Key Takeaways:
- HumanAbility is progressing wide-ranging projects that will shape training quality and compliance across the VET sector.
- Updates aim to ensure qualifications remain aligned with workforce needs across human services and related industries.
- RTOs should expect reforms in areas such as children education and care, aged care and disability services, and community programs.
- The projects are designed to strengthen occupational outcomes, modernise units, and create clearer career pathways.
- Preparing early will help RTOs manage transitions smoothly and continue delivering strong results for learners.
The vocational education and training sector is undergoing significant transformation as qualifications are reshaped to meet workforce expectations. HumanAbility, the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) responsible for the CHC, HLT, and SIS training packages, is leading multiple projects that will influence compliance standards, training delivery, and learner outcomes over the next two years.
For RTOs, understanding these projects now is vital. Each review may have implications for an RTO’s scope of registration, assessment design, and industry relevance. Below is a breakdown of the key HumanAbility initiatives and what they mean for providers working across human services, aged care and disability services, children education and care, and disability sport and recreation.
Upcoming Changes to the CHC Training Package
CHC Case Management Unit and Diploma Packaging Rules Review (Completed)
The CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management unit due to delivery barriers linked to the 100 hours of required work placement. In some jurisdictions, regulations limit diploma students from completing these placements unless they meet specific eligibility requirements.
The review proposed adjustments, including moving CHCCSM013 from core to elective while keeping case management pathways available to learners.
Timeline: Final recommendations have been submitted, and updated qualifications and units are expected to take effect in 2025. You can find more details about the project here.
Updated Qualifications:
| Old Qualification: | New Qualification: | Note: |
|---|---|---|
| CHC50321 Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention | CHC50325 Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention | Equivalent |
| CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services | CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services | Equivalent |
| CHC50421 Diploma of Youth Work | CHC50425 Diploma of Youth Work | Equivalent |
Updated Units of Competency:
| Old Unit of Competency: | New Unit of Competency: | Note: |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management | CHCCSM017 Facilitate and review case management | Equivalent |
Early Childhood Education and Care Qualification Review
The children education and care workforce is facing higher professional standards and increasing demand. To keep pace, the CHC30121 Certificate III and CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are being reviewed to refine occupational outcomes, update training content to align with modern frameworks, and ensure graduates are prepared for today’s early learning environments.
Timeline: Consultation and drafting will continue throughout 2025, with completion and endorsement scheduled for mid-2026. You can find more details about the project here.
Aged Care, Disability, Leisure and Health Qualification Review
The growing demand for aged care and disability services has highlighted the need to modernise the relevant training products. Current qualifications no longer fully reflect industry practice or the skills required for frontline roles.
This review covers six qualifications and will update them to include person-centred approaches, contemporary skill requirements, and clearer career pathways. The changes are designed to improve workforce readiness and strengthen outcomes across the human and community services sector.
Timeline: Development continues through 2025, with consultation, finalisation, and endorsement planned for 2026. You can find more details about the project here.
Affected Qualifications:
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
- CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support
- CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
- CHC53415 Diploma of Leisure and Health
- 11076NAT Diploma of Leadership in Disability Services
Community Services Qualification Review
Qualifications in human services have fallen out of step with current industry practice, creating pressure for reform. Demand for skilled community workers is rising, and training products must reflect the realities of frontline service delivery.
This project is reviewing and updating community services qualifications to sharpen occupational outcomes, refine core skills, and ensure learners are equipped to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities. The updates will also support RTOs in delivering training that is responsive and compliant across the human and community services sector.
Timeline: Finalisation is scheduled for October 2025, with endorsement expected in November 2025. You can find more details about the project here.
