CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Course Overview
CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating provides a trade outcome in painting and decorating for residential and commercial construction work.
Licensing, legislative and regulatory or certification requirements for painting and decorating work differ between States and Territories. Please consult with the relevant regulatory authority.
This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.
Graduates can pursue rewarding roles in environments such as:
- Painter and Decorator
- Construction Painter’s Assistant
- Maintenance Painter
- Renovation and Refurbishment Worker
- Property Maintenance Worker (Painting Focus)
Course Structure
To be awarded the CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, students must complete a total of 29 units:
- 26 core units
- 3 elective units
The elective units have been carefully chosen to align with current industry demands and to maintain the integrity and relevance of the qualification as per Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) standards.
Unit of Competency
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Core / Elective |
|---|---|---|
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | Core |
| CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry | Core |
| CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication | Core |
| CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations | Core |
| CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights | Core |
| CPCCCM2008* | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | Core |
| CPCCOM2001* | Read and interpret plans and specifications | Core |
| CPCCPB3026* | Erect and maintain trestle and plank systems | Core |
| CPCCPD2011* | Handle and store painting and decorating materials | Core |
| CPCCPD2012* | Use painting and decorating tools and equipment | Core |
| CPCCPD2013* | Remove and replace doors and door and window components | Core |
| CPCCPD3021* | Prepare existing coated surface for painting | Core |
| CPCCPD3022* | Apply paint by brush and roller | Core |
| CPCCPD3023* | Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray | Core |
| CPCCPD3024* | Apply paint by spray | Core |
| CPCCPD3025* | Match specific paint colours | Core |
| CPCCPD3026* | Apply stains and clear timber finishes | Core |
| CPCCPD3027* | Remove and apply wallpaper | Core |
| CPCCPD3028* | Apply decorative paint finishes | Core |
| CPCCPD3030* | Apply protective paint coating systems | Core |
| CPCCPD3031* | Work safely with lead-painted surfaces in the painting industry | Core |
| CPCCPD3035* | Prepare uncoated surfaces for painting | Core |
| CPCCPD3036* | Work safely to encapsulate non-friable asbestos in the painting industry | Core |
| BSBESB301 | Investigate business opportunities | Core |
| CPCCPD3032* | Apply advanced wall coverings | Core |
| CPCCPD3034* | Apply advanced decorative paint finishes | Core |
| CPCCCM3001 | Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres | Elective |
| CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work | Elective |
| CPCCCM3005 | Calculate costs of construction work | Elective |
Delivery Mode
This program is delivered through a combination of:
- Face-to-face classroom-based learning
- Structured self-study activities
- Workplace-based learning and assessment
This approach ensures that students gain a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Course Duration
The CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is delivered over a total of 104 weeks, which includes:
- 80 weeks of training and assessment
- 24 weeks of scheduled breaks and holidays
This schedule is designed to allow time for study, reflection, and practical placement while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
Entry Requirements
While there are no formal entry requirements specified in the national training package for this qualification, AEI Australia requires applicants to meet the following criteria to ensure readiness and success:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of course commencement
- Have successfully completed Year 12 or equivalent, or hold another relevant qualification
- Participate in a course entry interview to assess suitability and individual learning needs
- Demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
✅ An IELTS score of 6.0 (no older than 2 years), or equivalent (e.g., PTE, TOEFL)
✅ Completion of at least 5 years of education in an English-speaking country
✅ Completion of a Certificate IV or higher-level course for at least 6 months in an Australian RTO
✅ Successful completion of AEI Australia’s English Placement Test
Applicants must provide documentary evidence to support their English language proficiency.