Qualification Description

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) is a nationally recognised qualification in Australia that equips individuals with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to work as a professional painter and decorator. This course is designed for those seeking a trade career in the residential and commercial construction sectors. It covers a wide range of competencies including surface preparation, application of paints and coatings, wallpapering, and the safe use of scaffolding and elevated work platforms. Students also learn about colour matching, decorative finishes, and compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.

Delivered through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, often as part of an apprenticeship, the qualification ensures graduates are job-ready and meet industry standards. Upon completion, individuals are qualified to work independently or as part of a team on new constructions, renovations, and maintenance projects. The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is also a key step toward obtaining a painter’s license in many Australian states, making it a valuable credential for those looking to establish a long-term career in the building and construction industry.

Course Pathways

Pathways from this qualification

Further training pathways from this qualification may lead to CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).

Employment Pathway for Students

• Painter and Decorator
• Industrial Painter
• Heritage Restoration Painter
• Decorative Finishes Specialist

**Please Note: The pathways are not prerequisites; rather a reference point that can be utilised by CIT when determining the suitability for enrolment with prospective learners. For additional details please refer Entry Requirements.

Entry Requirements

All international students should be able to meet the English requirements as required under the assessment level of the student by Department of Home Affairs. Cornell Institute of training accepts the results from International English Language Testing System (IELTS), PTE Academic English or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as below:

Acceptable Form of evidence for English Language Proficiency at Cornell Institute of Training	Acceptable Score for Direct Entry Level for Certificate/ Diploma/ Advanced Diploma Courses
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic	6
Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) - (IBT)	60-78
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)- (IBT)	51.6

Academic Requirements:

Australian year 12 Equivalent of other countries

Age Requirements:

For international students, CIT has a requirement that all students must be over 18 years of age at the commencement of course.

Other entry requirements apply:

Cornell Institute of Training conducts pre-enrolment needs analysis to best tailor the course and support services to all the candidates. A pre-enrolment interview and LLND assessment may also be required

Course Structure

Unit of Competency Code	Unit of Competency Title	Core/Elective
CPCCCM2008*	Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding	Core
CPCCCM2012*	Work safely at heights	Core
CPCCCM3001	Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres	Core
CPCCCM3005	Calculate costs of construction work	Core
CPCCOM1012	Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry	Core
CPCCOM1013	Plan and organise work	Core
CPCCOM1014	Conduct workplace communication	Core
CPCCOM1015	Carry out measurements and calculations	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
CPCCWHS2001	Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry	Core
CPCCPD3029*	Remove graffiti and apply anti-graffiti coatings	Elective
CPCCPD3034*	Apply advanced decorative paint finishes	Elective
CPCCSP3003*	Apply trowelled texture coat finishes	Elective

Assessment Method

• Demonstrations
• Written Questions Answers
• Case Studies
• Projects

Mode of Delivery

The course is delivered via face-to-face training and independent study. The following techniques are employed during face-to-face delivery depending on the subject matter: trainer demonstrations, power point presentations, individual tasks, case studies, research, role plays, practical demonstrations and group work. The context of the simulated workplace environment will be incorporated into delivery methodologies and students’ complete tasks to workplace standards.

Students also undertake independent study and assessment activities in addition to scheduled classes. Examples of activities include undertaking homework set by trainers, research, reading, practicing applying knowledge and skills learnt in class, and preparing for and undertaking out of class assessment tasks.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning is the process of formal recognition for skills and knowledge gained through previous learning. You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning for part or all of your intended course, based on your previous experiences and learning. For further information refer to www.cornell.vic.edu.au

Credit Transfer

You may be eligible for a credit transfer if you have previously undertaken training through an Australian Registered Training Organisation. Students who have successfully completed whole units of competency with an Australian Registered Training Organisation that are identical to any of those contained within this course can apply for Credit Transfer.

International students

Cornell Institute of Training offers various intakes throughout the year. International students can enter the course at any of these intakes, subject to meeting entry requirements.