What is the HLTINF006 infection control course?
HLTINF006 Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control is the nationally recognised infection control training unit for people working in health and community services. It covers the everyday precautions that stop infections spreading, from hand hygiene and PPE to cleaning and waste, plus what to do when something goes wrong, like a needlestick or a blood spill.
This is infection control training online, start to finish. You’ll work through the learning materials at your own pace, then complete written tasks and practical demonstrations of hand hygiene and glove removal that you record and submit. Most students allow about 3 hours for the assessment tasks once they’ve finished the learning materials.
- 100% online, self-paced study
- Practical skills demonstrated and submitted online
- Nationally recognised Statement of Attainment
- Available Australia-wide
Location
Australia Wide
Delivery mode
Course duration
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Upcoming intake
Payment plans
Entry requirements
- There are no prerequisite units for HLTINF006.
- A device that can record video, plus reliable internet to upload your practical demonstrations.
- Access to a sink with soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub and disposable gloves for the practical tasks.
- Reasonable literacy and numeracy skills, as you’ll answer written questions and complete a risk assessment.
- Basic computer and digital literacy skills.
- Photo ID required for the online assessments.
- Must be 18+ (under 18 permitted with guardian consent).
What you’ll learn
The course follows the three parts of the HLTINF006 unit. You’ll learn how to:
- Identify infection risks and hazards in your work setting
- Understand the standards, guidelines and responsibilities that apply to infection control
- Perform hand hygiene correctly, using alcohol-based hand rub and soap and water
- Select, put on, remove and dispose of PPE, including gloves
- Clean the environment and manage waste, sharps and linen safely
- Recognise when transmission-based precautions or extra cleaning are needed
- Respond to exposure to blood or body fluids, manage spills and control contamination
- Report and document a breach or exposure incident
You’ll also cover the chain of infection, how microorganisms cause disease, the 5 moments of hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene, including why you shouldn’t come to work sick.
Course units
This course is 100% online. You’ll complete one unit, HLTINF006 Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control, through self-paced learning and online assessment tasks.
Self-Paced Online Course Learning
|units|What is this unit?
This unit covers the basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control for people working in health and community services.
Why it matters
Infections spread through hands, surfaces, equipment and body fluids. Consistent precautions protect you, your clients and your colleagues.
What you’ll learn
You’ll learn hand hygiene, PPE use and removal, cleaning and waste management, and how to respond to and report an exposure to blood or body fluids.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment is completed online through written questions, recorded practical demonstrations of hand hygiene and glove removal, and a case study risk assessment.
Practical benefit
Once you’re competent, you’ll be able to apply standard and transmission-based precautions in your workplace and respond correctly to infection risks.
Delivery & assessment
Delivery format
- 100% online, with no face-to-face attendance
- Self-paced learning you can fit around work
- Allow about 3 hours for the assessment tasks after you’ve worked through the learning materials
Assessment method
You’ll complete five assessment tasks:
- Questions on infection prevention and control policies and procedures
- A practical demonstration of hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub
- A practical demonstration of hand hygiene with soap and water
- A practical demonstration of safe glove removal
- A case study scenario review and risk assessment
Practical demonstrations are recorded and submitted online. You must complete all assessment tasks successfully to be deemed competent. Read our student information and assessment policies before you enrol.
Career pathways
HLTINF006 won’t qualify you for a role by itself, but employers in health, aged care and community services often ask for infection control training before you start. It supports roles such as:
- Assistant in nursing
- Health care assistant
- Patient transport officer
- Medical receptionist
- Aged care and disability support worker
Pathways into further training
Add HLTINF006 to these units and courses as you build toward health care work:
Certification and validity
When you complete the course, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for HLTINF006 Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control from International Paramedic College (RTO 45284).
The unit has no set expiry, but many health and care employers ask for infection control training to be refreshed regularly. Check what your workplace requires.
Who should take this course?
This infection control course suits people who work with patients, clients or shared equipment, including:
- Aged care and disability support workers
- Assistants in nursing and health care assistants
- Patient transport and first response staff
- Medical reception and clinic support staff
- Students preparing for a clinical or care placement
- Cleaners and support staff in health facilities
It’s also useful if your employer has asked for current infection control training before your start date.
Location
100% Online. Study from anywhere in Australia.
Pricing
$475
Included costs
- Online learning materials and assessments
- Assessment of your practical demonstrations
- Nationally recognised Statement of Attainment
See what our students have to say
“The structure was straightforward and the support was there when I needed it. Workshops were practical, and I always knew what I was working toward.”
“I wanted training that felt real. The scenarios, feedback and support helped me build skills I can actually apply, especially when things get stressful.”
“What stood out was how approachable the team is. They teach in a calm, practical way and make sure you understand the ‘why’, not just the steps.”
“I learned more than skills - I learned how to think clearly under pressure. The practical training and feedback helped me feel ready for real-world situations.”
Trusted first aid provider for leading Australian brands
How the online training works
Enrol, study and complete your assessments online, with no classroom time.
Enrol online and receive immediate access to the student portal.
Enrol anytime with our 100% online course.
Complete the online learning and assessments at your own pace.
Work through the learning materials, record your practical demonstrations, and allow about 3 hours for your assessment tasks.
Receive your Statement of Attainment upon successful completion.
Once you’re deemed competent, you’ll receive your nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.
