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Construction, Plumbing and Services CPC

Overview

Commencements

Availability & Duration

Australian School-based Apprenticeships

Overview

These qualifications cover carpentry and joinery, plumbing and gas fitting,bricklaying, plastering, painter and decorator, floor and wall tiling, roofing, concreting, stone masonry, demolition, fire systems design, shopfitting, swimming pool construction and sign writing.

Associated industry

Electrotechnology is an associated industry.

Quick facts

The training units of competent structure and packing rules are detailed in Training Package documents.

The information provided here includes the most recent changes from the CPC (release 8.0) Training Package.

The Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package CPC (release 8.0)  include 39 qualifications and 7 skill sets.

Registered Training Organisations can access the full details of this Training Package from the training.gov.au website.

Career information

Qualification and job outcome information is also presented in a Job Pathways Chart.

For specific industry information click here.

More detail of how training works can be accessed here: for employers; for potential employees.

Use the My Skills site to search for Registered Training Organisations registered to deliver courses. Each State and Territory separately approves Registered Training Organisations to deliver apprenticeships and traineeships in their jurisdiction.

Qualifications Summary

CPC20120 - Certificate II in Construction

This qualification provides an occupational outcome and a range of support tasks applicable to the majority of construction work sites.

CPC20220 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways

This qualification provides a pathway to the primary trades in the construction industry with the exception of plumbing. Trade outcomes are predominantly achieved through an Australian Apprenticeship and this qualification allows for inclusion of skills suited for entry to off-site occupations, such as joinery as well as carpentry, bricklaying and other occupations in general construction.

CPC20720 - Certificate II in Drainage

This qualification reflects the role of a drainer, responsible for carrying out installation of below ground stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems, sanitary drainage systems, domestic treatment plants, on-site disposal systems and trench support, locating and clearing blockages and/or installing prefabricated inspection openings and chambers.

CPC30120 - Certificate III in Shopfitting

This qualification reflects the role of shopfitters who construct or renovate commercial premises such as retail or office environments. It includes the skills and knowledge required to work safely using tools and equipment and to apply information from plans and drawings to fabricate, assemble and fix shop fronts and install internal units and partitions.

CPC30216 - Certificate III in Signs and Graphics

Appropriate training for sign manufacturers who design and produce signs and graphics for a range of purposes. Signs and graphics can be produced using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques, often involving the use of advanced printing software and technology, and a range of methods for illumination and fabrication.

CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry

This is a trade qualification for carpenters in residential and commercial workplaces. It includes setting out, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, installing and repairing products made using timber and non-timber materials.

CPC30320 - Certificate III in Concreting

This is a qualification for concreters working in concreting operations on residential and commercial projects.

CPC30420 - Certificate III in Demolition

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of specialist demolition workers who dismantle and demolish public, residential, commercial and industrial structures of all types, and process the resulting materials for salvage, recycling and waste disposal.

CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

This qualification provides a trade outcome in painting and decorating for residential and commercial construction work.

CPC30720 - Certificate III in Rigging

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working the area of rigging and dogging in the building and construction industry.

CPC30820 - Certificate III in Roof Tiling

This qualification provides a trade outcome in roof tiling for residential and commercial construction work. Roof tilers create a waterproof barrier between the exterior and the interior of a home or other building. The qualification has core unit of competency requirements that cover common skills for the construction industry, as well as the specialist field of work, roof tiling. Roof tilers create a waterproof barrier between the exterior and interior of a home or other building.

CPC30920 - Certificate III in Scaffolding

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in the area of scaffolding operations in the residential and commercial construction industry.

CPC31020 - Certificate III in Solid Plastering

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.

CPC31120 - Certificate III in Steelfixing

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in the area of steelfixing in the building and construction industry.

CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining

This qualification provides a trade outcome in wall and ceiling lining for residential and commercial construction 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 wall and ceiling liner. Wall and ceiling liners apply and fix linings for non-structural walls and ceilings.

CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling

This qualification provides a trade outcome in wall and floor tiling for residential and commercial construction 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, wall and floor tiling. Tilers work with materials like ceramic, glass, slate, marble and clay. They cut these materials and lay tiles on walls and floors, both interior and exterior. They may also add decorative touches to their basic work.

CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of workers who undertake waterproofing for residential and commercial construction 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, construction waterproofing. Waterproofers apply membranes and special coatings to protect contents and the structural integrity of buildings.

CPC31920 - Certificate III in Joinery

This qualification provides a trade outcome in joinery covering work for residential and commercial applications.

CPC32320 - Certificate III in Stonemasonry

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of stonemasons working with sandstone, limestone, marble and other types of stone and stone products to produce stone monuments, buildings (heritage and new) and building components, such as walls, floors, arches, chimneys, stairs, windows, decorative mouldings, fireplaces and benchtops.

CPC32420 - Certificate III in Plumbing

This is a trade qualification for plumbers in residential, industrial and commercial workplaces who are responsible for assembling, installing and maintaining water services, sanitary plumbing and sanitary drainage, gas, roofing and mechanical services in both existing and new constructions.

CPC32620 - Certificate III in Roof Plumbing

This qualification reflects the role of a person installing, maintaining and repairing flashings, metal roof and wall claddings and rainwater products such as gutters and downpipes, and other accessories on residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

CPC32720 - Certificate III in Gas Fitting

This qualification reflects role of a person installing, testing, maintaining and repairing gas lines, meters, regulators and piping systems downstream of the billing meter, and appliances and ancillary equipment such as hot water systems, gas heaters and heat pumps associated with the use of fuel gases, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems.

CPC32820 - Certificate III in Fire Protection

This qualification reflects the trade qualified role of a person installing, testing, maintaining, routine service and repairing a range of fire protection systems.

CPC32920 - Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations

This qualification provides reflects the role of individuals working in the area of crane operations in the construction industry.

CPC33020 - Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying

This qualification reflects the trade qualified role of a bricklayer, blocklayer or paver who may have responsibility for undertaking heritage bricklaying, refractory bricklaying, bricklaying, blocklaying and paving work in residential, industrial and commercial contexts, in both existing and new constructions.

CPC40120 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction

This qualification reflects the role of builders, site managers and managers of small to medium-sized building businesses who apply knowledge of structural principles, codes, standards and legal requirements to Class 1 and 10, to a maximum of two storeys and Class 2 to 9 Type C constructions, and who plan and supervise safe building and construction work, prepare and administer contracts, and who apply quality principles to building and construction projects.

CPC40320 - Certificate IV in Building Project Support

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of estimators and schedulers and or contract administrators in the building and construction field who may have responsibility for the preparation of estimates from predetermined rates, processing of subcontractor claims and preparation of head and subcontracts for building and construction works.

CPC40820 - Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Building

This qualification reflects work undertaken by individuals who build and install swimming pools and spas. The work covers a range of trade-related skills associated with in-ground and above-ground pools and spas, as well as planning and project management skills.

CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services

This qualification reflects the role of an experienced plumbing service operator with advanced technical skills and/or responsibility for project design and supervision; or a hydraulic consultant responsible for designing hydraulic components and systems that meet client requirements and help in effective water management in domestic, commercial and industry contexts.

CPC41020 - Certificate IV in Demolition

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of project engineers, project managers, demolition supervisors and leading hands responsible for the oversight of a team of demolition workers undertaking specialist demolition work on large public, commercial, industrial or residential buildings, structures and installations, including chemical processing plants.

CPC50220 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

This qualification reflects the role of building professionals who apply knowledge of structural principles, risk and financial management, estimating, preparing and administering building and construction contracts, selecting contractors, overseeing the work and its quality and managing construction work in building projects including residential and commercial with the following limitations: Residential construction limited to National Construction Code Class 1 and 10 buildings to a maximum of 3 storeys: Commercial construction limited to National Construction Code Class 2 to 9 buildings, Type C and B construction.

