A teacher aide supporting learning in an Australian classroom.

Understanding Your Qualification

The Education Support Combo combines both the CHC30221 Certificate III and CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, preparing you to work in any education support role across Australian schools. You'll develop skills for all roles – from general classroom support through to working with students who need additional help. Over 85% of ITAC students choose this qualification path, recognising the value of being qualified for every education support position.

In the Education Support Combo, you'll learn everything covered in both qualifications through our integrated approach. This includes essential classroom techniques like the 3Ps method, strategies for supporting literacy and numeracy development, and specialist skills for working with students who have additional needs such as implementing individual education plans and managing challenging behaviours. The Combo gives you practical skills for supporting all students effectively.

Through research-based training developed by experienced teachers, combined with a 100-hour placement in a local school, you'll develop the skills that make you highly employable. For only slightly longer than studying a single qualification, you'll gain two nationally recognised certifications, making your resume stand out to schools. Our experienced local trainers provide regular guidance throughout your studies, ensuring you're well-prepared for any education support role – from general classroom assistance to specialist intervention programs.

Is This Course Right for You?

The Education Support Combo is ideal if you want maximum employment opportunities in Australian schools. It's particularly well-suited for:

  • People wanting to qualify for all education support roles
  • Those seeking higher-paying specialist positions
  • Career changers bringing valuable life experience
  • Parents returning to work after raising children
  • Anyone wanting their resume to stand out to schools

Most ITAC students choose this pathway because it qualifies you for all education support roles. Instead of limiting yourself to either general or specialist positions, you'll be ready for any opportunity. This flexibility lets you try different roles as your career develops, while the dual qualifications show schools your serious commitment to the profession.

Complete Your Course in Half the Time

Our integrated approach to the Education Support Combo gets you qualified sooner without compromising quality. We've transformed 32 traditional units into 4 focused modules that most students complete in about 6 months rather than the usual 2+ years required elsewhere.
[Learn more about our integrated approach here]

While other students are still working through repetitive content, you could already be:

  • Building your career with two nationally recognised qualifications
  • Qualified for both general and specialist education support roles
  • Making a real difference supporting a wide variety of student needs
  • Starting your career sooner by learning efficiently without repetition
  • Opening up opportunities in higher-paying specialist positions

With experienced local trainers supporting you across all major areas of Australia, you'll learn through practical, real-world focused training that connects directly to your future role. Get qualified sooner with ITAC and start your rewarding career in education support.

Why Choose ITAC for Your Education Support Combo?

  • Fast-Track Your Career: Complete both qualifications in just 6 months instead of 2+ years elsewhere. Our innovative approach transforms 32 units into 4 practical modules, getting you qualified for all education support roles sooner without compromising quality.
  • Australia's Most Trusted Provider: We train 60% of education support graduates in some states. When you graduate with dual ITAC qualifications, schools recognise the high standard of training we provide.
  • Nationwide Support Network: With experienced trainers based in every major region, you'll learn from local professionals who know your state's school system firsthand. They live and work in your area, visit you during placement, and maintain strong relationships with local schools, ensuring you get genuine local support.
  • Double Your Opportunities: Most ITAC students choose this pathway because it qualifies you for both general and specialist roles. Two qualifications on your resume shows schools your serious commitment while opening doors to higher-paying positions.
  • Flexible Study Options: Choose between online study at your own pace, classroom mode, or our Experienced Learner Pathway. All options are designed to fit around your family and work commitments, making study more manageable.

Ready to join the thousands of ITAC students who choose the Combo? Contact us to discuss which study option best matches your needs.

Your Benefits & Features
  • 4 modules: Save time, earn faster
  • No exams, tests or essays
  • Nationwide trainer network
  • Interest-free payment plans
  • 30-day no-obligation period
  • JobAssist Program
  • Local support across Australia
  • Links with 1000s of schools
  • Family-friendly work hours
  • All learning materials included

Education Support Combo

  • Qualification:
    CHC30221 Certificate III and CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
  • Accreditation:
    Nationally Recognised
  • Availability:
    Australia-wide, with local support across major cities and regions
  • Support:
    Experienced trainers in all major states for personalised guidance
  • Duration:
    16-26 weeks (600 hours). 26 weeks standard, faster for those with relevant experience including parents
  • Enrolment:
    18-month window to accommodate life events
  • Content:
    Covers core concepts from both Certificate III and IV
  • Placement:
    100 hours with support from local trainers [Read more]
  • Study Options:
  • Time-Saving:
    Our unique integrated structure condenses 32 traditional units into 4 streamlined modules. Complete your qualification in a fraction of the time. [Read more]
  • Fees:
    $4,300 standard [See Fees tab]
  • Payment Plan:
    Interest-free options [See Fees tab]
  • Obligation-free:
    Enjoy a 30-day trial period with no obligations. [Read more]
  • Centrelink:
    Eligible for payments during studies
Standard Fee

