Recognition of Prior LearningCertificate IIICare & community

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through RPL

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised Certificate III in community services and care. It reflects the skills of people working in roles such as child care worker. If you already do this kind of work, Recognition of Prior Learning may let a registered training organisation assess your experience against it.

Check if RPL could work for youWhy genuine RPL matters

Roles this qualification reflects

An assessor looks for evidence that you can do work like this to the required standard.

  • Child Care Worker

About this qualification

Live from training.gov.au

Qualification description

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 judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site. Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens. To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. Individuals must complete the National Child Safety Training prior to undertaking any work placement hours in a regulated children’s education and care service. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

Packaging rules

To be awarded, a learner completes 15 core units plus 2 elective units — 17 units in total. The specific units and elective choices are listed on the official record.

Entry requirements

This qualification has no entry requirements.

Licensing & regulatory

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (as applied in each state and territory) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au. The Education and Care Services National Law (Section 162B) now requires all individuals working or volunteering in a regulated children’s education and care service to complete mandated National Child Safety Training. This training is separate from the units of competency within…

Source: training.gov.au · release 2, 17 July 2026.View the official record

What evidence do RTOs usually accept?

Genuine RPL is assessed on real evidence. Every RTO sets its own requirements, but these are the kinds of things assessors commonly look for. You don’t need all of it to start — we’ll help you work out what you have.

  • Proof of work historyPayslips, employment contracts, letters from employers, an ABN and invoices if you’ve worked for yourself, or a detailed resume.
  • References and verificationStatements or referee reports from employers, supervisors or clients who can confirm the work you’ve done.
  • Samples of your workPhotos or videos of completed jobs, project lists, plans you’ve worked from, or examples of what you’ve produced.
  • Tickets, licences and short coursesAny cards, tickets, white cards, licences or short-course certificates you already hold.
  • A practical demonstrationMost RPL also involves showing your skills directly — a practical task or a competency conversation with a qualified assessor.

Licensing and registration

In many trades, a qualification is only one part of being allowed to do the work. Licensing is set by each state and territory — here’s where to check. Links go to the relevant regulator.

Approved early childhood qualifications

Educators in approved services need a qualification on ACECQA’s approved list, which ACECQA maintains nationally — check it, as well as Working with Children requirements in your state.

RPL enquiry

Could RPL work for your early childhood education and care experience?

Tell us about your work. We’ll explain what a registered RTO is likely to need and whether RPL is the right path — or a better one. No cost, no obligation.

Check if RPL could work for you

Tell us about your trade and experience. We’ll be honest about what evidence you’ll need — and whether RPL is the right path.

What evidence could you provide? Tick any that apply

Genuine RPL is assessed on evidence like this, plus a practical assessment by a registered training organisation.

RS Education is not a registered training organisation and does not provide immigration assistance. Qualifications are issued only by RTOs; we never sell or guarantee qualifications.

Other qualifications in care & community

RS Education (RecogniSKILL Pty Ltd, ABN 66 666 375 819) is not a registered training organisation. We do not deliver training, assess competence, issue qualifications or guarantee outcomes, and we do not sell qualifications. This page is general information only. Assessments are conducted and qualifications issued solely by RTOs registered on training.gov.au; licensing is determined by the relevant state, territory or national regulator. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing body.