Certificate III in Carpentry

CRICOS Code: 117333G | National Code: CPC30220

Duration: 104 weeks

Course Overview

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in the carpentry trade, developing specialised skills and knowledge to carry out skilled carpentry tasks in both residential and commercial settings. Individuals in these roles perform moderately complex carpentry work, operate independently or as part of a construction industry team, and may even supervise others in delivering projects.

This CPC30220 – Certificate III in Carpentry provides a nationally recognised trade qualification for carpenters in residential and commercial workplaces. The qualification aligns with TAFE and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) standards across VIC, NSW, and Western Australia, and is suitable for non-school-leavers, those with prior learning, or through apprenticeship or credit transfer.

Students will learn fundamental and advanced carpentry skills, exploring the latest building and construction industry standards and techniques in Australia.

The course includes immersive, hands-on training in precise measurements, framework construction, interpreting plans, and understanding building codes. You'll also build experience in research, consultation, and teamwork—crucial for today’s construction industry.

Delivered via in-person and online learning, the structured training plan supports successful completion. Students gain skills in using equipment and materials, including power tools, and learn to construct, finish and repair structures, and work with timber and non-timber materials. You'll also receive student support from enrolment through to job readiness.

There are a total of 34 units of competency to complete the course. This includes 27 core units and 7 elective units. Students must complete the course requirements and demonstrate competency in 34 units to receive a Statement of Attainment.

Core Units

  • CPCCCA2002 - Use carpentry tools and equipment
  • CPCCCA2011 - Handle carpentry materials
  • CPCCCA3001 - Carry out general demolition of minor building structures
  • CPCCCA3002 - Carry out setting out
  • CPCCCA3003 - Install flooring systems
  • CPCCCA3004 - Construct and erect wall frames
  • CPCCCA3005 - Construct ceiling frames
  • CPCCCA3006 - Erect roof trusses
  • CPCCCA3007 - Construct pitched roofs
  • CPCCCA3008 - Construct eaves
  • CPCCCA3010 - Install windows and doors
  • CPCCCA3016 - Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs
  • CPCCCA3017 - Install exterior cladding
  • CPCCCA3024 - Install lining, panelling and moulding
  • CPCCCA3025 - Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work
  • CPCCCA3028 - Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground
  • CPCCCM2006 - Apply basic levelling procedures
  • CPCCCM2008 - Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • CPCCCM2012 - Work safely at heights
  • CPCCCO2013 - Carry out concreting to simple forms
  • CPCCOM1012 - Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • CPCCOM1014 - Conduct workplace communication
  • CPCCOM1015 - Carry out measurements and calculations
  • CPCCOM3001 - Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements
  • CPCCOM3006 - Carry out levelling operations
  • CPCCWHS2001 - Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • CPCWHS3001 - Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies

Elective Units

  • CPCCCM3005 - Calculate costs of construction work
  • CPCCOM1013 - Plan and organise work
  • CPCCCM2002 - Carry out hand excavation
  • CPCCCA3027 - Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools
  • CPCCCA3012 - Frame and fit wet area fixtures
  • CPCCCA3014 - Construct and install bulkheads
  • CPCCSF2004 - Place and fix reinforcement materials

General Entry Requirements

All applicants seeking to enrol at the Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE) must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

Age Requirement:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of course commencement.

Academic Requirements:

  • For Certificate III and Certificate IV courses: Completion of equivalent to Australian Year 10 qualification.

English Language Proficiency (International Students)

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

  • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.0 (test results must be no more than 2 years old).
  • Education in English: Evidence of at least 5 years of study in an English-speaking country.
  • Previous Study in Australia: Completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) within the last 2 years.
  • Other English Language Tests: Equivalent scores in recognised tests such as PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English. Results must also be within 2 years from the test date.

To verify equivalency to an IELTS score of 6.0, use the comparison tools provided at: Compare IELTS Scores

Numeracy Skills Requirement

Applicants must also satisfy the course-specific numeracy requirements, which may be assessed through:

  • A language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) test conducted by VIITE, or
  • Equivalent qualification or experience demonstrating sufficient numeracy competence.

Course-Specific Requirements

Some courses may have additional requirements, such as:

  • Work placement prerequisites (e.g. police checks, vaccinations, working with children checks).
  • Physical capacity to complete tasks specific to the industry (e.g. for cookery, healthcare, or construction courses).
  • Portfolio submission, interview assessment, or prior program completion may be required for selected courses or specific qualifications.
  • Offshore Student Tuition Fee: $AU 32,000.00 (This fee excludes the material and enrolment fees)

Graduates of the Certificate III in Carpentry or CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry are equipped to:

  • Work on residential and commercial construction projects
  • Take roles as an apprentice carpenter, qualified carpenter, or contractor
  • Progress to a Certificate IV in Building and Construction
  • Specialise in repairing products made from timber and non-timber materials

Certificate III in Carpentry - FAQs

Yes, eligible domestic students may access Victorian and Commonwealth funding. Contact our team to check your eligibility and study options.

Yes, the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry is a nationally recognised qualification, delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

The standard duration of your course is 104 weeks, including training and assessment.

This course provides direct access to carpentry qualification outcomes without needing to secure an apprenticeship, though the content aligns with trade standards.

While this is not an apprenticeship, it delivers the same nationally recognised qualification and prepares you to become a qualified carpenter.

The Certificate III in Carpentry course takes 104 weeks to complete, covering 34 units—27 core and 7 elective units.

Both local and international students can pay per term or semester. Reach out to our enrolment team for flexible payment options.

You’ll be assessed through a mix of written tasks, practical demonstrations, and workplace projects, aligned with each unit of competency..

VIITE offers quality student support, expert trainers, flexible online learning, and real-world skills to prepare you for success in the construction industry.

Certificate iii in carpentry

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