Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry
Certificate III in Solid Plastering
BACK TO COURSESCertificate III in Solid Plastering
ABOUT THE COURSE
This qualification provides a trade outcome in solid plastering for residential and commercial work. The qualification has core unit of competency requirements that cover common skills for the construction industry, as well as the specialist field of work, solid plastering. Solid plasterers apply plaster, cement and other mixtures to walls to create smooth or decorative finishes to interior walls and to render to exterior walls.
State and territory jurisdictions may have different licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
This qualification is suitable for an Australian apprenticeship pathway.
Completion of the general construction induction training program, specified in the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, is required by anyone carrying out construction work. Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
Recognised by Australian Qualifications Framework and Nationally Recognised Training
Details
Course Code
CPC31020
CRICOS Course Code
120124A
Location
Melbourne Campus
Intake
Every 2 Months (Bi-Monthly)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-Face
Fees
Refer to the Fees and Charges or contact the campus
Duration
Up to 52 Weeks*
(This qualification will be delivered as full-time study over the course of 52 weeks including 8 weeks of breaks/holidays. Duration may vary based on mode of delivery and/or RPL and CT)
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Course Entry Requirements
This course is available to international students. There are no specific entry requirements listed in the qualification details or training package; however, applicants must meet Auscanus Institute of Australia’s entry requirements below:
Applicants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of course commencement.
• Have successfully completed Year 12 or equivalent secondary schooling.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following approved tests: IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60, PTE Academic 50, or equivalent English language proficiency.
English language competence may also be demonstrated through documented evidence of any of the following:
• Completion of a recognised ELICOS program with an English proficiency level considered equivalent to the course entry requirements.
• Completion of at least two (2) years of study in Australia at AQF Level 4 or higher.
• Minimum five (5) years of study in English in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or the Republic of Ireland.
• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent secondary schooling in English.
• Applicants without documented evidence of English language proficiency may complete an online Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) assessment and achieve a satisfactory outcome to meet AIA’s entry requirements.
Note: English language requirements and exemptions may vary depending on visa requirements and individual circumstances. Please contact AIA for further details or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Additional Entry Requirements:
• Applicants will be required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) assessment prior to enrolment. This assists AIA in confirming the applicant’s suitability for the course and identifying any additional learning support needs.
• Applicants may be required to participate in a pre-enrolment review/interview to determine whether the course is suitable for their individual needs, career goals and capabilities.
• Students must have access to a working PC or laptop with suitable specifications to meet study requirements. Students may seek assistance from their trainer and/or assessor where required.
• Students must possess basic digital literacy skills, including the ability to communicate and access information using digital technologies, email, search engines, learning platforms and basic Microsoft Office applications, as well as access to a reliable internet connection.
• Where an applicant’s educational qualifications do not fully meet AIA’s admission requirements, other factors may be considered at the discretion of AIA. Please refer to AIA’s Admissions Policy available on the Forms & Policies page for further information.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Where will the Certificate III in Solid Plastering take me?
The employment outcomes for the CPC31020 Certificate III in Solid Plastering qualification include, but are not limited to, roles such as:
Solid Plasterer
Renderer
Construction Trades Worker
Plastering Tradesperson
STUDY PATHWAYS
The further study pathways available to students who undertake this qualification include:
CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction OR/
CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) OR/
Related diploma-level qualifications in building and construction
Course Structure
To achieve this qualification, students must complete 20 units: 15 core units and 5 elective units.
Students who complete individual units may receive a Statement of Attainment, provided their USI is verified. Students who complete all required units will be awarded the full qualification.
Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
Handle solid plastering materials
Use solid plastering tools and equipment
Prepare surfaces for plastering
Apply float and render to straight and curved surfaces
Apply set coats
Apply trowelled texture coat finishes
Restore and renovate solid plasterwork
Apply basic levelling procedures
Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
Carry out measurements and calculations
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Plan and organise work
Conduct workplace communication
Investigate business opportunities
Manage finances for new business ventures
Plan building and construction work
Use explosive power tools
Work safely at heights
Industry snapshot
Australia’s construction industry continues to experience strong growth driven by infrastructure development, housing demand and renovation projects. Skilled tradespeople such as plasterers are essential in completing interior and exterior wall finishes for residential and commercial buildings.
Solid plasterers play a key role in applying renders and plaster finishes that protect and enhance the appearance of buildings. With continued growth in construction and renovation sectors, skilled plasterers remain in demand across Australia.
This qualification provides the practical skills required to enter the building industry and develop a career in plastering and construction trades.
Potential jobs
- Solid Plasterer
- Renderer
- Construction Trades Worker
- Building Finishing Worker
- Plastering Trades Assistant
- Wall Finishing Technician
Occupation profile
31,600
Plasterers employed
82%
Full-time share
$1,841
Median weekly earnings
34
Median age
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profiles, accessed May 2026; figures use latest available ABS/JSA data.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Credit Transfer (CT)
Credit Transfer (CT)
If a certificate or statement of results is produced and verified a credit transfer process will be initiated by AIA in relation to the units as per training plan. Credit transfer is a process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications (Source AQF)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL/RCC)
Upon enrollment of all learning programs, AIA code of practice states that all candidates for assessment will be offered RPL. This is reiterated in the student handbook and acknowledged in writing RPL is an assessment process that assesses an individual’s non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry to and/or partial or total completion of a qualification.
“Recognition of prior learning is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit” (Source AQF)
FEES AND CHARGES
At AIA, we are committed to providing transparent information regarding our fees and charges to ensure that students have a clear understanding of their financial commitments. Our fees are structured to cover tuition, administration, and any additional services or materials required for your chosen course.
To access the comprehensive Fees and Charges document outlining the costs associated with our courses, please click the button below;
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