FAQs
Have questions about the HLTINF006 infection control course? Below you’ll find answers about online study, practical tasks and how the unit compares with older codes.
What is HLTINF006?
HLTINF006 Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control is a nationally recognised unit covering hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning, waste management and how to respond to exposure to infection risks.
Can I do the HLTINF006 online course from home?
Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced. You’ll record your practical demonstrations of hand hygiene and glove removal and submit them online, so there’s no classroom session.
How long does HLTINF006 take?
It’s self-paced. Most students allow about 3 hours for the assessment tasks after working through the learning materials, but you can take longer if you need to.
Is HLTINF006 the same as HLTINF001?
No. HLTINF006 replaced HLTINF001, but training.gov.au lists the two units as not equivalent. If your employer asks for HLTINF001, check whether they’ll accept the current unit.
Who needs infection control training?
Anyone who works with patients, clients or shared equipment in health, aged care, disability or community services. Many employers ask for it before you start, and it’s a useful add-on to HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.
Infection control training for teams
Need staff trained in HLTINF006? Talk to us about enrolling your team in online infection control training.
Build safe infection control habits
See how this course prepares you for the precautions you’ll use every shift.
100% Online and Self-Paced
Nationally Recognised Unit
Practical Skills You Use Every Shift
Trusted Training Australia Wide
HLTINF006 accredited training, real outcomes
This nationally recognised unit is delivered by International Paramedic College (RTO 45284) under strict compliance standards, so you can study with confidence.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45284)
International Paramedic College is an ASQA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45284) that delivers nationally recognised training and qualifications in Australia.
Nationally recognised qualifications
We deliver nationally recognised qualifications and accredited training that support real employment and workplace outcomes.
Certification you can use anywhere
Upon completing training, your results lead to a recognised certification that can be used for employment, workplace compliance, and further study.
Take the next step into healthcare
Ready to move towards a career in healthcare? Secure your place and start building the skills, experience, and confidence needed to work in real clinical environments.
Unsure where to start? Download your free course guide and talk to a course advisor today
Learn from experienced health care trainers
Our trainers bring real pre-hospital and clinical experience, so infection control is taught the way it works on the job.
Susan Devlin
Susan Devlin is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of IPC, bringing over 20 years of experience in vocational education and training, business management and regulatory compliance. She leads IPC’s strategic direction with a focus on people, quality training and sustainable growth.
Kel Gale
Kel’s professional background spans training across the pre-hospital health care, maritime and tourism sectors, with a strong focus on providing practical, efficient, evidence-based education.
Reahanna Clark
Reahanna Clark is IPC’s Course Advisor, supporting new and continuing students as they navigate their training and career pathways in emergency health care. With over five years of RTO experience and a background in health sciences, she provides helpful guidance on course selection, enrolment, credit transfers, and RPL applications, helping students feel confident throughout their study journey.
Caroline Gey
Caroline leads IPC’s audit and compliance activities, ensuring quality training outcomes, regulatory compliance, and robust systems that support students, trainers, and industry partners.
Dave Mortimer
David is a registered paramedic with NSW Ambulance and a highly experienced trainer with over 12 years of first aid education experience. He delivers practical, engaging training across the IPC’s first aid courses and trains our Diploma of Emergency Health Care, bringing real emergency‑response insight to every class.
Dee Heffernan
Dee Heffernan is IPC’s Training and Professional Development Officer, working closely with partners to support training delivery and compliance. Drawing on her experience as a trainer and her paramedical studies, she helps partners stay informed, capable, and confident.
Cora O'Callaghan
Cora is IPC’s Training and Student Success Coordinator, supporting learners from enrolment through to course completion. Known for her solutions-focused style, she helps ensure students stay engaged, supported, and confident throughout their training journey.
Lynette Hawthorn
Lynette Hawthorn is a Training Coordinator at IPC, helping students navigate their courses and stay on track from start to finish. She is passionate about supporting learners as they develop the skills needed to make a difference in their communities.
Rebecca Wade
Rebecca Wade is a Trainer and Assessor with more than 30 years of experience across community and children’s services. Her career supporting vulnerable individuals shapes her practical, compassionate approach to first aid training.
Tony Ruttley
Tony Ruttley is a Trainer and Assessor with over 20 years of experience in sports medicine and emergency care. His background as a rugby league sports trainer brings valuable real-world insight into injury management and emergency response.
Harjot Singh Sandhu
Harjot Singh Sandhu is an experienced Trainer and Assessor with more than 13 years in disability, mental health, and community healthcare. His hands-on background helps him deliver engaging first aid training grounded in real-world scenarios.
Tamieka Huxley
Tamieka Huxley is a Trainer and Assessor delivering first aid training across the Northern NSW region. She is passionate about empowering local communities with the confidence and skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
Steve Tevelein
Steve Tevelein is a First Aid and CPR Trainer with extensive experience in emergency response and community service. As a long-time SES member, he brings practical knowledge into every training session.
Aligned with national infection control guidelines
This course reflects current Australian standards and guidelines for infection prevention and control in health and care settings.
Explore health care career guides
Read practical guides on care and patient transport roles where infection control is part of the job.
Get help starting your healthcare journey
If you’re exploring entry-level healthcare training, our team can guide you through enrolment, study options, and what to expect from this course.