Affected Units of Competency:
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
- CHCDFVXXX Provide family, domestic and/or sexual violence support to communities
- CHCCDE022 Work to empower Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
- CHCYTH017 Develop and implement procedures to enable young people to address their needs
- CHCYTH022 Provide services for the needs and circumstances of young people
- CHCYTH023 Work effectively with young people and their families
- CHCYTH024 Manage service response to young people in crisis
- CHCYTH013 Engage respectfully with young people
- CHCYTH014 Work effectively with young people in the youth work context
- CHCYTH015 Support young people to create opportunities in their lives
- CHCPRT026 Support the rights and safety of children and young people
- CHCPRT027 Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people
- CHCPRT029 Work within a practice framework
- CHCPRT032 Provide supervision in a secure system
- CHCPRT033 Provide support to children and youth in out-of-home care
- CHCPRT034 Work with children and young people with complex trauma and attachment issues and needs
- CHCCSM015 Undertake case management in a child protection framework
- CHCSOH014 Manage and maintain tenancy agreements and services
- CHCSOH020 Develop quality systems in line with registration standards
- CHCSOH021 Work with clients within the social housing system
- CHCSOH022 Develop social housing enterprise opportunities
- CHCSOH023 Acquire properties by purchase or transfer
- CHCSET003 Work with forced migrants
- CHCSET004 Undertake bicultural work with forced migrants in Australia
- CHCMED004 Prepare for mediation
- CHCMED005 Facilitate mediation
- CHCMED006 Consolidate and conclude mediation
- CHCVOL002 Lead volunteer teams
- CHCVOL003 Recruit, induct and support volunteers
- CHCVOL004 Manage volunteer workforce development
- CHCEDU002 Plan health promotion and community intervention
- CHCEDU003 Provide sexual and reproductive health information to clients
- CHCEDU004 Develop, implement and review sexual and reproductive health education programs
- CHCEDU005 Work with clients to identify financial literacy education needs
- CHCEDU006 Improve clients’ fundamental financial literacy skills
- CHCEDU007 Provide group education on consumer credit and debt
- CHCEDU009 Provide parenting, health and well-being education
- CHCEDU010 Prepare and evaluate relationship education programs
- CHCEDU011 Work with parents or carers of very young children
- CHCEDU012 Facilitate couple processes in group work
- CHCFAM003 Support people to improve relationships
- CHCFAM004 Facilitate changeovers
- CHCFAM005 Facilitate and monitor contact
- CHCFAM006 Assist families to self-manage contact
- CHCFAM009 Facilitate family intervention strategies
- CHCFAM010 Provide intervention support to families
- CHCCSM011 Work with carers and/or families in complex situations
- CHCCSM014 Provide case management supervision
- CHCCSM015 Undertake case management in a child protection framework
- CHCCSM016 Undertake advanced assessments
- CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
- CHCPAS003 Plan for the provision of pastoral and spiritual care
- CHCPAS004 Provide pastoral and spiritual care
- CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
- CHCYTH016 Respond to critical situations
- CHCADV003 Represent clients in court
- CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services
- CHCCCS001 Address the needs of people with chronic disease
- CHCCCS005 Conduct individual assessments
- CHCCCS010 Maintain a high standard of service
- CHCCCS030 Determine and respond to carer needs
- CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and the health system
- CHCCCS037 Visit client residence
- CHCDEV006 Analyse information for service planning and delivery
- CHCCOM001 Provide first point of contact
- CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
- CHCCOM004 Present information to stakeholder groups
- CHCGRP001 Support group activities
- CHCPRP004 Promote and represent the service
- CHCGRP002 Plan and conduct group activities
- CHCLLN001 Respond to client language, literacy and numeracy needs
- CHCMGT001 Develop, implement and review quality framework
- CHCMGT002 Manage partnership agreements with service providers
- CHCMGT004 Secure and manage funding
- CHCMGT006 Coordinate client directed services
- CHCMGT007 Work effectively with the Board of an organisation
Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Qualification Review
The mental health workforce supports some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities. Existing training products need revision to reflect national strategies, workforce priorities, and the complexity of frontline service delivery.
This review is modernising qualifications and skill sets by embedding stronger core capabilities, introducing clearer specialisations, and aligning training with evolving service models. The goal is to prepare graduates for the realities of complex care roles in human services and to strengthen pathways across the broader human and community services sector.
