Course selection is more than reading a qualification title. Prospective students will also need to know what they will be studying, how practical placement will work, what checks may be required and whether funding arrangements apply to their circumstances.
If you are looking for a teacher aide course, you may also come across the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care but these qualifications are for different education settings. CHC30125 is about learning skills to work in regulated early childhood education and care. Teacher aide training is generally associated with helping students in a school environment.
The CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is based on the work of educators in children’s education and care services who have responsibility for the supervision of others. Educators support the wellbeing, learning and development of children in the approved learning frameworks, workplace policies and relevant legal requirements. The qualification doesn’t guarantee you a job but could lead to opportunities in early childhood education and care.
CHC30125 course information at a glance
| Course detail | Published information |
| Qualification | CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care |
| Total units | 17 units |
| Unit structure | 15 core units and two electives |
| Mandatory workplace experience | At least 160 hours |
| AET’s published duration | 52 weeks, including holidays |
| AET’s delivery options | Classroom-based, workplace and virtual/blended |
| First aid unit | HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting |
How this qualification fits among Early Childhood Education and Care Courses
CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification. It covers practical and theoretical aspects of children’s health and safety, inclusion and diversity, positive relationships, play-based learning, observation, health and safety in the workplace, legal and ethical responsibilities, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The qualification has 17 units, 15 core units and 2 electives. AET’s elective units are currently CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people and BSBSTR401 Promote innovation in a team environment. Elective selection and delivery arrangements are subject to change, students are advised to confirm the latest training and assessment schedule prior to enrolling.
Step 1: Check whether the course suits you
There are no formal pre-requisites to the national qualification. But that doesn’t mean applicants can sign up without a suitability review or meeting provider requirements.
Applicants undertake a language, literacy and numeracy assessment and a pre-training review, AET says. These processes assist the provider to decide if the course is appropriate and if the student might need further support. AET also says that prior to practical placement, a Queensland Blue Card, which is Queensland’s Working with Children Check, is required.
Prospective students should confirm:
- Language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy expectations
- Required identification documents
- Technology and internet requirements
- Class and assessment schedules
- Placement responsibilities
- Blue Card requirements
- Fees and possible additional costs
- Available learning and wellbeing support
Step 2: Prepare for practical placement
CHC30125 includes a work experience requirement. The national qualification requires students to undertake a minimum of 160 hours of work experience in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia . These hours can be spread across units with work place assessment requirements
Queensland guidance states that students must hold a Blue card before commencing placement in an education and care service where children are present. Applicants should begin the process early, and check with AET and the placement service for exact requirements.
Step 3: Complete first aid and safety-related learning
CHC30125 Provide First Aid HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting is a core unit of It covers treatment of injuries in education and care facilities and practical assessment requirements.
Students in Queensland looking for a childcare first aid course should verify whether they need the full qualification CHC30125 or the standalone HLTAID012. If you’re on the lookout for a first aid course for childcare, the important bit is the unit code HLTAID012. A general first aid course may not meet requirements for a course specific to first aid in an education and care setting.
Step 4: Understand the 2026 child-safety requirements
All services regulated under the National Quality Framework will have new national training requirements for child safety and child protection from 27 February 2026.
Foundation Child Safety training must be completed by students undertaking supervised placement as part of an approved early childhood education and care qualification. The transition deadline for those in employment, engaged or appointed before 14 August 2026, is 27 August 2026. From 14 August 2026: The training must generally be completed within 14 days of being engaged or before working directly with children, whichever occurs first. Foundation child safety training is to be undertaken through the Australian Government’s Geccko platform and renewed every two years.
The Foundation Child Safety module is also recognised in Queensland for relevant child protection training needs of staff, volunteers and students in relevant positions . This should be checked with the training provider and the placement service at this current requirement before undertaking any direct work with children.
Step 5: Check fees and Queensland funding
AET now charges $3,000 for its fee-for-service. AET has released total co-contribution fees of $34 for non-concessional students and $17 for concessional students for eligible students on the Career Start general training pathway. Before you register check again these amounts and eligibility conditions.
Career Start gives eligible Queenslanders access to subsidised Certificate III qualifications in priority and emerging industries To be eligible you must be at least 15 years of age, not be in school, and permanently residing in Queensland, meet all citizenship or eligible visa conditions, not have completed a Certificate III or higher qualification in the last 10 years (except where stated), and not be enrolled in another DTET-funded qualification. Funding is not guaranteed, and eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Step 6: Consider possible pathways after completion
AET indicates possible directions such as early childhood educator, playgroup supervisor, family day care educator and nanny. They are to be viewed as potential career options, not as guaranteed employment results. Employers may take into account qualifications, experience, Blue Card status, child safety training, first aid, performance at work and service-specific requirements.
What to confirm before enrolling
Before starting your Queensland study journey, request written information about:
- The current qualification release and unit list
- Exact training location and class schedule
- Delivery and assessment methods
- Placement assistance and supervision
- Blue Card and child safety training requirements
- Course fees and additional costs
- Career Start eligibility
- Student support services
- Refund and withdrawal conditions
- Possible further study pathways
Frequently asked questions
How long does CHC30125 take at AET?
AET currently publishes a duration of 52 weeks, including holidays. Actual progress may depend on attendance, assessment completion, placement availability and individual circumstances.
How many placement hours are required?
CHC30125 requires at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia.
Does the course include childcare first aid training?
Yes. HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting is one of the qualification’s core units.
Do Queensland placement students need a Blue Card?
Queensland guidance includes students undertaking placements among the people who require a Blue Card before working at an education and care service where children are present.
Is the course government funded in Queensland?
Career Start subsidies may be available to eligible Queensland students. Eligibility depends on residency, age, citizenship or visa status, previous qualifications and current funded enrolments. Funding should not be assumed until assessed and confirmed.
What changed for childcare students in 2026?
Students completing supervised placements in approved education and care qualifications are included in the national Foundation Child Safety training requirements introduced in 2026. Relevant completion deadlines depend on when the person is engaged or begins placement.