Standard fee (Australia wide) - $4,300

Interest-Free Payment Options

Frequency Per Payment # Payments Total Cost
Weekly (12 months) $82.69 52 $4,300
Weekly (9 months) $113.16 38 $4,300
Weekly (6 months) $165.38 26 $4,300
Weekly (3 months) $358.33 12 $4,300
Fortnightly (12 months) $165.38 26 $4,300
Fortnightly (9 months) $238.89 18 $4,300
Fortnightly (6 months) $358.33 12 $4,300
Fortnightly (3 months) $716.67 6 $4,300
Monthly (12 months) $358.33 12 $4,300
Monthly (9 months) $477.78 9 $4,300
Monthly (6 months) $716.67 6 $4,300
Monthly (3 months) $1433.34 3 $4,300
Monthly (2 months)* $1500 / $2800 2 $4,300

* Due to regulations ITAC cannot receive more than $1500 in advance. The second payment is scheduled soon after the 30-day census period. Students may request fees be paid over 3-6 payments.

What you need to know:

1. All fees marked 'Waived' are conditional on fair and standard use and subject to institutional policies. 2. Waived fees are part of the total course package and payable fees are not subject to reduction if unused or declined. 3. Services are subject to availability. 4. Transaction fees include standard card and transaction fees normally charged by vendors; it excludes dishonour fees and any additional fees charged by the student’s institution. 5. The total course value may include estimations and may vary depending on utilisation. 6. Small incidental costs may be occasionally incurred, such as the cost of applying for a clearance and minor resources for creating children’s activities. 7. Regulatory Compliance: All financial arrangements are compliant with Australian educational financial regulations. 8. Students are advised to read the Direct Debit TnCs, Enrolment TnCs, Student Handbook, and familiarise themselves with all Student Policies.

Important: While there are 15 units in the Certificate III and 17 in the Certificate IV, due to ITAC’s unique integrated structure, students only need to study 4 theory modules + placement requirements. Read more here.

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
CHCEDS034 Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs
CHCEDS035 Contribute to student education in all developmental domains
CHCEDS036 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
CHCEDS037 Support the development of numeracy skills
CHCEDS057 Support students with additional needs in the classroom environment
CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
CHCEDS060 Work effectively with students and colleagues
CHCEDS061 Support responsible student behaviour
CHCEDS041 Set up and sustain learning areas
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support
CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning
CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples cultures
CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education environment
CHCEDS045 Support student mathematics learning
CHCEDS046 Support student literacy learning
CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning
CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support
CHCEDS051 Facilitate learning for students with disabilities
CHCEDS056 Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder
CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans
CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
CHCDIS018 Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCEDS036 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
CHCEDS061 Support responsible student behaviour
Prerequisites There are no specified prerequisites for entry in the accredited training package.
Language Requirements Demonstrate functional English language skills suitable for support contexts, including ability to read and comprehend school policies and educational documents.
Academic Skills Basic numeracy skills including calculations, measurements, averages and simple graphs (not taught in course). English language proficiency including reading comprehension, grammar and spelling (e.g. their/there/they're).
Physical Requirements Students must be able to engage in learning activities including games and physical activities inside and outside of the classroom. Depending on student age and school setting, typical tasks include getting on the floor with children, playground games, assisting with sports activities, and moving equipment and materials. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with physical disabilities or limitations – discuss needs with ITAC prior to enrolment.
Technology Requirements Access to computer with internet connection, desktop applications, PDF reader and basic software. Basic digital skills like opening PDFs and watching online videos. Comfort using technology with children (e.g. iPads) as schools are heavily IT-focused.
Age Requirement Must be turning 16 in year of enrolment. Under 18s require career guidance interview with an ITAC trainer.
Location Must reside in Australia.
Visa Status ITAC delivers courses to Australian residents and citizens only. Student visa holders should [find CRICOS providers here].
Clearances Obtain relevant clearance for your state/territory (e.g., Blue Card in QLD, WWVP in ACT/TAS, WWCC in WA, VIC, NSW, SA, NT). [Click here]

The Education Support Combo is ITAC's innovative program that combines the CHC30221 Certificate III and CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. It streamlines learning by:

  1. Condensing 32 units into 4 comprehensive modules
  2. Eliminating repetitive content and assessments
  3. Enabling completion of two qualifications in about the same time as one

Key benefits:

  • Save 6-12 months of study time
  • Enter the workforce earlier, potentially earning more
  • Higher course completion rates
  • Efficient learning without compromising quality
  • Substantial cost savings compared to studying twice (~40%)

This integrated approach recognises overlapping content between Certificate III and IV, creating a cohesive and engaging learning experience that saves both time and money.