CPC50320 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of senior managers within building and construction firms.

CPC50520 - Diploma of Fire Systems Design

The Diploma of Fire Systems Design reflects and supports the role of fire systems designers who prepare detailed technical designs and documentation for water-based fire suppression systems and/or fire detection and occupant warning systems.

CPC60220 - Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of builders or senior managers within the building and construction industry who apply knowledge of building, construction and sustainability systems and processes, structural principles, codes, standards and legal obligations to construction projects including high rise.

Note: Employers should be aware that this information is provided as a guide only to the content and use of the Training Package. Employers should seek advice from an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider or Registered Training Organisation for more detail.

Commencements
  NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT
CPC20120 - Certificate II in Construction
Annual Commencements 45 0 0 40 0 35 0 0
CPC20220 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways
Annual Commencements 140 5 0 20 0 0 30 10
CPC20720 - Certificate II in Drainage
Annual Commencements 0 0 5 10 0 0 0 0
CPC30120 - Certificate III in Shopfitting
Annual Commencements 75 25 95 0 0 0 0 0
CPC30216 - Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
Annual Commencements 60 45 65 20 15 5 0 5
CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry
Annual Commencements 3395 4025 2655 725 650 380 310 85
CPC30320 - Certificate III in Concreting
Annual Commencements 75 50 125 10 20 15 0 0
CPC30420 - Certificate III in Demolition
Annual Commencements 0 0 5 0 10 0 0 0
CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Annual Commencements 250 200 490 85 35 55 10 5
CPC30720 - Certificate III in Rigging
Annual Commencements 5 0 30 0 0 0 0 0
CPC30820 - Certificate III in Roof Tiling
Annual Commencements 75 170 25 0 0 5 0 0
CPC30920 - Certificate III in Scaffolding
Annual Commencements 20 0 60 60 5 0 0 0
CPC31020 - Certificate III in Solid Plastering
Annual Commencements 20 10 60 15 15 0 0 0
CPC31120 - Certificate III in Steelfixing
Annual Commencements 0 0 40 0 0 0 0 0
CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
Annual Commencements 140 135 180 45 30 55 5 0
CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Annual Commencements 140 60 200 30 35 10 0 0
CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
Annual Commencements 20 0 40 0 0 0 0 0
CPC31920 - Certificate III in Joinery
Annual Commencements 75 65 25 0 0 0 0 0
CPC32320 - Certificate III in Stonemasonry
Annual Commencements 40 20 50 10 5 5 0 0
CPC32420 - Certificate III in Plumbing
Annual Commencements 1620 2515 870 405 355 70 125 35
CPC32620 - Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
Annual Commencements 290 0 160 85 100 20 15 10
CPC32720 - Certificate III in Gas Fitting
Annual Commencements 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0
CPC32820 - Certificate III in Fire Protection
Annual Commencements 105 125 80 20 20 0 5 0
CPC32920 - Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations
Annual Commencements 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CPC33020 - Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Annual Commencements 265 285 155 110 85 20 15 0
CPC40120 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Annual Commencements 195 110 0 40 5 5 5 0
CPC40320 - Certificate IV in Building Project Support
Annual Commencements 15 10 0 20 0 0 0 0
CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
Annual Commencements 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CPC50220 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Annual Commencements 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Commencement data source: National Apprentices and Trainees collection, VOCSTATS, extracted 18/10/2023, rounded estimates for April 2022 to March 2023. Qualifications with no recorded commencements may not appear. This data is for general information purposes only.

