of workplace hours within this qualification.
Students completing Vocational Placement must complete a minimum of 100 hours of placement throughout the duration of the course. Each Cluster will require vocational placement and demonstration of the practical component in a classroom environment.
CQUniversity requires: completion of bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment before enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.
The requirement to complete the Vocational Placement component for the duration of the qualification of at least 100 hours in a classroom environment within Primary or Secondary Schools. Placement is to be organised by the student, CQUniversity will assist where required.
The requirement to successfully obtain a Working With Children Check relevant to your state in Australia.
Access to a computer, internet and intermediate computer skills. 24 hour CQUniversity computer labs are available on selected campuses.
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply.
Fee-Free TAFE places are limited.
Fee-free TAFE places are only available for new course enrolments from the 1st of January 2026.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, provide a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per *nominal hour. Concession rates apply to eligible students based on provided evidence. If you are required to pay Student Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Career Start or Career Boost.
Free apprenticeships for under 25s covers the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new or existing apprentice or trainee in a priority qualification. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.
Some employers may optionally choose to sponsor all or part of a student’s full fees or co-contribution fees. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
*Nominal hours is a value assigned to a VET course or unit and nominally represents the anticipated hours of supervised training deemed necessary to conduct the training and assessment activities associated with the course or unit.
*Some qualifications require students to pay for additional items, for example, the cost of a uniform or other compulsory resources which are not included in free or subsidised enrolments.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