Upon successful completion of the Education Support Combo, you'll earn two nationally recognised qualifications:

  1. CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
  2. CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

This dual certification equips you with a comprehensive skill set, preparing you to support students across diverse educational needs. By gaining both qualifications, you'll be well-positioned for a wide range of roles in the education sector, enhancing your employability and career prospects.

The Education Support Combo offers several key advantages over individual courses:

  1. Time efficiency: Complete both certifications in roughly the same time it takes to finish one traditional course.
  2. Cost savings: Save around 40% compared to enrolling in two separate courses.
  3. Streamlined learning: Our integrated approach eliminates redundant content, providing a more cohesive educational experience.
  4. Comprehensive skill set: Gain both foundational and advanced skills in one program.
  5. Faster career entry: Enter the workforce sooner with dual qualifications.
  6. Enhanced employability: Stand out to employers with a broader range of competencies.

By choosing the Combo, you're opting for a more efficient, cost-effective, and career-boosting pathway in education support.

Education assistant supervising students in an australian classroom.

A dual qualification typically involves studying two courses sequentially, which means completing dozens of individual units one after another. It's essentially studying two separate qualifications back-to-back, often with a single payment plan.

In contrast, ITAC's Education Support Combo is a truly integrated program. We've seamlessly combined the CHC30221 Certificate III and CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support into a single, streamlined program. Instead of tackling dozens of separate units, you progress through just 4 comprehensive work-based modules that cover content from both qualifications simultaneously. This integrated approach cuts out repetition, saves time, and makes learning smoother. You'll gain both qualifications faster and more effectively.

Yes, we have experienced trainers based in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. We also regularly travel to other areas like the ACT and regional locations such as Southwest WA. Additionally, we've built a network of thousands of schools across all corners of Australia. This extensive coverage ensures that no matter where you are, you'll have access to local support and insights relevant to your area's education landscape throughout your studies.

Due to its smart integrated design, the Education Support Combo can be completed in just slightly longer than a single course - typically only about 10% more time. Most students finish within 26 weeks (approximately 600 hours). This efficient approach allows you to gain two certifications in nearly the same time as one. We offer an extended 18-month enrolment period to accommodate different learning paces and life events, ensuring all students have ample time to complete the course successfully.

Graduates of the Education Support Combo are qualified for every support role within the Australian school system. This includes positions in mainstream classrooms, special education, and inclusive learning environments.

With two qualifications, you'll have a strong advantage in the job market. This dual certification boosts your resume, expands your skill set, and makes you highly sought after by employers. It's why the Education Support Combo is our most popular course, opening doors to diverse opportunities and setting you up for a successful career in education support.

The Education Support Combo includes a 100-hour practical placement in a school setting. This hands-on experience is crucial for applying the comprehensive skills you'll learn during the course. The placement provides real-world practice and enhances your job prospects by demonstrating your competence in actual educational support scenarios.

You'll be supported throughout your placement by local trainers who have decades of experience working in schools in your area. As part of our commitment to your learning, ITAC visits every student on placement – an integral and very important part of your educational journey.

The Education Support Combo uses a variety of assessment methods designed to be practical and relevant to your future career:

  1. Short-answer questions and knowledge checks
  2. Work-based projects and portfolio development
  3. Practical tasks that demonstrate your skills in real educational settings
  4. A friendly demonstration of your abilities, observed by an experienced local trainer during your placement

Our assessment approach eliminates the need for cumbersome essays and exams. Instead, we focus on evaluating your skills in ways that directly relate to your future role as an education support professional. This method ensures you're well-prepared for the realities of working in a school environment, from basic safety protocols to complex classroom management and support strategies.

The Education Support Combo offers flexible study options to suit various learning styles and life circumstances:

  1. Structured and Supported Blended Learning: This is our most popular option. Study online with regular contact and support from friendly, experienced local trainers. This mode includes a practical placement component.
  2. Class-Based Learning: Available in Western Australia, this option offers one-day-per-week workshops to introduce students to key concepts within family-friendly hours. This enables busy parents to attend classes without sacrificing family life or requiring expensive childcare options.
  3. Experienced Learner Pathway: Designed for those with significant work and life experience, this mode allows you to leverage your existing skills to complete the course more quickly. It's flexible, self-paced, and still provides the full 18-month enrolment period if needed.

All modes are structured, supported by experienced trainers, and designed with adult learners in mind. They include access to our JobAssist program and are tailored to help you balance study with other life commitments. Regardless of your location in Australia, you'll have access to local support and guidance throughout your educational journey.

Course Includes:

  • Australia-Wide Support Yes
  • Interest-Free Plans Yes
  • Integrated Structure Yes
  • No-Obligation Period Yes
  • Flexible Learning Yes
  • No Exams or Essays Yes
  • Start Anytime Yes
  • Local Trainers Yes

Nation-wide Support:
Australia's Most Popular Teacher Aide Course

Begin your journey:
Start today with local support.

Enrolments Open
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