Check Your Eligibility

Certificate III = entry level. Diploma = advanced, leads to room leader roles.

You need ONE of these:

• CHC30121, CHC30113, or CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (no experience required)

• An Australian Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or an Australian Diploma or Certificate III in Children's Services, PLUS at least 12 months' cumulative full-time-equivalent employment in a regulated education and care service in Australia within the last 5 years (verifiable evidence required)

• CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma skill set

A traineeship needs your employer to sign a training contract. KKTC helps organise this.

Traineeship = work at a centre while studying. Get paid + often pay lower fees.

SAT is for high school students. Your school careers advisor sets this up.

A Training Contract is an employment contract, so if you are from overseas you must hold a visa that allows you to work in Australia.

Count completed traineeships/apprenticeships including school-based.

Includes any qualification funded by the Queensland Government, even one that is currently on hold or deferred.

Under 25 when you sign your Training Contract = FREE under the Queensland Government's Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s initiative (commencing 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2027). 25 or over = co-contribution fees apply (concession rates and a hardship fee waiver are available).

Career Start (Cert III) is open to citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens, temporary residents with an appropriate visa, and asylum seekers. Career Boost (Diploma) requires temporary residents to hold work rights and be on a pathway to permanent residency.

Career Boost (Diploma) requires temporary residents to hold a visa with work rights that is on a pathway to permanent residency — many partner visas qualify; working holiday and student visas usually don't.

Qualifications completed at school and foundation skills qualifications don't count. Career Start (Cert III) excludes anyone who has completed a Certificate III or higher in the last 10 years. Career Boost (Diploma) excludes Certificate IV or higher (including university degrees).

Includes qualifications that are on hold or deferred. Foundation skills qualifications don't count.

An SBAT lets you work and train (typically one day a week) while completing the HSC. You'll need your principal's approval, parent/guardian consent if you're under 18, and an early childhood service willing to employ you. In NSW, SBATs are available for the Certificate III only.

It depends on how long you've worked for the employer who will sign your Training Contract. New entrant = FREE training under the NSW Fee-Free Traineeships Initiative (up to three fee-free traineeship commencements per person). Existing workers aren't eligible for Smart and Skilled subsidy, but can still do a traineeship with KKTC on a Fee-for-Service basis.

Skills First is for Australian citizens, permanent residents and NZ citizens who live in Victoria at the time of training. Limits apply: up to two Skills First courses per calendar year, and two government-funded courses at the same qualification level in your lifetime.

A National Police Check is required for Victorian traineeships in early childhood. You can apply online through various providers.

Required for childcare work. You'll need this before placement.