New Entry Requirements for the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

17-Sep-25

 

Following extensive consultation by the Jobs and Skills Council, the entry requirements for the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care have been updated – and it’s fantastic news for the early childhood sector.

For years, educators who held the older Certificate III in Children’s Services were required to re-complete the entire updated Certificate III before being eligible for the Diploma. This often caused frustration, duplication of learning, and unnecessary delays in career progression.

Now, a more accessible, faster, and cost-effective pathway has been introduced to support educators in advancing their qualifications.

What’s Changed?

Educators holding an earlier Certificate III in Children’s Services can now bridge into the Diploma by completing the CHCSS00147 Entry to Diploma Skill Set – just three Units of Competency, rather than a full qualification.

Entry into the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is now open to individuals who hold one of the following:

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
• An Australian Certificate III in Children’s Services, plus either:
  • At least 12 months of cumulative full-time employment in a regulated education and care service (within the last 5 years), OR
  • Completion of the CHCSS00147 Entry to Diploma Skill Set.

This change recognises the value of earlier qualifications while ensuring that educators still have a clear and achievable pathway into the Diploma.

Why This Matters

These new entry requirements are a game-changer for the early childhood sector, which continues to face staffing shortages and declining Diploma enrolments. By reducing barriers and eliminating unnecessary duplication of study, the changes will:

• Encourage more educators to enrol in the Diploma,
• Support workforce growth across early childhood services, and
• Help address the ongoing staffing challenges Australia-wide.

Put simply: more educators can now step up into leadership and advanced roles in a shorter time frame.

The CHCSS00147 Entry to Diploma Skill Set

This Skill Set consists of three units of competency:

1. CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
2. CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
3. CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures

Placement Requirements

In addition to completing these units online, learners will also be required to undertake placement activities within a regulated education and care service.

• If you are already employed in a childcare centre, your paid hours may be counted towards your placement.
• If not, we can assist you in finding a suitable host service.

CHCSS00147 Entry to Diploma Skill Set is now available at Suzan Johnston Australia, and we’ve designed this program to be as flexible and supportive as possible.

Duration

2 – 4 months (self-paced)

Delivery Mode

Supported, self-paced online study with:

• Pre-recorded Zoom classes you can access anytime,
• Learning and assessment tasks at your own pace,
• Email/phone support from your allocated trainer,
• Optional Zoom support sessions, and
• Practical placement in a regulated childcare service.

With our self-paced delivery, you control the speed. As soon as you finish one unit, you’ll be able to start the next.

Course Fee & Payment Plan

• Full Fee: $1,450.00
• Deposit: $250.00 at enrolment
• Balance: $400.00 per unit (x 3)

Commencement

New courses commence weekly – so you can start almost immediately.

Train With the Best

For over 66 years, Suzan Johnston Australia has been delivering trusted, high-quality training that the early childhood sector knows and values.

We’re proud of our reputation for:

• Uniquely caring and supportive training,
• Passionate and highly experienced trainers, and
• Outstanding graduate employment outcomes.

When you train with us, you’re not just gaining a qualification – you’re joining a learning community that will open doors to real career opportunities in a high-growth industry.

Contact us today to learn more about enrolling in the CHCSS00147 Entry to Diploma Skill Set and take the next step in your ECEC career journey.