Course Overview : Certificate III in Joinery
Develop practical joinery skills for residential and commercial applications. This qualification covers manufacturing and assembling joinery components, processing materials with static and computer-controlled machinery, and producing stair components.
Training includes using carpentry tools, handling materials, reading plans and specifications, carrying out measurements and calculations, manufacturing components for doors and windows, and assembling and installing stairs.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may differ between states and territories. Consult the relevant state or territory regulatory authority to confirm the requirements that apply.
Entry Requirements of Certificate III in Joinery
There are no mandatory training package entry requirements for this qualification. Austra College requires international applicants to meet the following admission requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have satisfactorily completed Year 10 or higher.
- English language evidence may be provided through one of the following options:
| IELTS (General or Academic) overall | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | CAE Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 47-54 | 60-78 | 169-175 |
Note: For offshore applicants, test results older than two years are not accepted.
OR
- Evidence of at least five years of study in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the 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 Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate IV or higher qualification while on a student visa.
OR
- Applicants from student visa assessment levels 1 and 2 countries who do not have the required IELTS or equivalent score must undertake the Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) literacy test, as specified in Austra College’s TAS. Contact the admissions team to confirm the evidence required for your application.
Onshore and offshore international students
- All international students must complete a Pre-Training Review, including an LLND assessment. The review considers previous education and training, relevant experience, course suitability and individual training needs. It may be conducted by video call or phone.
- Students must complete CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry before any construction site visits.
Other Conditions:
- Allow approximately 4 hours per week for self-directed learning, self-study and assessments during training weeks, excluding term breaks.
- Use the personal protective equipment required for each joinery activity. PPE to be used includes eye and hearing protection, respiratory protection, steel-capped safety boots, cut-resistant gloves, high-visibility clothing, a hard hat and long-sleeved protective clothing. Wear fitted clothing without loose sleeves and non-slip footwear.
Learning Pathways
Successful completion may support progression to further study, subject to the receiving
provider’s admission requirements:
- CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
- CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Career Pathways
Potential occupational pathways include:

Joiner

Joinery machinist

Stair manufacturer

Door and window manufacturer

Cabinet joiner
These pathways describe possible roles. Austra College does not guarantee employment or course completion. Students must meet the assessment requirements to achieve the qualification.
Duration
Full-time: 52 weeks, including 4 weeks of holiday breaks.
- Classroom sessions are 20 hours per week during training weeks.
- Trainers and assessors monitor self-guided learning.
Training support is available after class or by appointment, in person, by phone or by email.
Fees
| Tuition Fees | $16,500 |
| Non-Tuition Fees | |
| Application Fees | $500 |
| Material Fees | $3,000 |
| Total Course Fee | $20,000 |
Course Outline of Certificate III in Joinery
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 29 units: 18 core units and 11 elective units. The qualification requires a minimum of five electives from Group A. The units selected by Austra College are listed below.
An asterisk (*) identifies a unit with prerequisite requirements. C = Core; E = Elective.
| Core Units | ||
| No | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| 1 | CPCCCA2002* | Use carpentry tools and equipment |
| 2 | CPCCCA2011* | Handle carpentry materials |
| 3 | CPCCCA3010* | Install windows and doors |
| 4 | CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures |
| 5 | CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights |
| 6 | CPCCCM3004 | Identify and apply information in construction plans, drawings and specifications |
| 7 | CPCCIN2003* | Package manufactured products for transport |
| 8 | CPCCIN3002* | Use computer-controlled machinery |
| 9 | CPCCIN3004* | Manufacture and assemble joinery components |
| 10 | CPCCIN3100* | Process materials to produce components using static machines |
| 11 | CPCCIS3002* | Manufacture stair components for straight flighted stairs |
| 12 | CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry |
| 13 | CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work |
| 14 | CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication |
| 15 | CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations |
| 16 | CPCCOM2001* | Read and interpret plans and specifications |
| 17 | CPCCOM3001 | Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements |
| 18 | MSFFM3011 | Measure and draw site layout for manufactured furniture products |
| Elective Units | ||
| No | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| 19 | CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry |
| 20 | CPCCCA3012* | Frame and fit wet area fixtures |
| 21 | CPCCCA3016* | Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs |
| 22 | CPCCCA3024* | Install lining, panelling and moulding |
| 23 | CPCCIN3003* | Manufacture components for doors, windows and frames |
| 24 | CPCCIS3003* | Assemble and install stairs |
| 25 | CPCCCA3001* | Carry out general demolition of minor building structures |
| 26 | CPCCCA3003* | Install flooring systems |
| 27 | CPCCCA3004* | Construct and erect wall frames |
| 28 | CPCCCA3005* | Erect roof trusses |
| 29 | CPCCCM3005 | Calculate costs of construction work |
Delivery Mode and Assessment
The course uses a classroom-blended delivery model, combining classroom sessions, self-guided learning, theory assessments completed at home and practical learning in a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment includes knowledge tests and practical demonstrations, simulations, or role-play. Summative theory assessments take place outside the classroom. Practical and simulation assessments are conducted in the classroom and simulated environment.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfers (CT)
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students may apply for RPL using evidence of skills and knowledge gained through formal study, workplace training or relevant experience. Applications are encouraged before or immediately after enrolment and before the relevant units begin. Contact Austra College for the RPL policy, procedure and qualification kit.
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 the 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. Credit transfer applications require verifiable evidence, such as a statement of results. Provide this evidence before or during enrolment.
Delivery Locations
This course is offered in Melbourne and Sydney only.
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Melbourne | |
| Level 5, 131 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 | Classroom |
| Sydney | |
| Level 2/133 Parramatta Road, Granville NSW 2142 | Classroom |
Austra College will advise students of the simulation workshop location at least 1 week before classes commence.
About this qualification
The CPC31920 Certificate III in Joinery is suitable for students seeking to develop joinery skills through classroom and practical training. The course combines workplace safety, communication, measurements and plan reading with manufacturing, assembly and installation activities.
Students learn to manufacture joinery components, use computer-controlled and static machinery, produce components for doors and windows, manufacture stair components, and package manufactured products for transport. The selected electives also cover installing stairs, flooring, lining, panelling and moulding, constructing wall frames, erecting roof trusses and calculating construction costs.
Students who successfully meet all qualification requirements are awarded the CPC31920 Certificate III in Joinery and a transcript of units showing their assessment results.
