The CPC31020 Certificate III in Solid Plastering provides a trade outcome in solid plastering for residential and commercial construction work.
Students develop practical skills in preparing surfaces, handling plastering materials, using solid plastering tools and equipment, applying float and render, applying set coats, creating texture coat finishes, and restoring or renovating solid plasterwork.
Occupational titles may include:
- Solid Plasterer
- Renderer
It is not intended to indicate that an individual will gain immediate employment on completion of this qualification.
Admission Requirements
There are no mandatory training package entry requirements for this qualification at the time of publication on training.gov.au. However, Austra College requires applicants to meet the following admission requirements before enrolment:
- Minimum age of 18 years and above.
- Satisfactory completion of Year 10 or higher from the applicant’s home country.
English language evidence for international students may include one of the following Austra College accepted options:
| IELTS (General or Academic) overall | 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 the applicant has studied in English for at least five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the 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 student 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
Pre-Training Review requirements:
Onshore international students must complete the Pre-Training Review, including the LLND test, to identify training needs, previous education or training, course relevance, and relevant experience.
Offshore international students must complete the Pre-Training Review, including the LLND test. This may be conducted by video call, such as Skype, or by phone.
Other conditions:
Satisfactory completion of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, or equivalent, is required before any construction workplace site visit.
Students must bring their own PPE kit and safety boots before participating in practical or workshop-based training. Entry into any workshop or simulated environment will not be permitted without the required PPE and safety footwear.
Students must have a reasonable level of physical fitness, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. Practical activities may include mixing and applying plaster and render, working from scaffolding or ladders, handling heavy bags of plaster mix, bending, kneeling, squatting, standing for extended periods, smoothing and finishing surfaces, and using hand and power tools.
Students are required to invest, on average, 3-4 hours per week in guided learning and summative assessments during training weeks, excluding term breaks.
Learning Pathways
CPC50220 – Diploma of Building and Construction
From another training provider, subject to availability and admission requirements.
Career Pathways
Career pathways may include, but are not limited to:

Solid Plasterer

Renderer

Plastering Tradesperson

Construction Trades Assistant
Duration
Full time: 52 weeks
The 52-week duration includes scheduled delivery and holiday breaks. Classroom sessions are generally delivered for 20 hours per week, with training support available after class or by appointment.
Course Outline
To attain this qualification, students must successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 15 core units and 5 elective units.
| Units of Competency | ||
| No | Unit Code & Title | Core (C) Elective (E) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CPCCBC4001 – Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 Buildings | C |
| 2 | CPCCBC4008 – Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects | C |
| 3 | CPCCBC4009 – Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects | C |
| 4 | CPCCBC4010* – Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions | C |
| 5 | CPCCBC4012 – Read and interpret plans and specifications | C |
| 6 | CPCCBC4014 – Prepare simple building sketches and drawings | C |
| 7 | CPCCBC4018 – Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projects | C |
| 8 | CPCCBC4053 – Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9, Type C Buildings | C |
| 9 | CPCCBC4003 – Select, prepare and administer a construction contract | C |
| 10 | CPCCBC4004 – Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects | C |
| 11 | CPCCBC4005 – Produce labour and material schedules for ordering | C |
| 12 | BSBOPS504 – Manage risk | C |
| 13 | BSBWHS513 – Lead WHS risk management | C |
| 14 | CPCCBC4013 – Prepare and evaluate tender documentation | C |
| 15 | CPCCBC5001 – Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Type B construction | C |
| 16 | CPCCBC5002 – Monitor costing systems on complex building and construction projects | C |
| 17 | CPCCBC5003 – Supervise the planning of onsite building and construction work | C |
| 18 | CPCCBC5005 – Select and manage building and construction contractors | C |
| 19 | CPCCBC5007 – Administer the legal obligations of a building and construction contractor | C |
| 20 | CPCCBC5010 – Manage construction work | C |
| 21 | CPCCBC5011 – Manage environmental management practices and processes in building and construction | C |
| 22 | CPCCBC5013 – Manage professional technical and legal reports on building and construction projects | C |
| 23 | CPCCBC5018* – Apply structural principles to the construction of buildings up to 3 storeys | C |
| 24 | CPCCBC5019 – Manage building and construction business finances | C |
| 25 | BSBPMG532 – Manage project quality | E |
| 26 | CPCCBC5009 – Identify services layout and connection methods for Type C and B construction | E |
| 27 | CPCSUS5001 – Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability | E |
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that prerequisite requirements may apply.
Fees
| Tuition Fees | $16,500 |
| Non-Tuition Fees | |
| Enrollment Fee | $500 |
| Material Fees | $3,000 |
| Total Course Fee | $20,000 |
Delivery Mode and Assessment
This course is delivered through a classroom blended model, including face-to-face classroom sessions, self-guided learning, theory assessments completed outside the classroom, and practical training in a simulated workplace training environment.
Assessment methods may include:
- Written assessments
- Practical demonstrations
- Project tasks
- Observation of plastering skills
- Simulated workplace activities
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
Austra College provides opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer where students can provide valid evidence of previous study, relevant work experience, skills, or statements of attainment.
Delivery Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | |
| Level 3, 90 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 | Classroom |
| 11 Jacobson’s Crescent, Holden Hill SA 5088 | Practical |
| Melbourne | |
| Level 7, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Propose Classroom |
| 5/133 Elgar Road, Derrimut VIC 3026 | Practical |
About this qualification
This qualification is suitable for students who want to develop hands-on plastering and rendering skills for residential and commercial construction. Students will learn how to prepare surfaces, use plastering tools and materials, apply render and set coats, complete texture finishes, restore plasterwork, and work safely in construction environments.
