Certificate IV in Ageing Support in Australia

“The Certificate IV in Ageing Support in Australia offers in-depth knowledge in aged care, opening up clear career pathways and long-term growth opportunities in this essential sector.”

1. Course Overview

The Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a crucial step forward for anyone pursuing a long-term career in aged care in Australia. This course doesn’t just provide foundational knowledge—it equips you with advanced, specialised skills to take on supervisory and leadership roles in the sector.

If you’ve already completed the Certificate III in Individual Support or have experience working in aged care, this qualification will elevate your career by focusing on complex care planning, team coordination, and service quality assurance.

This nationally recognised qualification prepares students to work across a variety of settings, including residential aged care facilities, community care centres, and in-home support services.

Who is this course ideal for?

School leavers looking to start a career in health and aged care
Those who have completed Cert III in Individual Support and want to upskill
International students seeking migration pathways through in-demand occupations
Existing aged care workers aiming for promotion or leadership roles
Career changers looking to enter a high-demand, meaningful profession in Australia

2. Course Structure

Duration: 12–18 months (including both classroom learning and work placement)

Core focus areas include:

Personalised care planning: Learn to assess individual needs and develop holistic care plans that address physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Supporting individuals with complex needs: Gain skills to care for elderly individuals with chronic illnesses, dementia, or high-dependency requirements.
Leadership and supervision: Unlike Cert III, this course teaches you how to lead care teams, monitor service delivery, and enforce ethical and safety standards.
Professional communication: Enhance your communication skills with clients, families, and healthcare teams to handle sensitive and complex situations with confidence.
Compliance and ethics: Deepen your understanding of Australian aged care regulations and ethical practices to ensure safe, transparent care delivery.

Work Placement:
This course includes approximately 160 hours of supervised practical placement, giving you hands-on experience, real-world insights, and valuable professional networks.

3. Entry Requirements

To enrol in this program, you’ll typically need to meet the following criteria:

Education: Year 12 completion or equivalent
English language proficiency: Minimum IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 5.5), or equivalent
Additional requirements: Some institutions may require you to have completed the Certificate III in Individual Support or have relevant work experience in the field (depending on the provider).

4. Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Certificate IV in Ageing Support can explore a wide range of roles in aged care services, including:

Job roles: Aged care worker, care team leader, aged care supervisor
Salary range: According to SEEK, average salaries in aged care range from $70,000 to $80,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings as you gain experience
Migration potential: Aged care is currently listed as a high-priority occupation in many Australian states due to severe workforce shortages, creating strong pathways to skilled visasand long-term residency

5. Why Choose Certificate IV in Ageing Support?

High and stable demand: Australia’s ageing population continues to drive sustained demand for qualified aged care professionals.
Suitable for beginners and experienced workers: Whether you’re starting fresh, switching careers, or already in the field, this course opens up real career progression opportunities.
Clear employment pathways: With a relatively short study period and high job placement rates, this qualification delivers fast and tangible outcomes.
Step into leadership roles: Compared to Cert III, this course positions you for supervisory responsibilities and care planning.
Strong migration prospects: Aged care is a recognised skilled occupation and offers solid potential for regional sponsorship or skilled migration.

Ready to build a meaningful and sustainable career in aged care?
NextGem is your trusted partner in navigating the Australian education, work, and migration journey. We provide personalised advice, help you select the right course and institution, and support you every step of the way.