CPC30620: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

Transform Your Passion into Profession

CRICOS: 110422G

Course Overview

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a nationally recognised qualification for individuals pursuing a professional career in the painting and decorating trade. This course equips students with the essential skills, practical experience, and safety knowledge required to work confidently on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Qualification Code

CPC30620

CRICOS Code

110422G

Delivery Method

Face to face with theory and hands-on

Duration

60 Weeks including term breaks

Study Load

20 hours per week (Full-Time)

Age

18+ on the date of commencement

Location

Melbourne Campus, Australia

Skills You Will Master

Develop expertise through hands-on training and theoretical knowledge tailored to industry needs.

Preparing timber, masonry, plasterboard, and metal surfaces for optimal coating adhesion

Applying paints, coatings, and finishes using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment

Matching colors and installing wallpaper, feature walls, or textured finishes

Interpreting work plans, specifications, and safety regulations for compliance

Safely erecting/dismantling scaffolding and working at heights

Communicating, planning projects, and managing client relationships

Cleaning and priming substrates for strong paint adhesion

Sanding, filling, and sealing surfaces for smooth finishes

Career Outcomes

Your Career Starts Here

Graduates of the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating can launch vibrant careers or progress to advanced qualifications in surface finishing and interior design.

Expertise in safe scaffolding use and height work practices

Training in color matching and decorative finish techniques

Practical skills in surface preparation and coating application

1 Age & Academic Criteria

Must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
Completion of Australian Year 11/12 or an equivalent qualification.

2 English Language Proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (Academic or General) or equivalent, as per DOHA regulations.
Online IELTS is NOT accepted. Refer to DOHA English Language Requirements.
Applicants must complete a Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) test before training

3 Physical & Practical Requirements

Ability to perform manual tasks, including:
Working at heights
Heavy lifting
Using hand and power tools
Using ladders, scaffolds, and various painting tools

4 Technology & Digital Skills

Students must bring a laptop with a camera, speaker, internet access, and updated software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader). Basic digital skills—email, online research, and using Office tools—are expected. Applicants lacking these may be assessed individually. See the Application, Enrolment & Orientation Policy and BYOD Policy for details.

Entry Requirements

Further Study Pathways

CPC40120

Certificate IV in Building and Construction

Ideal for those aspiring to become site supervisors or project managers. (Available with NVC)

CPC50220

Diploma of Building and Construction

Focuses on construction project management, contract administration, and leadership.

MSM30322

Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Application

For those interested in industrial and protective coating applications.

CPC30520

Certificate III in Signage

A pathway into commercial signage, stencilling, and visual display projects.

BSB40520

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management

Prepares painting professionals to take on team leadership and minor business roles.

Course Structure / Packaging Rules

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must demonstrate competency in 29 units of competency, including 26 core units and 3 elective units.

An asterisk (*) against a unit code below indicates a prerequisite requirement that must be met. Prerequisite unit/s must be assessed with an asterisk before assessing any unit of competency. All prerequisite requirements are packaged in the qualification

Elective units of competency can be selected as follows:

3 from the listed electives https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CPC30620 or
2 from listed electives and 1 from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course, as long as it contributes to a valid, industry supported vocational outcome and supports the AQF level of this qualification.

Unit of Competency
CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry
CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
CPCCCM3001 Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
CPCCCM2008* Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
CPCCCM3005 Calculate costs of construction work
CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
CPCCOM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
CPCCPD2011 Handle and store painting and decorating materials
CPCCPD2012 Use painting and decorating tools and equipment
CPCCPB3026 Erect and maintain trestle and plank systems
CPCCPD3021 Prepare existing coated surface for painting
CPCCPD3035 Prepare uncoated surfaces for painting
CPCCPD3022 Apply paint by brush and roller
CPCCPD3023 Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller, and spray
CPCCPD3025 Match specific paint colours
CPCCPD3026 Apply stains and clear timber finishes
CPCCPD3024 Apply paint by spray
CPCCPD2013 Remove and replace doors and door and windows components
CPCCPD3028 Apply decorative paint finishes
CPCCPD3036 Work safely to encapsulate non‐friable asbestos in the painting industry
CPCCPD3030 Apply protective paint coating systems
CPCCPD3027 Remove and apply wallpape

Unit of Competency
CPCCPD3029 Remove graffiti and apply anti‐graffiti coatings
CPCCPD3032 Apply advance wallpaper coverings
CPCCPD3034 Apply advanced decorative paint finishes

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Take the first confident step toward your creative career and begin your journey with purpose.