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FAQ

National College Australia (NCA)

Why choose National College Australia (NCA)?
There are many reasons for choosing NCA.
1. We are a niche provider for the aged care and community services sectors. It is all we do so this is where our expertise lies.
2. You only get one dedicated Trainer & Assessor for the entire course so you're able to build a relationship with your key contact. Unlike other training providers, we don't pass on your work to a host of assessors who don't really know or understand you. Where the assigned Trainer & Assessor becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, another Trainer & Assessor will be assigned to you.
3. We monitor your performance to make sure you're on track. The more you stick to your study plan, the greater your chances at success.
4. Our Diploma courses have a recognised pathway for higher education. e.g Charles Sturt University. Learn More
5. Flexible online learning across all our Certificate and Diploma level courses. Learn More
6. Receive 50% off on full course fees when paying upfront.
7. Take advantage of our Cooling Off Period so you have the time to be 100% confident of your enrolment.
Learn More: Why Study with NCA?

Overseas Students & Visa Eligibility

No. Unfortunately, you need to be living in Australia to complete one of our qualifications, and you will need to do a minimum number of hours as work placement in an Australian workplace.
No. Unfortunately we cannot accept that Visa through our college as we are not CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registered.
Learn More: CRICOS
We will check VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system for eligibility as well as assess criteria of visa conditions before enrolling you.
We will only enrol you when an eligible visa is current, and it is your responsibility to provide relevant visa documents which show the visa remains current throughout your studies with NCA if requested.
If you are on a bridging visa, you can still enrol but you must pay the full course fee upfront. We will accept no responsibility if you cannot finish a course if the Department of Home Affairs requires you to leave Australia.

Application and Enrolment

What is a USI?
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a set of 10 numbers and letters created by the Commonwealth Government and is compulsory for students studying nationally recognised courses.
A USI links to an online student account that securely holds your current and past VET(Vocational Education and Training) training records, including results.
The USI and the USI Registry are managed by the Commonwealth Government.
Is the USI only for nationally recognised training (VET) courses?
Yes, regardless of who is delivering the training, your USI is only for nationally recognised training or VET. For more details on USI.
Why do I need a USI?
A USI is required for students undertaking nationally recognised training (qualifications, accredited courses, skill sets and units of competency).
If you don't have a USI you will not receive your qualification or statement of attainment.
Yes. National College Australia (NCA) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) governed by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
We're exactly the same as TAFE, which means the certificate you receive is recognised by industry and other RTOs anywhere in Australia. We are both governed to ensure we issue nationally accredited qualifications that meet Australian standards.
You can enrol into a course and start when you're ready to. As our courses are online, we don't have Term or Semester start dates.
There are no enrolment closing periods as you can easily enrol and start a course with us at anytime of the year. This is the flexibility of studying courses that are offered online.
Credit Transfer (CT) is the process of awarding credit for a Unit of Competency that has been successfully completed at another Registered Training Organisation and therefore does not need to be completed again as part of the NCA course. Credit transfer can only be applied to a Unit of Competency with the same code and title or an equivalent Unit of Competency as shown on the National Register (training.gov.au). CT applications need to be supported by a USI transcript or a verified Transacript of Academic Record.
To discuss your Credit Transfer options, Contact Course Advisors.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that acknowledges a learner's existing skills, knowledge, and experience to determine if they meet the requirements for a Unit of Competency. A range of evidence is required to support the RPL assessment process and if that evidence clearly demonstrates competency for the unit, RPL is granted and no further learning and assessment is required.
To discuss your RPL options, Contact Course Advisors.
Applying to enrol into a course with NCA is easy!
Simply complete the Enrolment Form providing your details, and our Course Advisors will be in touch with the next steps.
You will receive a summary of your application for enrolment emailed to you as confirmation.
Once enrolled in your course, you will receive a Welcome Email sent by Student Services with attached information to get you started with your course.
This information will vary with the qualification and course type however you will need to look out for this email as it will direct you to log into NCA Point (Online Student Learning Portal).
Once enrolled you will receive the Induction program in your Welcome Email with access to an online induction video to show you how to navigate the course and set expectations. You will need to watch the Induction video to familiarise yourself with NCA Point (Online Student Learning Portal) as this will help in getting you started with your course. Once you log into NCA Point, you will commence the Induction program which you have to complete before starting your course.
If you get lost at any time, you are able to access NCA Point's Admin Centre to locate your study information and instructions.