Timeline: The project is in progress, with finalised and endorsed qualifications expected between late 2025 and early 2026. You can find more details about the project here.
Affected Qualifications:
- CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
- CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
- CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
Affected Skill Sets:
- CHCSS00092 Alcohol and Other Drugs Co-existing Needs Skill Set
- CHCSS00093 Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set
- CHCSS00102 Mental Health Co-existing Needs Skill Set
- CHCSS00103 Mental Health Peer Work Skill Set
- CHCSS00112 Suicide Bereavement Support Skill Set
- CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set
- CHCSS00138 Mental Health Assistance
Outside School Hours Care Project
The Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) sector has expanded rapidly, but training has lacked national consistency. To address this, the 10983NAT Certificate III in Outside School Hours Care is being transitioned into the CHC training package.
The updated qualification will provide a standardised pathway for educators, improve workforce mobility between OSHC and education support roles, and help meet growing demand for skilled workers in human and community services.
Timeline: The project is underway, with finalisation and endorsement expected in September 2025. You can find more details about the project here.
Identify and Report Children and Young People at Risk Unit of Competency Review (Completed)
In December 2022, new legislation—including Victoria’s Child Safe Standards and the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Regulation 2022—prompted major training updates. As a result, CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk was replaced by CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk.
While the new unit is available, it has not yet been built into 12 qualifications, several of which are widely delivered in children education and care and community services. This project will integrate CHCPRT025 across the affected qualifications to align training with current state and national requirements.
Updated Qualifications:
| Old Qualification: | New Qualification: | Note: |
|---|---|---|
| CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care | CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care | Equivalent |
| CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support | CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support | Equivalent |
| CHC50221 Diploma of School Age Education and Care | CHC50225 Diploma of School Age Education and Care | Equivalent |
| Qualification: | Changes: | Note: |
|---|---|---|
| CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services | Updated from Release 4 to 5 | Equivalent |
| CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support | Updated from Release 1 to 2 | Equivalent |
| CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services | Updated from Release 3 to 4 | Equivalent |
| CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care | Updated from Release 3 to 4 | Equivalent |
| CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs | Updated from Release 3 to 4 | Equivalent |
| CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | Updated from Release 1 to 2 | Equivalent |
| CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling | Updated from Release 1 to 2 | Equivalent |
August 2026 Update: CHC30125 Release 2 Adds a National Child Safety Training Requirement
The National Register has published Release 2 of CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, replacing Release 1. The qualification still contains 17 units, including CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk, and the 160-hour work-placement requirement remains unchanged.
The update introduces a new pre-placement requirement. Learners must complete the National Child Safety Training before undertaking any work-placement hours in a regulated early childhood education and care service.
This training is completed through the Australian Government’s Geccko platform and recorded against the individual learner. It is separate from the qualification and is not an additional unit, elective or prerequisite. The Foundations of Child Safety training covers:
- Children’s rights and best interests
- Child-safe organisational culture
- Harm prevention and professional boundaries
- Child-safe policies and procedures
- Identifying and responding to safety concerns
This requirement is separate from CHCPRT025 and any jurisdiction-specific child protection training. Depending on the state or territory, learners may still need to complete additional child protection training before placement.
