This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist teachers and support student learning in a range of classroom settings. They complete general administrative as well as operational tasks to support students with learning under the guidance of a teacher or other educational professional. Work requires use of discretion and judgement within the boundaries of established policies and procedures.

Education support workers work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.

To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 100 hours of work in a classroom environment catering to primary or secondary school students, within at least one school in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.