Courses

Do I have to attend classes?
No, you do not attend classes as all of our courses are online which means you can study using your preferred devices like a tablet or a desktop computer. As long as you have internet connection you can easily log into your LMS (Learning Management System) and access all your course materials, and study whenever and wherever you are to suit your busy lifestyle.
All of our courses are delivered online which means you don't need to attend classes. However, you will still need to complete practical tasks in a suitable workplace. Online learning gives you the freedom to work at your own pace and around your other commitments. We refer to our courses, as 'self-paced' but you are required to finish the courses within a certain time-frame.
One of the greatest advantages of flexible learning is that you don't need to worry about rushing to class or time spent travelling to and from class attendance. You get the luxury of studying in your own home.
Learn More: 6 Killer Reasons Why Online Learning Rocks!
Online learning gives you the freedom to work at your own pace and around your other commitments. We refer to our courses as 'self-paced' but you are required to finish the courses in a certain period of time. One of the greatest advantages of online learning is that you don't need to worry about rushing to class or time spent travelling to and from class attendances. You get the luxury of studying in your own home. Busy students love online learning.
Learn More: Flexible Learning at NCA
We offer a range of flexible online Certificate III level courses, as follows:
Aged Care:
CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support
CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support - AGEING Specialisation
CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support - AGEING & DISABILITY Specialisation

Disability
CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support - DISABILITY Specialisation
We offer a range of flexible online Certificate IV level courses, as follows:
Aged Care:
CHC43015 - Certificate IV in Ageing Support

Disability
CHC43121 - Certificate IV in Disability Support - Advanced Disability Worker Stream
CHC43121 - Certificate IV in Disability Support - Leadership in Disability Stream

Community Services
CHC42021 - Certificate IV in Community Services

Mental Health
CHC43315 - Certificate IV in Mental Health

Leisure and Health
CHC43415 - Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
We offer a range of flexible online Certificate IV level courses, as follows:
Community Services
CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services - Standard
CHC52021- Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)

Mental Health
CHC53315 - Diploma in Mental Health
As a guide, you can expect Certificate III and IV level courses to take a maximum of 12 months with Diploma level courses 18 months. Everyone studies at a different pace and the time it takes you to finish the course will depend on how much you already know and how much experience you have. As you will be completing this course in an online environment, you will have the flexibility to complete it earlier.
Yes. As long as assessment requirements are met and achieved then you are able to complete sooner than the course duration guidelines.
We have had students complete a Certificate level course in 6 months. It depends on when you get started and how quickly you accelerate your learning.
Your course has a set duration starting from the date of enrolment. You are required to complete the course within this time period.
If you're having trouble in meeting assessment deadlines and you'd like more time, you can apply for an extension.
If the extension is granted, you will be charged a fee. This policy may vary for some government funded courses.
Vocational education is based on competency-based learning which means you have to prove you have the ability to perform the tasks required for the job.
Assessment is collected as evidence through a number of ways including written questions, projects, third party reports, and performance-based evidence known as Work Placement.
A nationally recognised qualification requires commitment, dedication and an investment of your time. Our courses are are designed to meet the stringent requirements dictated to us as a RTO (Registered Training Organisation). You will be required to dedicate time and effort to your studies.
As a guide, you can expect to spend anywhere between 6 - 15 hours each week on your course. How much time you dedicate to your studies varies from student to student based on the type of qualification, level of industry and work experience.
At NCA, you will be assigned one main trainer & assessor who will support you throughout your learning journey. Unlike other training providers, we do not pass your work to a host of different assessors. However, some courses are specialised and you may be assigned a different trainer & assessor for the specialisations. Where the main trainer & assessor becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, another trainer & assessor will be assigned to you.

