Everything you need to know about eligibility, prerequisites, and how to prepare for Certificate IV in Ageing Support enrollment.
CHC43015 has no mandatory academic prerequisites. You don't need VCE, Year 12, or any prior qualifications to enroll.
However, there are practical requirements (age, health, language, screening) that you must meet before starting work placement.
Technically, there's no minimum age to enroll in CHC43015. However, most RTOs recommend students be 18+ due to:
Aged care work is physically demanding. You must be able to:
Have a disability or health condition? You may still be eligible. RTOs must provide reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act. Discuss your needs with the RTO before enrolling.
CHC43015 requires strong English skills for:
Most RTOs require:
Many RTOs offer:
As of November 2025, aged care workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to work in regulated aged care facilities. Other vaccinations are strongly recommended but not mandatory.
| Vaccination | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | MANDATORY | 2 doses minimum (or approved exemption) |
| Influenza (Flu) | RECOMMENDED | Annual vaccination, some facilities require |
| Hepatitis B | RECOMMENDED | 3-dose series, protects against bloodborne pathogens |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | RECOMMENDED | 2 doses, check immunity status |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | RECOMMENDED | 2 doses or evidence of immunity |
Cost: Most vaccinations are free or low-cost through GP clinics. Budget $0-$150 for full vaccination series if not already immunized.
You do NOT need:
However, having the following will make your study easier:
Most RTOs offer free pre-enrollment assessments to identify any gaps. If you need support, they can provide:
Here's the typical enrollment process from application to course start:
Complete online application form with:
Complete Language, Literacy, and Numeracy assessment (30-60 minutes, online or in-person). This identifies any support needs—it's not a pass/fail test.
Phone or in-person interview with enrollment officer (15-30 minutes) to discuss:
Receive Letter of Offer. Review and sign:
Before course start, obtain:
Attend orientation, receive learning materials, and begin your CHC43015 journey!
Worried you don't meet the requirements? Here are common concerns and how to overcome them:
Solution: Not required! CHC43015 has no academic prerequisites. If you can read, write, and communicate in English at Year 10 level, you're eligible.
Action: Complete the RTO's free LLN assessment to confirm your skills. If gaps are identified, ask about foundation skills support.
Solution: Absolutely not! Aged care values mature workers. Many students are 50+ and bring life experience, empathy, and reliability that employers value.
Action: Highlight your transferable skills (customer service, caregiving, problem-solving) in your application. Consider part-time study if physical demands are a concern.
Solution: Yes, if you hold a valid student visa or have work rights in Australia. International students pay higher fees ($10,000-$12,500) but can access the same qualification.
Action: Check your visa conditions (work hour limits, study restrictions). Ensure the RTO is CRICOS-registered for international students.
Solution: Not automatically. Police checks assess risk, not automatic disqualification. Minor offenses (traffic fines, old convictions) rarely affect eligibility. Serious offenses (violence, sexual assault, fraud) may disqualify you from aged care work.
Action: Be honest in your application. Discuss your situation with the RTO before enrolling. Some RTOs offer "fitness to practice" assessments to determine eligibility.
Solution: Government subsidies (Free TAFE, Fee-Free 2025) cover tuition for eligible domestic students. For mandatory fees ($442-$1,000), most RTOs offer payment plans.
Action: Check your state's subsidy eligibility. Ask RTOs about weekly/fortnightly payment plans. Consider VET Student Loans (repay through tax, no upfront cost).
View funding options →Solution: Yes! RTOs must provide reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act. This might include extra time for assessments, assistive technology, or modified work placement arrangements.
Action: Disclose your disability during enrollment (confidential). Discuss specific adjustments you need. RTOs have disability support officers to help.
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