Entry requirements vary between providers, but most ask for the Australian equivalent of Year 10, plus a language, literacy and numeracy assessment for those who need to demonstrate English ability.
Since the Aged Care Act 2024 took effect on 1 November 2025, applicants also need a valid police certificate (issued within the last three years) or an NDIS Worker Screening Clearance. This has replaced the standalone police check and Working with Children Check that providers previously asked for, and it now screens against a broader list of precluding offences.
A growing number of providers also prefer or require applicants to already hold a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and be working in the sector, treating the Certificate IV as an upskilling step rather than a first qualification so it’s worth checking this with individual institutions before applying.