Student Support & Services

My course is not what I expected, what can I do?
If you find that the qualification you have enrolled into is not for you and would like to change, you can request to cancel your existing enrolment and enrol into an alternate course. To apply:
  • you will need to submit a Course Cancellation Form
  • all fees due at the time must have been paid
  • you will need to meet the eligibility requirements into the new course
  • you will need to pay for the new course as per National College Australia's advertised prices
  • if you paid in full for your existing enrolment, you will issued a refund for the units of competency you have not completed
  • if you had a payment plan, the plan will be stopped and, pending approval of the new course enrolment, a new plan will be created
  • if you had the first set of course materials posted to you and you would like the new set of materials posted as well, additional learning material and postage fees will apply.

View: Terms & Conditions
If you change your mind within the cooling-off period the following apply:
  • if you have paid in full, a refund will be issued after the non-refundable deposit has been deducted
  • if you have a payment plan, the plan will be cancelled minus the non-refundable deposit
  • if you decide to return to study within 12 months of your original enrolment, you will not need to pay the initial deposit again
  • refunds can only be processed if you have agreed to the Terms and Conditions.

View: Terms & Conditions
Your trainer & assessor is the best person to contact with regards to your assessment work. If you need further explanation of your learning material before you attempt the assessment, they will direct you.
You can reach your trainer & assessor by sending them a message via your Online Student Learning Portal.
To cancel your course, please contact Student Services on 1300 835 373.
We're not able to hold, suspend or defer your course.
You can order text books at the time of enrolment. If you decide later that you would like to order, please contact Student Services on 1300 835 373.There is an additional cost.
Completed assessments will be marked by your assessor within 14 calendar days.
If you need an update regarding your learning progress, please contact our Student Services team.
Yes, you can join our NCA Student Support Facebook Group.
This group is open to enrolled students of NCA.
We will ask you the following three (3) questionsto to accept your Member Join Request:
1. Full Student Name
2. USI
3. Name of your Assessor.

NCA iLearn Learning Portal & IT Support

What are the minimum system requirements to access NCA iLearn Learning Portal?

1. Access to the internet: Your reading and assessment materials have been set up online. You will need to have reliable internet to access the resources. If the internet speed is not high enough, you may struggle with uploading the required evidence, including the videos, to the platform.

2. Google Chrome: It is recommended that you use Google Chrome as the preferred browser of choice.

3. Access to a computer: You will need access to a Windows laptop or desktop for completing your course. You will also need some basic computer skills to navigate the online platform using the instructions provided, and download, or upload files where required. The recommend browser of choice is Google Chrome however the use of other browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox are just as fine.

4. Access to smart devices: The minimum recommended device is an iPad 3 / iPad Mini Retina running on IOS 7.1. The use of iPhone is not recommended when using the eBooks via the learning platform. For further details of the device requirements please refer to the Trouble Shooting eBooks FAQ students_V.1 pdf provided to you via the welcome email.

5. Basic knowledge of using software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe PDF.

6. Recording Device: You will need a recording device for capturing videos or images of practical tasks where required. If you currently own a smart phone, we recommend using your phone camera to record and instantly upload files in NCA iLearn.

Please click on the 'Forgot your password?' option (below the Password field) and follow the prompts. If the issue persists, please contact the Student Services team.

Please check your internet connection first and ensure you are able to browse to other websites successfully. If you are able to do so then please report the issue with regards to NCA Point to our Student Services team. This issue may require administrative attention and subsequent referral to the IT Officer.
Please check your internet connection first and ensure your WiFi or Ethernet (LAN) connection is not dropping out intermittently. If your connection is stable with no drop outs observed (for a certain duration of time) then please report the issue with regards to NCA Point to our Student Services team. This issue may require administrative attention and subsequent referral to the IT Officer.

This issue requires administrative attention and cannot be self-resolved. Please contact our Student Services team for a resolution.

There are known compatibility issues with using the Safari browser which is the default internet browser for Apple Macbooks, iPads and iPhone. To resolve this issue please contact the Student Services team or switch to a Windows based laptop or Windows / Android based tablet.

Please follow the following steps to resolve this issue:

1. Log out of the NCA Point portal and close your browser.
2. Re-open the browser, clear the cache and browsing history.
3. In Google Chrome this can be done by going to Settings / Advanced (scroll down to the bottom of the page) and then Clear Browsing Data / History.
4. Finally log back in (please make sure the internet is connected) and check again.
5. If the issue persists please contact our Student Services team.

