Certificate III in Early Childhood Education

Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education 

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge, using discretion and judgement, when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. Early childhood educators work in long-day care centres, family day care, preschools, or kindergartens.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (2011), the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publish lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: acecqa.gov.au

To attain the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education qualification, you must demonstrate competency in a total of 17 units.

  • 15 core units
  • 2 elective units, consisting of:

Why do I need the Certificate?

Obtaining your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care may lead to an improvement in your earnings and employment options. This can be accomplished by leveraging your existing skills in the early childhood care sector, extending your options as a childcare worker, childcare assistant, or early childhood educator, and opening the door for salary negotiations.

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Find out if you qualify for this certificate

What does an early childhood educator do?

Early childhood educators support the social, emotional, physical, and educational development of infants and young children. They help them take their first steps in education.

Their job involves:

  • Plan and implement individual programs based on observation of what children know and understand.
  • Prepare and supervise play and learning materials, maintain a safe, clean, and appealing environment.
  • Observe, assess and record children’s learning and development, and liaise closely with parents and other professionals.
  • Support the participation of children with additional needs in the program.
  • Perform basic first aid in emergencies.
  • Help children with daily routines and promote health and safety concepts.
  • Guide and promote positive social interactions between children.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), overseen by the Department of Education in collaboration with the states and territories, ensures that all students have the right to have their prior education, relevant work experience, and training recognised. This facilitates their progression towards and between qualifications.

Each registered training organisation (RTO) has its own policies and procedures for assessing your eligibility for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), although the fundamental principles remain consistent. The experience and skills you have acquired through your work can help you complete a qualification more quickly, thereby reducing the time commitment required to undertake a course and bringing you closer to your desired career.

The advantages of using RPL program

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offer numerous benefits, including time and cost savings by validating existing skills and experience, expedited qualification achievement, and improved employment prospects. RPL program helps you:

  • There is no need to relearn what you already know.
  • It saves both your time and tuition fees.
  • Assist you in achieving your career change objectives in Australia.
  • Gaining an Australian qualification requires less time.
  • You do not need to attend classes or redo the training you have already completed.
  • Open new career opportunities in the automotive industry.
  • Obtain a qualification to satisfy the visa or skills assessment requirements.
Ohter RPL Certificates
rpl certificate iii in early childhood education
rpl certificate iii in early childhood education

Evidence requirements

Below is the general list of documents that you are required to provide to support your RPL assessment application:

  • 100 points of identification documents (ID)
  • A current resume outlines your relevant employment history
  • Student USI number
  • Evidence of employment indicates that you have been working at the hospitality management level, including an employment reference letter, an employment contract, payslips, an income statement, and superannuation.
  • Workplace photos and videos that showcase you performing your tasks in accordance with the job duties outlined above demonstrate your competency in the relevant qualification.

Note: Additional gap training may be necessary to address any areas for improvement and to ensure a positive assessment outcome. An RTO assessor might conduct a competency interview with you to identify any existing training gaps.

How does Ozlinks Education help with RPL?

Ozlinks Education can assist you with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process by acting as your agent. We will guide you through every step, from preparing your application to obtaining a formal qualification. Our services include gathering and preparing required documents; locating a suitable Registered Training Organisation (RTO) partner; and offering tailored support to help you convert your work experience into a recognised certificate. 

RTO partnership

As an education agent, we maintain partnerships with various RTOs, enabling you to access a diverse range of RPL programs and select a qualification that aligns with your skills.

Application assistance

We assist you in preparing and submitting your application by guiding you through the process and clarifying the requirements for skill assessment.

Document preparation:

We assist you in preparing your employment portfolio and collecting the essential evidence to showcase your skills and experience.

Tailored support

Our team offers personalised support to maximise your chances of successfully obtaining the qualifications necessary to advance your career.

Skills Assessment Support

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions from our customers. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ozlinks Education via the contact form.

What is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows higher education institutions to formally recognise the knowledge, skills, and experience you already have, even if they were gained outside traditional education.

Why should you consider RPL program?

The RPL program is generally a faster method of obtaining an Australian Certificate III or IV qualification compared to completing a formal training course, as it recognizes your prior work experience and overseas qualifications.

Does RPL assessment meet learning program standards?

Yes. The RPL evaluation process is just as thorough as any other evaluation. But the evidence you need to show may be different from what is usually asked in a class assessment.

When the criteria for each of the subjects are met, a degree may be partially or fully accredited. For example, only completed subjects can be counted towards the qualification.

Even if your credits aren't enough to qualify, you can still receive written certification of the courses you've completed.

This will depend on the complexity of your qualification, how many subjects you apply for and how long it takes you to gather proof of work experience, collate and submit proof. Usually, the RPL process is 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application to the RPL assessment institute and also depends on your industry and qualifications.

Disclaimer:

Ozlinks Education is an independent education agent and counsellor dedicated to assisting students and individuals with course enrolment, skills assessments, and recognition of prior learning services. We connect students with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to help facilitate their participation in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

Our Registered Training Organization's (RTO) partners are responsible for delivering all RPL programs. These RTOs have sole authority over the awarding of RPL qualifications and are committed to following their formal assessment procedures.

Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, Ozlinks Education offers no warranties, either express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the content in this section. All materials are intended for general informational purposes only. Please contact us for advice on your specific RPL certificate eligibility and requirements.

Disclaimer:

Ozlinks Education operates as an education agent. We are an independent education counsellor, helping with course enrolment, skills assessments, and consultations to help students prepare the necessary portfolios and evidence documents for their RPL applications.

Our Registered Training Organization's (RTO) partners are responsible for delivering all RPL programs. These RTOs have sole authority over the awarding of RPL qualifications and are committed to following their formal assessment procedures.

Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, Ozlinks Education offers no warranties, either express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the content in this section. All materials are intended for general informational purposes only. Please contact us for advice on your specific RPL certificate eligibility and requirements.