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CHC32015

Certificate III in Community Services

Kick start your career in the social sector with this entry level qualification that will get you working with your community faster.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Sunshine Coast Darling Downs and South West Far North Queensland North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online Apprenticeships and traineeships
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession
$1,285
Subsidised
$1,610
Full Fee
$4,190
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Get out amongst the community sooner with this entry level qualification. This course is perfect for people who want to work in community services, or those looking for the foundation skills necessary to complete further studies in the field.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in community and welfare support is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. This large occupation has strong job prospects with around 30,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years. 

This qualification will give you core skills in managing personal stressors in the workplace, working with diverse people, and the communication skills required for operating in community services organisations. Our team of highly qualified, industry experienced teachers will equip you with the tools you need to succeed in the field, while connecting you with potential future employers.

Successful completion of this course will give you the practical skills and confidence you need to seek employment as a community services, migrant support, or neighbourhood centre worker. It will also give you a solid foundation for further studies at a diploma level or higher.

What can I do?

  • Varied Community Support Worker Roles
  • Individual Community Support Worker
  • Neighbourhood Centre Worker
  • Community Services Worker

Course outcome:

CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services

Recognition of experience

Your years of industry experience count for something. With our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), we can help you fill in your gaps in knowledge to gain or upgrade your qualifications faster.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete 5 core and 7 elective units from the list below. 

We encourage students to undertake a minimum of 80 hours work experience to provide experience and context for the types of settings and roles in the Community Services sector.  This practical work experience also supports gaining employment in the sector.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCCS016
    Respond to client needs
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCCS016
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to respond holistically to client needs. Clients may have a range of issues outside and in addition to the area of immediate focus or expertise of the worker and their organisation.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Respond to client needs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM005
    Communicate and work in health or community services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate and work in health or community services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS002
    Follow safe work practices for direct client care
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow safe work practices for direct client care

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS006
    Manage personal stressors in the work environment
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS006
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage personal stressors in the work environment

  • You’ll primarily learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces like a classroom, or simulated learning environment, and some of your training may be via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces like a classroom, or simulated learning environment, and some of your training may be via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns
On campus with some online
30 Sep 2024
9 months
Part time - Group 1 Monday Wednesday Group 2 Tuesday Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm
  • Concession: $1,285
  • Subsidised: $1,610
  • Full fee: $4,190
demo

Cairns

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

30 Sep 2024

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time - Group 1 Monday Wednesday Group 2 Tuesday Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,285
  • Subsidised: $1,610
  • Full fee: $4,190
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Townsville - Pimlico
On campus with some online
30 Sep 2024
9 months
Part time - Group 1 Monday Tuesday Group 2 Thursday Friday 9.00am - 3.00pm
  • Concession: $1,285
  • Subsidised: $1,610
  • Full fee: $4,190
demo

Townsville - Pimlico

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

30 Sep 2024

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time - Group 1 Monday Tuesday Group 2 Thursday Friday 9.00am - 3.00pm

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,285
  • Subsidised: $1,610
  • Full fee: $4,190
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Your course is primarily online, however you will need to come into a campus to undertake practical learning and assessment, and may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. Learn more

  • You will access learning materials including documents, videos, assessments and more through Connect - our learning management system and will complete self-paced study. Learn more

  • Your course and learning materials will be delivered online, but to a scheduled timetable. You will interact with your teachers and other students using programs like Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (Southport)
6 months
Full time 3 x 2 hour Zoom sessions plus 15 hours self-study
demo

Online with on campus practical training (Southport)

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    60%
  • On Campus Time
    40%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

6 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Full time 3 x 2 hour Zoom sessions plus 15 hours self-study

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online self-directed
9 months
Part time – plus weekly optional support sessions via Zoom
Tuesday
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time – plus weekly optional support sessions via Zoom
Tuesday

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Self-paced

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online virtual classroom
9 months
Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online virtual classroom
9 months
Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online virtual classroom
9 months
Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online virtual classroom
30 Sep 2024
9 months
Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Concession: $1,285
  • Subsidised: $1,610
  • Full fee: $4,190
demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

30 Sep 2024

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

9 months

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time - Zoom Sessions 9.30am -11.30am plus 15hours self-study per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,285
  • Subsidised: $1,610
  • Full fee: $4,190
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Springfield
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Mooloolaba
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Toowoomba
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Townsville - Pimlico
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

We encourage students to undertake a minimum of 80 hours work experience to provide experience and context for the types of settings and roles in the Community Services sector.  This practical work experience also supports gaining employment in the sector.Students choosing to participate in voluntary work experience may be required to obtain a blue card and/or criminal history check dependent on the requirements of their work experience provider.

 

Vaccination requirements 
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Prior Experience

I already have an experience, can i get credit?

Fastrack your way to formal education by earning credit for the things you already know.

Click here