Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
BACK TO COURSES
Get more information
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
ABOUT THE COURSE
CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating provides a trade outcome in painting and decorating for residential and commercial construction work. Students develop practical skills in surface preparation, brush and roller application, spray painting, texture finishes, colour matching, wallpapering, decorative finishes, protective coatings and safe work practices used across residential and commercial projects.
This course is delivered face-to-face through classroom-based training and simulated workshop practice. The qualification is suitable for students seeking skills for employment outcomes such as Painter and Decorator, subject to relevant licensing, legislative and regulatory requirements in the state or territory where work is undertaken.
Recognised by Australian Qualifications Framework and Nationally Recognised Training
Details
Course Code
CPC30620
CRICOS Course Code
120739C
Location
Melbourne Campus
Intake
Contact AIA for upcoming intake dates and availability
Your commencement date and study schedule are confirmed in writing before enrolment or payment.
Delivery Mode
Face-to-Face (Classroom + Workshop Simulation)
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)
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.
•
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 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.
Pre-enrolment review and LLND
Applicants complete an online Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment during application. AIA reviews the results against the course requirements and advises on course suitability and any support or preparation needed before enrolment.
Where verifiable English test results are unavailable, AIA may administer an approved internal English proficiency test in line with its enrolment policy. This is separate from the LLND review. AIA may recommend English language preparation where required. Student visa English evidence requirements apply separately.
Read AIA's Student Enrolment Policy or contact Admissions to discuss your application.
Career pathways
Where will the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating take me?
Employment outcomes may include roles such as:
Painter and Decorator
Residential Painter
Commercial Painter
Painting Trades Worker
Study pathways
The further study pathways available to students who undertake this qualification may include:
CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Diploma of Building and Construction or related building and construction qualifications
Course Structure
A total of 29 units must be completed and deemed competent to achieve CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating: 26 core units and 3 elective units. Units marked with an asterisk (*) include prerequisite requirements as identified in the training package and AIA TAS.
To achieve this qualification, students must complete 29 units: 26 core units and 3 elective units.
Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
Remove and apply wallpaper
Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
Plan and organise work
Calculate costs of construction work
Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
Work safely at heights
Conduct workplace communication
Carry out measurements and calculations
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Erect and maintain trestle and plank systems
Handle and store painting and decorating materials
Use painting and decorating tools and equipment
Prepare existing coated surface for painting
Remove and replace doors and door and window components
Apply paint by brush and roller
Apply paint by spray
Match specific paint colours
Apply stains and clear timber finishes
Prepare uncoated surfaces for painting
Work safely with lead-painted surfaces in the painting industry
Work safely to encapsulate non-friable asbestos in the painting industry
Apply decorative paint finishes
Apply protective paint coating systems
Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray
Remove graffiti and apply anti-graffiti coatings
Apply advanced wall coverings
Apply advanced decorative paint finishes
Assessment methodology
How you’ll be assessed
Show what you know and what you can do. Assessment checks your skills and knowledge against the requirements of each unit.
Knowledge
Written or oral questions may be used to check your understanding of key concepts and workplace requirements.
Applied tasks
Projects, case studies, reports or presentations may ask you to apply your learning to realistic situations.
Practical skills
Demonstrations, observations or role plays may be used in the classroom, a simulated environment or a workplace, as required by the unit.
Know what to expect.
Your trainer and assessor will explain the tasks and evidence required for each unit. Where practical training, service periods or work placement apply, refer to the course requirements on this page. Contact AIA to discuss assessment support or reasonable adjustments.
Industry snapshot
Explore potential roles and an example occupation profile for Painting Trades Workers.
Job requirements vary by employer and may include further experience, qualifications or licensing. Completing this course does not guarantee employment or a particular salary.
Potential jobs
- Painter and Decorator
- Residential Painter
- Commercial Painter
- Painting Trades Worker
- Decorator
- Construction Trades Worker
- Building Trades Assistant
- Trade Painter
- Painting and Decorating Tradesperson
- Surface Coatings Applicator
Occupation profile
50,000
Painting Trades Workers employed
86%
Full-time share
$1,379
Median full-time weekly earnings
39
Median age
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia: Painting Trades Workers. Checked October 2026. Historical ANZSCO occupation data; earnings are median full-time weekly earnings (May 2025). Figures describe the broader workforce, not graduate outcomes. ANZSCO profiles are no longer updated. N/A means a figure is not published.
Your previous learning counts
Recognition of Prior Learning & Credit Transfer
You may be able to gain credit for skills you already have or study you have completed.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Have skills gained through work, life experience or previous learning? You can apply to have them assessed against the course requirements.
Credit Transfer
Already completed the same or equivalent units? You can apply for credit by providing formal evidence, such as a Statement of Attainment or an authenticated VET transcript.
Contact AIA before enrolment to discuss your options. All applications are subject to assessment or verification of evidence. Approved credit may reduce your study requirements; AIA will confirm any changes to your course duration and fees.
Support and important information
Explore your options and understand the arrangements before you enrol.
Learning and wellbeing support
Contact AIA to discuss learning support, wellbeing support or reasonable adjustments for your study and assessment. View support services and contact details.
Fees, refunds and your written offer
Review the applicable tuition and other charges, payment terms and refund or withdrawal conditions before enrolling. Your written offer and agreement set out the fees and obligations applicable to your enrolment before payment is required. View fees and policies.
Feedback, complaints and appeals
Information about raising a concern, making a complaint or appealing a decision is available in AIA's Feedback, Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is generally required for nationally recognised training, unless an exemption applies. Creating a USI through the Australian Government service is free. Read AIA's USI guidance.
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;
Ready to launch your career with AIA
ENROL NOW
