This is a trade qualification for carpenters in residential and commercial workplaces. It includes setting out, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, installing and repairing products made using timber and non-timber materials.
Occupational titles may include:
- Carpenter – Commercial
- Carpenter – Formwork
- Carpenter – Residential
State and territory jurisdictions may have different licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
Completion of the general construction induction training program, specified in the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, is required by anyone carrying out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years and above
- Satisfactory completion of Year 10 or higher from applicant’s home country.
| IELTS (General or Academic) | PTE Academic | TOEFL PB | TOEFL iBT | CAE Scale | ELICOS (General English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 50–58 | 547–587 | 78–82 | 169–175 | n/a |
| 5.5 | 46 | 506 | 62 | 162 | +15 weeks |
| 5.0 | 38 | 478 | 51 | 154 | +30 weeks |
Note: Results older than two years are not acceptable (for offshore applicants)
OR
- Evidence that they have studied in English for at least five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States.
OR
- Evidence that, within two years of their application date, they have successfully completed in Australia a foundation course or a senior secondary certificate of education or successfully completed substantial components (50% or more units according to the training package) IV qualification or higher level qualification, from the Australian Qualifications Framework on a student visa.
OR
- Applicants originating from students visa assessment levels 1 and 2 countries without the required IELTS or equivalent score must undertake the Language, Literacy, Numeracy (LLN) and Digital (D) literacy test. For further information on student visa assessment levels visit Department of Home Affairs’ website at
www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Onshore International Students
- Complete the Pre-Training Review including LLND test which aims to identify training needs through questions on previous education or training, relevance of the courses to learner and relevant experience.
Offshore International Students
- Complete the Pre-Training Review including LLND test which aims to identify training needs through questions on previous education or training, relevance of the courses to learner and relevant experience. This will be conducted either via video call (e.g. Skype) or phone call to the prospective learner.
Note: Satisfactory completion of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry or equivalent prior to construction workplace site visit.
Other Conditions:
Students are expected to dedicate approximately 4 hours per week to guided learning during the training weeks, excluding term breaks. Please note that this is an approximate time commitment and may vary depending on the specific unit of competency. Refer section 19 Training and Delivery Structure.
All students are required to purchase their own PPE kit and safety boots prior to participating in any workshop sessions.
Entry into the workshop without the appropriate PPE and safety boots will not be permitted under any circumstances.
This is a mandatory safety requirement to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.
Students enrolling in Carpentry must possess a reasonable level of physical fitness.
The course involves handling tools, equipment, and materials that require strength, stamina, and coordination.
Tasks may include standing for long periods, working at heights, and repetitive arm and hand movements.
Learning Pathways
Learners who successfully complete this qualification may progress into but are not limited to:
CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Constructions
Career Pathways
Upon successful completion of the qualification, career pathways may include, but are not limited to:
Carpenter
Joiner
*It is not, however, intended to indicate that an individual will gain immediate employment on completion of this qualification.
Duration
Full time: over a period of 52 weeks
- 52 weeks of delivery is inclusive of 4 weeks holiday breaks.
- Classroom sessions of 20 hours per week.
- Training support hours include the assistance provided after the classroom session or on request by learners either via face-to-face or phone, skype or email to support learners to undertake the learning activities and other academic matters.
- Guided Learning hours are monitored by Trainers/Assessors.
Course Outline
To attain this qualification, 34 units of competency must be successfully completed. The recommended course outline is as follows:
(*) against a unit code below indicates that there is a prerequisite requirement that must be met.