NCA Point is an online learning portal and therefore you will need to have a reliable internet connection to access the content. However, the reading material that constitutes the eBooks can be accessed for offline reading. You will need to download the eBooks while connected to the internet. After you have downloaded the eBooks to your device, you can use them offline. Contact studentservices@nca.edu.au immediately.

No, this option is not available. However, you can order textbooks for all units at an additional fee. For more information, please contact our Student Services team.

The questions in the eBooks have been designed for you to practice your knowledge and prepare for the assessments. However they are not mandatory and do not form part of your assessment. You are not able to select and answer these questions within the eBooks.

NCA Point accepts the following audio and video file formats for upload:
FLV, WEBM, MP4, MP3, WMV, WAV, MPEG, AVI, WMA and MOV

If you are unsure, which format your video is recorded into from your device, the best way to find out is to record a short video and email the file to yourself to view the file format and size.

To upload one or more files for a performance assessment task, you will need to click on 'Add Attachment' tab. Once you hit the tab, the total file size restriction of 1000 MB appears on the screen. You will also be able to view the acceptable file formats. You are not able to exceed the total file size limit. For example, if you aim to upload two files (one video and one document), you will need to make note of the file size for each and calculate the combined file size. The combined file size must not exceed 1000 MB.

The average duration of the videos that you will need to produce is between 5 - 10 minutes. If you are using your phone for recording a video, you can optimise your video recording setting on your phone to ensure the required resolution is selected prior to capturing the video. For a given video duration, the lower the resolution is, the smaller your video file size will be. CLICK HERE for the instructions.

You can further reduce the size of the existing files by zipping them. ZIP is an acceptable file format. Please see the screenshot below to zip your files:

Work Placement

What is Work Placement and why is it required?

When you enrol in a nationally recognised qualification, you are obliged to provide evidence that you can perform the skills required to do the job. This evidence has to come from a workplace where you have spent time practising the skills and where you have fulfilled the assessment requirements.

Only if you're NOT working in the job role designed for the qualification. This includes people who might be working in the industry but are not working in the right role.
For example, if you studying the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) - CHC33021, and you work in a residential facility as a kitchen hand, you will be required to complete work placement.

Almost all NCA courses require at least 2 blocks of work placement spread evenly throughout the course so you can practice what you learn over a reasonable period of time. If this isn't possible though, we'll need to work with the employer to schedule times that work around the workplace's operational requirements.

It’s best to start looking for a host employer in your local area shortly after you start the course so you have enough time to secure a placement and be ready to start when the time comes. We’ll give you enough time and opportunity leading up to placement. We will also give you advice and guidance on when and how to approach employers and what to do during placement.
Contact Work Placement Coordinator

Our Work Placement Coordinator are here to help you out.
Contact Work Placement Coordinator

Absolutely. If you are working in the industry but you are required to complete the minimum number of placement hours because you are not working in the right job role. You can certainly do work placement with your current employer as long as you have access to the assessment equipment and resources required.
Contact Work Placement Coordinator

The standard work placement evidence requirements include a timesheet, supervisor reports, observation reports, and any other forms of evidence that demonstrate your skills level.
Contact Work Placement Coordinator

You certainly are. During work placement, all of our students are covered by NCA’s public liability insurance so you are protected.
Contact Work Placement Coordinator

Most community services providers will request a police clearance check before you’re able to start work placement with them. You’ll be able to apply for the check using NCA’s student placement portal. There is a charge of around $30 – $40
Contact Work Placement Coordinator

When you complete the Self-Submission, upload the Police Check under Placement details.
Ensure to add the expiry date and reference number.

Log into Inplace and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Return to the dashboard and locate on the left side the number '1' with a circle around it.
Next to this circle, it says 'Self Submission'.

Your Workplace Coordinator will be notified your Self Submission has been completed, and the submitted data will be reviewed prior to the Work Placement Agreement being emailed to your employer.

Once your employer signs and returns the Work Placement Agreement, it will be uploaded to Inplace. Students can download the Form and sign it.

You can download the Form from the Placement field.

Send your log book to workplacement@nca.edu.au
Upload the Third Party Reports to your Online Student Learning Portal (NCA Point)
Finalise Work Place project on NCA Point