Availability and Duration
  NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT
CPC20120 - Certificate II in Construction
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

12 mths 12 mths 24 mths 12 mths 12 mths 12 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T * T T
CPC20220 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

12 mths 12 mths 12 mths 12 mths 12 mths 12 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T * T T
CPC20720 - Certificate II in Drainage
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 18 mths 12 mths
Part Time
Classification T T * T
CPC30120 - Certificate III in Shopfitting
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A * A
CPC30216 - Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC30320 - Certificate III in Concreting
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 48 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T A T * T
CPC30420 - Certificate III in Demolition
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T T T * A
CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC30720 - Certificate III in Rigging
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T * T
CPC30820 - Certificate III in Roof Tiling
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 36 mths 36 mths 48 mths 36 mths 36 mths 36 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A
CPC30920 - Certificate III in Scaffolding
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 12 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T T * T
CPC31020 - Certificate III in Solid Plastering
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A
CPC31120 - Certificate III in Steelfixing
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 18 mths 24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T T * T
CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 36 mths 36 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification T T A * A
CPC31920 - Certificate III in Joinery
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A
CPC32320 - Certificate III in Stonemasonry
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 48 mths 48 mths 42 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC32420 - Certificate III in Plumbing
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC32620 - Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 36 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A * A A
CPC32720 - Certificate III in Gas Fitting
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A * A
CPC32820 - Certificate III in Fire Protection
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A A
CPC32920 - Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T *
CPC33020 - Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 36 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 36 mths
Part Time
Classification A A A A A * A
CPC40120 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 48 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T T * T T
CPC40320 - Certificate IV in Building Project Support
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths 24 mths 48 mths 24 mths 24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T T T T * T T
CPC40820 - Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Building
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

24 mths 24 mths
Part Time
Classification T * T
CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification T T * T T
CPC41020 - Certificate IV in Demolition
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification * T
CPC50220 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 36 mths 36 mths 36 mths
Part Time
Classification T T * T T
CPC50320 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 36 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification T T * T
CPC50520 - Diploma of Fire Systems Design
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 36 mths
Part Time
Classification T T *
CPC60220 - Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

36 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Classification T * T

Legend: = Yes, = No, A = identified by the State or Territory as an Apprenticeship, T = identified by the State or Territory as a Traineeship, * = An approved qualification in Tasmania is available as an Apprenticeship/Traineeship.

Availability of Australian Apprenticeships and Nominal Duration (in months)
A Qualification registered by a State or Territory as available as an Australian Apprenticeship may not be eligible for public funding support, check with the relevant State or Territory Training Authority.

Nominal durations listed are for full time occuptations, stated in months. In some cases nominal durations provided may not include the completion of pre-requisites. This data is sourced from State and Territory Training Authorities and is provided for information only and must be confirmed with these authorities.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships
  NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT
CPC20120 - Certificate II in Construction
Availability
CPC20220 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways
Availability
CPC20720 - Certificate II in Drainage
Availability
CPC30120 - Certificate III in Shopfitting
Availability
CPC30216 - Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
Availability
CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry
Availability
CPC30320 - Certificate III in Concreting
Availability
CPC30420 - Certificate III in Demolition
Availability
CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Availability
CPC30720 - Certificate III in Rigging
Availability
CPC30820 - Certificate III in Roof Tiling
Availability
CPC30920 - Certificate III in Scaffolding
Availability
CPC31020 - Certificate III in Solid Plastering
Availability
CPC31120 - Certificate III in Steelfixing
Availability
CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
Availability
CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Availability
CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
Availability
CPC31920 - Certificate III in Joinery
Availability
CPC32320 - Certificate III in Stonemasonry
Availability
CPC32420 - Certificate III in Plumbing
Availability
CPC32620 - Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
Availability
CPC32720 - Certificate III in Gas Fitting
Availability
CPC32820 - Certificate III in Fire Protection
Availability
CPC33020 - Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Availability
CPC40120 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Availability
CPC40320 - Certificate IV in Building Project Support
Availability
CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
Availability

Legend: = Yes, = No

This information generally reflects availability of ASbAs that may contribute to study scores. In some cases ASbAs allow an individual to start training in a qualification that can be completed after they leave secondary school. Australian Apprenticeships may also be undertaken as part-time employment. Please note that applicable industrial arrangements must allow for ASbAs. Visit the relevant State or Territory website for more detailed information (click on the State or Territory link provided).