HomeCoursesEarly childhood educationCertificate III
Certificate III · national qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
The qualification for working as an educator with young children in long day care, family day care, preschool and kindergarten. Much of the study is practical, including a supervised placement in a real service.
- How long it takes
- 9 to 18 months
- full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- From $970
- Subsidised at TAFE Queensland, full fee up to $15,093
- How you can study
- Online, on campus, a mix or on the job
- Includes a work placement
- Main job
- Early Childhood Educator
- $69,700 median pay, In demand
- Taught by
- 42 providers
- Every state and territory
Is this course right for you?
Much of the course is practical and includes a placement in a real service, so it suits people who want to work directly with young children.
It helps to have
- an interest in how young children learn and grow
- patience and a calm manner with children
- good communication skills with children, families and colleagues
- a willingness to observe children and reflect on your practice
Before you start
Each provider sets its own entry requirements, so check the ones you are considering.
Certificate III or Diploma?
The Diploma is the higher level. The Certificate III prepares you to work as an educator using well-developed skills and discretion in line with policies and procedures, whereas the Diploma goes beyond that.
See the courseWhere this course can take you
It is a recognised route into work as an early childhood educator or an out of school hours care educator. What else each job asks for is on its card.
Jobs you can do with it
Early Childhood Educator
Early childhood educators care for and teach children from birth to school age in long day care, preschool and kindergarten rooms.
What else you need
Verify ACECQA approval for this award and intended work, complete required placement, child-safety training and screening, and meet the service and jurisdiction requirements. This is an educator route, not an early-childhood-teacher qualification. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median pay$69,700
In demand
Out of School Hours Care Educator
Out of school hours care educators run the before-school, after-school and vacation care programs that keep primary-age children safe and occupied while their parents work.
What else you need
Qualification requirements for school age care differ by state, and some services employ educators without one. Queensland treats a one-year relevant qualification such as a Certificate III as suitable for supporting educators. Check your state and the employer's requirements.
Median pay$59,800 (estimate)
In demand
If you study further
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Leads to work as a, median pay $103,100.
A bachelor degree in early childhood teaching
Leads to work as an, median pay $99,100.
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure.
What it costs
Subsidised place
From $970
at TAFE Queensland. Whether you get a subsidised place depends on your state, residency, age and earlier study.
Paying the full fee
$5,410 to $15,093
across the TAFEs listed below. Private providers set their own fees.
| TAFE | State | Subsidised | Concession | Full fee | How long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $1,600 | $240 | $11,550 | 9 to 18 months |
| Chisholm Institute | VIC | $6,708 | $1,342 | $15,093 | |
| Holmesglen Institute | VIC | $4,249 | $850 | $13,416 | |
| The Gordon | VIC | $6,473 | $1,297 | $12,030 | |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $970 | $425 | $5,410 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Subsidised
- $1,600
- Concession
- $240
- Full fee
- $11,550
- How long
- 9 to 18 months
Chisholm InstituteVIC
- Subsidised
- $6,708
- Concession
- $1,342
- Full fee
- $15,093
Holmesglen InstituteVIC
- Subsidised
- $4,249
- Concession
- $850
- Full fee
- $13,416
The GordonVIC
- Subsidised
- $6,473
- Concession
- $1,297
- Full fee
- $12,030
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Subsidised
- $970
- Concession
- $425
- Full fee
- $5,410
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, read 20 September 2026. Private providers set their own fees.
Where you can study this course
There are 42 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
- Website for Melbourne Polytechnic (opens in a new tab)
Melbourne Polytechnic
13 campuses, VIC
3.7from 485 Google reviews
What students like
- Some teachers are supportive and go out of their way
- Student services offer understanding and compassion
What to weigh up
- Messages to staff can go unanswered
- Enrolment mistakes can take time to fix
- Course page for TAFE NSW (opens in a new tab)
TAFE NSW
15 campuses, NSW
4.0from 2,410 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- How long
- 9 to 18 months
- Fee
- From $1,600 subsidised
What students like
- Teachers are supportive and ready to help
- Staff are helpful and friendly
- Course content is practical and industry relevant
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Some find front desk staff less helpful
- Website for Victoria University (opens in a new tab)
Victoria University
11 campuses, NSW, QLD, VIC
3.9from 1,562 Google reviews
What students like
- Lecturers are friendly, supportive and approachable
- Studying one subject at a time through the block model
- Staff are welcoming and ready to help
What to weigh up
- Admin can be hard to reach after you finish
- Website for Stanley College (opens in a new tab)
Stanley College
4 campuses, SA, WA
4.3from 882 Google reviews
What students like
- Finance staff are patient and explain fees clearly
- Student services staff are friendly and helpful
- Trainers explain clearly and give practical examples
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Website for Charles Darwin University (opens in a new tab)
Charles Darwin University
12 campuses, NSW, NT
4.2from 619 Google reviews
What students like
- Admin and support staff are helpful
What to weigh up
- Units vary depending on the lecturer
- Feedback on assessments can vary
- Website for Swinburne University of Technology (opens in a new tab)
Swinburne University of Technology
8 campuses, VIC
4.0from 1,190 Google reviews
What students like
- Lecturers and tutors are supportive and want students to succeed
- Student HQ and support staff are helpful and responsive
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- You may be passed between departments
- Website for TAFE Gippsland (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Gippsland
11 campuses, VIC
3.9from 113 Google reviews
- Course page for TAFE Queensland (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Queensland
32 campuses, QLD
4.1from 2,040 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- Fee
- From $970 subsidised
What students like
- Teachers are helpful and supportive
What to weigh up
- Poor communication from admin
What you’ll learn
17 units: 15 that everyone takes and 2 you choose.
- Child health, safety and wellbeing
- Play and learning experiences
- Following an approved learning framework
- Caring for babies and toddlers
- Observing children to plan programs
- Inclusion, diversity and cultural respect
See all 15 core units
Core units
Everyone completes these. Select a unit to see what it covers.
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Questions to ask before you enrol
Intakes, placement arrangements and costs are set by each provider, so the answers differ from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and does the provider start groups more than once a year?
- Who arranges the work placement, and how many hours does it involve?
- What is the total cost once checks, first aid and materials are added?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does the placement fit around work?
- Do the units count towards the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care if I go on to study it?
Questions people ask
Who is this qualification for?
It prepares you to work as an educator with young children in regulated services like long day care, family day care, preschool or kindergarten. You may work independently or under guidance, though guidance may not be on-site.
Do I need experience or other qualifications first?
Entry requirements are set by each provider, so check with the provider you choose.
How is it different from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?
The Diploma is the higher level. The Certificate III prepares you to work as an educator using well-developed skills and discretion in line with policies and procedures, whereas the Diploma goes beyond that.