Updated Units of Competency:
| Units of Competency: | Changes: | Note: |
|---|---|---|
| CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk | Updated from Release 1 to 2 | Equivalent |
| CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management | Deleted | |
| CHCECE002 Ensure the health and safety of children | Deleted | |
| CHCECE004 Promote and provide healthy food and drinks | Deleted | |
| CHCECE015 Attend to daily functions in home based child care | Deleted | |
| CHCPAL002 Plan for and provide care services using a palliative approach | Deleted | |
| CHCPRT004 Work effectively in child protection to support children, young people and families | Deleted | |
| CHCYTH001 Engage respectfully with young people | Deleted | |
| CHCYTH002 Work effectively with young people in the youth work context | Deleted |
Updates to Imported Units of Competency
BSBINM301 Organise workplace information
| Imported Units of Competency: | Changes: | Note: |
|---|---|---|
| BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities | Newly Added | |
| SISXEMR004 Coordinate emergency responses | Newly Added | |
| AHCAGB518 Develop climate risk management strategies | Updated from Release 2 to 1 | |
| HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication | Updated from Release 3 to 2 | |
| BSBINM301 Organise workplace information | Deleted | |
| BSBWOR201 Manage personal stress in the workplace | Deleted | |
| FSKDIG03 Use digital technology for routine workplace tasks | Deleted | |
| FSKLRG09 Use strategies to respond to routine workplace problems | Deleted | |
| FSKLRG11 Use routine strategies for work-related learning | Deleted | |
| FSKNUM14 Calculate with whole numbers and familiar fractions, decimals and percentages for work | Deleted | |
| FSKOCM07 Interact effectively with others at work | Deleted | |
| FSKRDG10 Read and respond to routine workplace information | Deleted | |
| FSKWTG09 Write routine workplace texts | Deleted | |
| SISXDIS001 Facilitate inclusion for people with a disability | Deleted | |
| SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses | Deleted | |
| TAEDEL301A Provide work skill instruction | Deleted |
Upcoming Changes to the HLT Training Package
Sterilisation Services Qualification Review
Sterilisation services are central to infection control in healthcare, but existing qualifications no longer reflect technological advances, updated compliance requirements, or the growth of the industry.
The project will modernise skills standards, update unit content to align with contemporary workplace practices, and strengthen career pathways in this specialist field of human services. The changes will help ensure graduates are equipped for safe and effective roles across the broader human and community services sector.
Timeline: The project is in progress, with updated qualifications expected to be finalised and endorsed between late 2025 and mid-2026. You can find more details about the project here.
Affected Qualifications:
- HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services
- HLT47015 Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services
Affected Units of Competency:
- HLTSTE001 Clean and disinfect reusable medical devices
- HLTSTE002 Inspect and pack reusable medical devices
- HLTSTE003 Sterilise loads
- HLTSTE004 Manage sterile stock
- HLTSTE005 Care for reusable medical devices
- HLTSTE006 Chemically disinfect reusable medical device
- HLTSTE007 Monitor and maintain cleaning and sterilisation equipment
- HLTSTE008 Monitor quality of cleaning, sterilisation, and packaging processes
Health Services Assistance Qualification Review
The health services assistance workforce is growing quickly, but qualifications need updating to reflect modern healthcare practices. The review covers the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and the HLT47515 Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support, both of which are critical pathways into frontline support roles.
The project will align training with advances in technology, stronger infection control measures, and the increased focus on patient-centred care. It will also ensure graduates are prepared to assist across multiple occupations and respond effectively to public health challenges, including disease outbreaks.
Timeline: The review is underway, with revised qualifications expected to be completed and endorsed between late 2025 and early 2026. You can find more details about the project here.
Pathology Qualification Review
Pathology qualifications have not been updated since 2015, leaving a gap between training and current industry standards. To address this, HumanAbility is reviewing the HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection and the HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance.
The project will modernise training to reflect contemporary diagnostic technologies, strengthen skills in specimen collection and safety, and ensure graduates are prepared for frontline roles in healthcare. These updates will also improve the supply of skilled workers across human services and the wider human and community services sector.
Timeline: The review is underway, with updated qualifications scheduled for completion and endorsement in 2025. You can find more details about the project here.
Audiometry Qualification Review
The audiometry workforce plays a vital role in hearing health and early intervention, but current qualifications are almost a decade old. HumanAbility is reviewing the HLT47415 Certificate IV in Audiometry and the HLT57415 Diploma of Audiometry to ensure they reflect today’s diagnostic practices and regulatory requirements.
The project will update training to include contemporary clinical processes, strengthen patient-centred care skills, and align with workforce expectations in healthcare. These updates will help graduates transition smoothly into specialist roles within human services and contribute to stronger outcomes across the broader human and community services system.