| No | Unit Code | Unit Title | Core (C) / Elective (E) |
| 1 | CPCCCA2002* | Use carpentry tools and equipment | C |
| 2 | CPCCCA2011* | Handle carpentry materials | C |
| 3 | CPCCCA3001* | Carry out general demolition of minor building structures | C |
| 4 | CPCCCA3002* | Carry out setting out | C |
| 5 | CPCCCA3003* | Install flooring systems | C |
| 6 | CPCCCA3004* | Construct and erect wall frames | C |
| 7 | CPCCCA3005* | Construct ceiling frames | C |
| 8 | CPCCCA3006* | Erect roof trusses | C |
| 9 | CPCCCA3007* | Construct pitched roofs | C |
| 10 | CPCCCA3008* | Construct eaves | C |
| 11 | CPCCCA3010* | Install windows and doors | C |
| 12 | CPCCCA3016* | Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs | C |
| 13 | CPCCCA3017* | Install exterior cladding | C |
| 14 | CPCCCA3024* | Install lining, panelling and moulding | C |
| 15 | CPCCCA3025* | Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work | C |
| 16 | CPCCCA3028* | Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground | C |
| 17 | CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures | C |
| 18 | CPCCCM2008* | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | C |
| 19 | CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights | C |
| 20 | CPCCCO2013* | Carry out concreting to simple forms | C |
| 21 | CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry | C |
| 22 | CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication | C |
| 23 | CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations | C |
| 24 | CPCCOM3001 | Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements | C |
| 25 | CPCCOM3006 | Carry out levelling operations | C |
| 26 | CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | C |
| 27 | CPCWHS3001 | Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies | C |
| 28 | CPCCCA3009* | Construct advanced roofs | E |
| 29 | CPCCCA3012* | Frame and fit wet area fixtures | E |
| 30 | CPCCCA3014* | Construct and install bulkheads | E |
| 31 | CPCCCA3018* | Construct, erect and dismantle formwork for stairs and ramps | E |
| 32 | CPCCCA3019* | Erect and dismantle formwork to suspended slabs, columns, beams and walls | E |
| 33 | CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work | E |
| 34 | CPCCBC4006 | Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects | E |
Fees
| Tuition Fees | $20,000 |
| Non-Tuition Fees | |
| Application Fees | $500 |
| Material Fees | $1500 |
| Total Fee | $22,000 |
Delivery Mode and Assessment
Classroom Blended including classroom sessions, guided leaning and theory assessments at home and simulated workplace environment.
Summative Theory assessment is conducted outside of the classroom environment. Summative Practical assessment occurs at the practical location.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfers (CT)
Demonstration of Competence through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Learners can demonstrate competency through formal, non-formal and informal learning:
- Formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction and is linked to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, a certificate, diploma or university degree);
- Non-formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction, but does not lead to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, in-house professional development programs conducted by a business); and
- Informal learning refers to learning that results through the experience of work-related, social, family, hobby or leisure activities (for example the acquisition of interpersonal skills developed through several years as a sales representative).
- Learners are encouraged to apply for RPL prior to or immediately after formal enrolment but prior to the facilitated delivery of units to ensure that they do not miss any learning opportunities offered should they be unsuccessful in the RPL process.
To know more about how RPL is conducted please refer to the following documents:
RPL policy and procedure
RPL kit for the qualification
How prospective learners will be made aware of RPL
Prospective learners will be informed of the RPL policy and process prior to enrolment via website, Student handbook and pre-training review, enrolment, and course commencement stages.
Credit Transfers (CT):
- RTO recognises the AQF Qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Registered Training Organisation.
- Learners must show evidence that can be verified such as a statement of results to be considered for CT. Learners should advise and provide evidence of their acquired or pending qualifications/statements of attainment before or during the enrolment process.
Work Placement
Participants are required to undertake 192 hours of work placement, which provides an excellent opportunity to improve practical job skills and gain industry exposure in an operational commercial kitchen.
Delivery Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | |
| Level 3, 90 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 | Classroom |
| 11 Jacobson’s Crescent, Holden Hill SA 5088 | Simulation |
| Melbourne | |
| Level 7, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Classroom |
| 5/133 Elgar Road, Derrimut VIC 3026 | Simulation |
| NSW | |
| Suite 414/2–8 Brookhollow Ave, Norwest NSW 2153 | Classroom |
| 145 Gilba Road, Girraween NSW 2145 | Simulation |
Intake Schedule
Why carpenters across Australia are choosing this qualification
The work is out there
Construction companies, builders, renovation specialists, and commercial contractors are constantly searching for qualified carpenters who can frame, finish, and build to Australian standards.
It's a real career path
This qualification opens doors to residential carpentry, commercial construction, specialist roles, and eventually running your own carpentry business. You're not just cutting timber, but you're shaping your career.
You'll use the real gear
Training with the same power tools, framing equipment, and construction materials you'll see on professional building sites means you're ready to work from day one.
Employers recognise it
This nationally recognised qualification carries weight across the country, giving you options wherever you want to work.
About this qualification
The CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry gives you the learning to build from foundation to completion, mastering: structural framing, roofing, flooring, stairs, formwork, and finishing. This isn’t just about using tools; it’s about understanding construction from the ground up, working safely on site, and delivering quality work that passes inspection every time.
Who it’s for
Aspiring carpenters seeking formal qualification, apprentices, or ready to build a stable career with their hands.
What you’ll walk away with
You’ll feel confident framing walls, constructing roof systems, installing floors and stairs, reading construction plans, and working safely on any building site. By the time you finish, you’ll have the skills and certification that builders and construction companies are actively looking for.
