Top 5 Differences between a Certificate IV in Disability Support vs a Certificate III in Individual Support

If you have ever considered a career in support work, now is the time to get involved. The demand for support workers has skyrocketed, with an estimated 90,000 more workers needed to meet demands nationwide. The rapidly expanding healthcare sector offers job stability, growth potential, and numerous opportunities for meaningful careers.

So, what are you waiting for?  Join a booming industry and turn your passion for caring for others into a fulfilling career. But first, let’s look at the unique differences between our nationally recognised disability and individual support courses.

1 Prior Learning Requirements

You can study our fully accredited CHC33021 Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) right now. It is an entry-level qualification designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide individual support. With no prior learning needed, you can enrol today, and kick-start your career in the industry.

However, our CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support is designed for students already working in the disability industry who want to take the next step in their career. In order to begin our Certificate IV in Disability, you need to have completed the Certificate III Individual Support (Disability.) The good news is that we offer both courses!

2 Job Outcomes

A Certificate IV course is typically for those who want to advance their careers in the industry they already work in. It could be described as an intermediate level or a mid-level qualification. The CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support course equips you for more responsible positions. Typically, our graduates enjoy a greater level of autonomy, and supervise or lead others in the workplace.

Potential job outcomes: Disability Team Leader/Supervisor, Disability Coordinator, Community Based Support Officer.

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is an entry-level qualification. Upon graduation, you may work in direct client care and support roles, typically under the direction of others.

Potential job outcomes: Care Assistant, Disability Support Worker, Community Care Worker.

3 Work Placement Hours

Studying with Open Colleges means you get the best of both worlds. We offer fully flexible online courses, so you can fit your study around your schedule. But it’s vital that you put your knowledge into practice, which is why work placement is so important: It equips you with crucial workplace skills to help you land your first job after graduation.

Both the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) and the Certificate IV in Disability are the perfect blend of online theory and hands-on work placement. But the Certificate III Individual Support requires 40 more hours of work placement compared to the Certificate IV Disability.

Certificate IV Disability minimum work placement hours: 120 hours.

Certificate III in Individual Support minimum work placement hours: 160 hours.

4 Choose Your Specialisation

The Certificate III in Individual Support provides endless career outcomes depending on what you wish to specialise in. At Open Colleges, we offer

1. CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
2. CHC33021 Certificate III Individual Support (Disability)
3. CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

Do you have a passion to work within the aged care sector? Learn the in-demand skills you need to make a positive impact on elderly people with the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).

Upon graduation, you will provide elderly people with vital care and companionship to support their independence and wellbeing.

Want to empower vulnerable people? The CHC33021 Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) will teach you to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing. 

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). This qualification prepares you for a career offering person-centered support to people who require assistance due to disability, ageing, or other reasons.

5 Disability support worker salary expectations

As the Certificate IV offers a higher level of vocational education and training, it equips you with more advanced skills and knowledge. This means that upon graduation, you can apply for mid-level roles and expect to earn a highly salary than an entry level position.

Currently, the annual wage for a Disability Coordinator is around $94,000. But with the growing demand for support workers, even an entry-level position can earn you an enviable salary!  

Kick-start your career in support work and join a booming industry who desperately needs you.

Want to find out what’s it like to work as a Disability Support Worker? Check out our interview with Disability Support Worker, Stephanie.

And while you’re there, check out the following blogs: Benefits of working as a Disability Support worker and 5 reasons to start a career in disability services.