A complete guide to aged care qualifications and certification requirements 

There are many different roles within aged care, some of which require a higher degree of education and training. Getting the right aged care qualifications and certificates can support you in establishing a long and rewarding career in the field. They ensure you understand the safety, legal and ethical protocols to effectively look after the people in your care. 

If you’re starting out in aged care or already work in the field and want to develop your career, this is your complete guide to aged care qualifications and certification requirements. It will help you understand what skills, experience and qualifications you’ll need to help older people live fulfilling lives throughout their later years. 

Aged care certificates

Certificate III in Individual Support

Certificate III in Individual Support is the perfect entry point for kick-starting a career in aged care. This qualification provides you with the essential skills in direct, hands-on care for individuals who need assistance with daily living. 

Most people complete Certificate III in Individual Support through Technical and Further Education (TAFE) which is recognised across the country. These are government-funded institutions that provide vocational education and training, including qualifications for the aged care sector.  

You can choose between online learning, which offers flexibility to study at your own pace, or in-person classes, where you gain hands-on experience with industry professionals.  

Throughout the course, you’ll build a strong foundation in key areas such as: 

• Personalised care and support 
• Promoting independence  
• Understanding how the body works to recognise normal signs of health 
• Identifying changes that might indicate illness or health issues 
• Supporting wellbeing through proper nutrition, hydration and movement 
• Effective communication in health and community services 
• Working with diverse range of people 
• Legal and ethical responsibilities 
• Infection prevention and control practices 
• Safe work procedures for direct client care 

TAFE offers this course for overseas students with applicable international fees. 

Certificate IV in Ageing Support

If you’re already working in aged care and looking to take on leadership responsibilities, Certificate IV in Ageing Support will help you progress in your career. This qualification is a valuable next step in professional development and provides advanced training in specialised care techniques.  

Certificate IV builds upon the foundations of Certificate III in Individual Support, introducing additional core units. These are designed to help you coordinate and run an effective care service to prepare you for a supervisory role. The units include;  

• Advocating for clients’ rights and independence 
• Providing dementia care and specialised support 
• Coordinating essential services for older individuals 
• Creating personalised care plans 
• Ensuring legal and ethical compliance 
• Delivering palliative care with compassion 
• Building strong relationships with families and carers 
• Recognising health signs and potential risks 
• Practicing safe work procedures 

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is a good qualification if you plan to enter the healthcare sector. This qualification equips you with the skills needed to assist professionals in hospitals, aged care facilities and community health settings.  

Most students complete Certificate III in Health Services Assistance through TAFE or registered training organisations. Like Certificate III in Individual Support, you can choose online learning for flexible, self-paced study or in-person classes for hands-on training with industry professionals. This certification gives you an opportunity to build a strong foundation in: 

• Supporting healthcare teams in patient care 
• Safely transporting patients within facilities 
• Setting up and maintaining hospital beds 
• Following infection control procedures 
• Understanding medical terminology 
• Identifying health concerns  
• Ensuring workplace health and safety in medical settings 

Screening criteria and checks you need to meet

If you’re looking to work in aged care in Australia, you’ll need to meet screening criteria designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients. While some entry-level roles may not require formal qualifications, there are essential checks that aged care providers commonly undertake. 

Mandatory screening checks

Before starting a career in aged care, you’ll typically need to complete several essential checks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in your care: 

• National Police Check: Confirms your criminal history and assesses your suitability for working with vulnerable individuals. 
• NDIS Worker Screening Check: Required for roles involving NDIS participants, this check reviews any history of misconduct or convictions. Some employers will accept this in place of a National Police Check. 
• Working with Vulnerable People Check: Ensures you are fit to support older individuals in a safe and respectful manner. 
• Working with Children Check: Necessary if your role includes working with younger clients. 
• Up-to-date vaccinations: COVID-19 and flu vaccinations may be mandatory, depending on your employer’s policies. 

Additional role-based requirements

Some aged care providers may also require: 

• Formal qualifications: Many employers prefer candidates with a Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate IV in Ageing Support. 
• Medical assessments: Health screenings may be conducted to ensure you’re physically capable of performing demanding tasks. 
• First aid and CPR certification: Essential for responding effectively to emergencies in aged care settings. 

Jobs available with different aged care certificates and qualifications

Working in the aged care industry offers a wide variety of roles and career progression opportunities. Whether you want to work with people one-on-one or oversee the care of many, a passion for helping people should be the core of your motivation. Some of the different roles within aged care include: 

Entry-level roles (Certificate III in Individual Support) 

• Personal care assistant (PCA): Assists older people with daily tasks and personal care. 
• Aged care support worker: Provides companionship and basic assistance in aged care facilities. 
• Home care assistant: Helps older people with household tasks, mobility and personal needs at home. 
• Assistant in nursing (AIN): Supports nurses in residential or healthcare settings. 
• Community care worker: Delivers support services to seniors in community environments. 

Advanced and leadership roles (Certificate IV in Ageing Support) 

• Aged care team leader: Supervises care staff and manages daily operations in aged care facilities. 
• Aged care coordinator: Oversees service delivery and ensures quality care for elderly clients. 
• Lifestyle coordinator (with additional training): Organises social and recreational programmes for seniors. A Certificate III in Leisure and Lifestyle can be satisfactory for this role.
• Senior personal care assistant: Provides specialised support and mentors junior carers. 
• Case manager (with additional training or experience): Manages client care plans and coordinates services. 

Healthcare support roles (Certificate III in Health Services Assistance) 

• Hospital assistant: Supports medical teams with non-clinical tasks in healthcare settings. 
• Patient support worker: Assists with patient transport, hygiene and basic comfort needs. 
• Ward clerk: Handles administrative duties in hospitals and aged care facilities. 
• Nursing assistant: Supports nurses with patient care in hospitals and aged care homes. 

Can I work in aged care without a certificate?

Yes, you can work in aged care without a certificate, but only in certain roles. Non-clinical positions such as administration assistant, receptionist, cleaner, laundry staff, kitchen hand, or maintenance worker typically do not require formal qualifications. These roles are essential to the daily operations of aged care homes and can be a great entry point into the sector. 

You can also volunteer in aged care, helping with companionship, lifestyle activities or outings. This experience can lead to paid work and help you build connections. If you’re interested in a care role but don’t yet have a certificate, some employers offer traineeships or apprenticeships where you can study while working, often with course fees covered.  

Learn more about working in aged care without a certificate. 

Aged care opportunities with Sanctuary

As Australia’s leading aged care recruitment agency, we welcome both seasoned aged care professionals and people who are new to the industry. Whether you bring years of experience or are just beginning your journey in aged care, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Our dedicated team of industry expert consultants is ready to review your CV, assess your qualifications and help you identify the best opportunities based on your skills, interests and career goals. We understand that every aged care journey is unique and we’re committed to helping you find a role where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Submit your details today and we’ll be in touch.