The CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining develops skills for applying and fixing linings to non-structural walls and ceilings in residential and commercial construction. The course combines common construction skills with specialist wall and ceiling lining training.
Students learn to fix plasterboard wall and ceiling sheets, install battens and wet area sheets, finish plasterboard joints, cut and fix cornices, assemble partitions, construct bulkheads, and install suspended ceilings and dry wall passive fire-rated systems.
Occupational titles may include wall and ceiling liner, drywaller and plasterer. Completion of this qualification does not guarantee employment.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may vary between states and territories. Contact the relevant regulatory authority to confirm the requirements that apply.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Satisfactory completion of Year 10 or higher
- English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of one of the following English language options:
| IELTS (General or Academic) overall | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | CAE Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 47-54 | 60-78 | 169-175 |
Note: Results older than two years are not acceptable (for offshore applicants)
OR
- Evidence of at least five years of study in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States.
OR
- Evidence that, within two years of the application date, the applicant has successfully completed in Australia a foundation course, a senior secondary certificate of education, or substantial components (50% or more units according to the training package) of an AQF Certificate IV qualification or higher while 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 a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) literacy test. Further information is available from the Department of Home Affairs website at www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Onshore and offshore international students
- All international students must complete a Pre-Training Review, including an LLND assessment. This identifies previous education, training, relevant work experience, individual training needs and the suitability of the course. The review may be conducted by video call or phone call.
Other Conditions:
- Students must complete CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry before any construction site visits.
- Students must allow approximately 4 hours per week for self-directed learning, self-study and assessments during training weeks, excluding term breaks.
- Learning activities include online research in class and during self-study. Students also have access to desktops in the computer lab.
Personal protective equipment for practical activities includes safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, a dust mask or respirator, steel-capped safety boots, protective gloves, high-visibility clothing, a hard hat, knee pads and long-sleeved protective clothing. Fall-arrest equipment is required for relevant work-at-height tasks.
Learning Pathways
Learners who successfully complete this qualification may progress to further study, subject to
the entry requirements of the receiving provider. Pathways may include:
- CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
- CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Career Pathways
Potential occupational pathways include:

Wall and ceiling liner

Drywaller

Plasterer
These pathways describe possible occupational outcomes only. Austra College does not guarantee employment, job placement or a particular career outcome.
Duration
Full time: over a period of 52 weeks.duration includes 4 weeks of holiday breaks.
- Classroom sessions are 20 hours per week.
- Approximately 4 hours per week of self-directed learning is required during training weeks, excluding term breaks.
Training support is available after class or by appointment, face-to-face or by phone, video call or email. Guided learning is monitored by trainers and assessors.
Fees
| Tuition Fees | $16,500 |
| Non-Tuition Fees | |
| Application Fees | $500 |
| Material Fees | $3000 |
| Total Course Fee | $20,000 |
Course Outline
An asterisk (*) against a unit code indicates a prerequisite requirement. C = Core; E = Elective.
| Core Units | ||
| No | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| 1 | CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry |
| 2 | CPCCCA3026* | Assemble partitions |
| 3 | CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights |
| 4 | CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry |
| 5 | CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work |
| 6 | CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication |
| 7 | CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations |
| 8 | CPCCOM2001* | Read and interpret plans and specifications |
| 9 | CPCCPB3001* | Fix standard plasterboard wall sheets |
| 10 | CPCCPB3002* | Fix standard plasterboard ceiling sheets |
| 11 | CPCCPB3003* | Fix battens |
| 12 | CPCCPB3004* | Fix wet area sheets |
| 13 | CPCCPB3005* | Fix ceiling sheets to external protected areas |
| 14 | CPCCPB3006* | Fix fibre cement board |
| 15 | CPCCPB3007* | Apply levels of finish standards to planning and inspection of own work |
| 16 | CPCCPB3008* | Mix plastering compounds |
| 17 | CPCCPB3009* | Finish plasterboard joints manually |
| 18 | CPCCPB3010* | Manually sand plaster work |
| 19 | CPCCPB3012* | Cut and fix paper-faced cornices |
| 20 | CPCCWC3003* | Install dry wall passive fire-rated systems |
| 21 | CPCCWC3004* | Install suspended ceilings |
| 22 | CPCCCA3014* | Construct and install bulkheads |
| Elective Units | ||
| No | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| 1 | BSBESB301 | Investigate business opportunities |
| 2 | BSBESB407 | Manage finances for new business ventures |
| 3 | CPCCCM2008* | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding |
| 4 | CPCCCA3001* | Carry out general demolition of minor building structures |
| 5 | CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures |
| 6 | CPCCCA3010* | Install windows and doors |
| 7 | CPCCOM3006 | Carry out levelling operations |
Delivery Mode and Assessment
This course is delivered through a classroom blended model, combining face-to-face classroom sessions, guided learning, theory assessments completed at home and practical activities in a simulated workplace environment.
Training includes demonstrations, practical exercises, discussions and individual or group activities. Units are delivered and assessed as stand-alone units.
Summative theory assessments are completed outside the classroom. Practical assessments are conducted in a simulated environment. Students receive assessment instructions and must demonstrate the skills and knowledge required for each unit.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfers (CT)
Recognition of Prior Learning
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):
Austra College recognises AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations. Provide verifiable evidence, such as a statement of results, before or during enrolment. Credit transfer is subject to evidence verification.
Delivery Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Melbourne | |
| Level 5, 131 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 | Classroom |
| Sydney | |
| Level 2/133 Parramatta Road, Granville NSW 2142 | Classroom |
Students will be informed of the simulation workshop location at least 1 week before classes commence.
Intake Schedule
Contact Austra College for upcoming intakes and availability at your preferred study location.
About this qualification
This qualification is suitable for international students aged 18 years or older who want to develop wall and ceiling lining skills and can attend regular face-to-face classes. Learning covers construction safety, plans, measurements, plasterboard installation, finishing, cornices, partitions and ceiling systems.
On successful completion of all qualification requirements, students receive CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining and a transcript of unit results. Students who do not complete the qualification may request a Statement of Attainment for units assessed as competent.