Timeline: The project is in progress, with revised qualifications scheduled for completion and endorsement in 2025. You can find more details about the project here.
Optical Dispensing Qualification Review
Optical dispensing qualifications are due for an update to reflect industry changes, new technologies, and evolving compliance requirements. HumanAbility is reviewing the HLT47815 Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing to ensure training continues to meet sector needs.
The project will align skills with contemporary workplace practices, strengthen graduate readiness for optical service roles, and support workforce capacity within human services and the wider human and community services sector.
Timeline: The review is in its finalisation stage, with endorsement projected for 2025. You can find more details about the project here.
Upcoming Changes to the SIS Training Package
Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Qualification Review
The outdoor recreation and leadership sector contributes to education, tourism, and community wellbeing, but qualifications need updating to meet modern safety requirements and industry standards. This project will also respond to the growing demand for inclusive programs, including opportunities in disability sport and recreation.
HumanAbility is reviewing qualifications and units of competency that support roles such as outdoor guides, instructors, site managers, camp facilitators, specialist activity instructors, and tour guides. The aim is to strengthen occupational outcomes, improve risk management skills, and ensure training reflects current industry needs.
Timeline: Consultation will continue until November 2025, with finalisation, submission, and endorsement expected in the first half of 2026. You can find more details about the project here.
Affected Qualifications:
- SIS20419 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
- SIS30619 Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership
- SIS40621 Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
- SIS50421 Diploma of Outdoor Leadership
Next Steps for RTOs
The scope of HumanAbility’s projects means most RTOs delivering CHC, HLT, or SIS qualifications will be affected. Preparing early will minimise disruption and support smooth transitions once the new training products are endorsed.
- Review Scope of Registration: Check your scope of registration to confirm which qualifications are under review. This will help you identify where delivery or assessment adjustments will be needed.
- Audit Training and Assessment Resources: Evaluate your existing learning and assessment resources. Units that are being revised, replaced, or moved from core to elective will require updates to maintain compliance.
- Prepare Trainers and Assessors: Ensure trainers and assessors are across the changes. Updating staff knowledge early will help them adapt to revised unit requirements, new compliance expectations, and occupational outcomes.
- Partner with a Reliable Resource Publisher: Choose a publisher that offers training materials with built-in support. TotalVET Training Resources offers RTO materials with mapped tools, audit rectification, free updates and more.
By acting now, RTOs can remain compliant within the vocational education and training sector, reduce risks, and continue to deliver high-quality outcomes across human services, aged care and disability services, children education and care, and programs linked to disability sport and recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HumanAbility’s role in the VET sector?
HumanAbility is the Jobs and Skills Council overseeing the CHC, HLT, and SIS training packages, with responsibility for reviewing and updating qualifications.
Why are these projects important for training providers?
They ensure qualifications and units remain current, relevant to employers, and aligned with national standards, which directly impacts RTO delivery.
How will learners benefit from the updates?
Graduates will gain clearer, more practical skillsets that better prepare them for work in areas like human and community services and healthcare.
What should RTOs be doing right now?
RTOs should review their scope, assess their resources, prepare trainers for changes, and consider working with publishers that provide mapped tools and update support.
When will these changes take effect?
Most projects are scheduled for completion and endorsement between 2025 and 2026, though some updates will be finalised earlier.
Conclusion
HumanAbility’s wide-ranging reviews show how quickly the VET sector is evolving. These projects are not only about compliance—they are designed to keep training products aligned with workforce needs and industry expectations.
For providers in children education and care, the reforms will strengthen qualifications and professional standards. Updates in aged care and disability services will improve pathways and ensure graduates are prepared for frontline roles. Projects across human and community services will modernise training for community, counselling, and youth work, while outdoor recreation reviews will embed stronger safety standards and expand access to disability sport and recreation.
For RTOs, the key is preparation. By tracking timelines, reviewing resources, and engaging with supportive publishers, providers can stay compliant and continue delivering quality outcomes across the vocational education and training sector.
