Certificate III in Carpentry

Certificate III in Carpentry - CPC30220

VOCATIONAL

Take on expert training for carpentry apprentices, and covers residential and commercial applications.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Fees:

Not applicable

Overview

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a carpenter in one of the largest industries in Australia: building and construction.

On-the-job training with your employer is combined with face-to-face training and assessments with an RMIT trainer as part of this work-based learning model. The curriculum will provide extensive opportunities for you to build your understanding of work expectations and the development of skills and knowledge specific to your trade.

You will develop many skills, including:

  • using carpentry tools and equipment
  • general demolition of minor structures
  • levelling operations
  • working effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • planning and organizing work
  • read and interpret plans and specifications
  • carry out excavation
  • construct wall and ceiling frames, pitched roofs, eaves and timber external stairs
  • install exterior cladding. 

Once you have successfully completed this certificate, you may also choose to pursue further study in building and construction.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

3D render of RMIT's Trade Innovation Centre, a large grey warehouse with a delivery depot and large white water tanks.

State-of-the-art facilities

RMIT’s Trades Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge facility offering the latest in skills training and technology for students and industry.

The 1,700 square metre modular design features adaptable spaces, including a 2.5-metre-deep sand pit, double-height workshop ceilings, and a three-storey training rig that mimics building construction for real-world experience.

Divided into ‘trade zones’, this allows students to gain hands-on experience while observing other trades, fostering a deeper understanding of how different trades intersect and work together.

Details

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Learning and teaching

This certificate will be delivered face-to-face on-campus, utilizing online platforms for theoretical delivery and simulated workshops for practical assessments  

Your RMIT trainer will play a crucial role in providing your progress timelines, ensuring that the activities are in line with your training plan. The trainer will consult with your on-site supervisor to obtain feedback on your progress.  

Assessment methods

Assessment in this certificate will include both practical demonstrations and theory-based tests, either face-to-face or online.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You will engage with industry through your employment as an apprentice.

Engagement with industry will be achieved by a combination of work-based jobs at the workplace related to carpentry, work integrated learning, and mentoring and coaching by the workplace supervisor.  

The duration of this certificate is a maximum of four years, or as specified on your training contract.

It may be possible for you to complete your apprenticeship in less than four years depending on your progress and ability to complete all the requirements of this qualification.  

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The curriculum for this certificate has been structured around sequencing the units of competency into four stages of logical learning of the trade.

The qualification is broken into four stages which is delivered over the four-year apprenticeship:

  • Stage 1 contains 14 units of competency
  • Stage 2 contains 7 units
  • Stage 3 contains 9 units
  • Stage 4 contains 4 units

The curriculum will provide extensive opportunities for you to build your understanding of work expectations and the development of skills and knowledge specific to your trade.

Evidence of participation will be collected through Canvas recognizing your attendance on campus. RMIT monitors and reports on your apprenticeship through the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Management System (ATMS). The RMIT assessor will ensure ASQA compliance and regulatory requirements are met by the employer about safety and assessment requirements and will report any breaches to RMIT.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Carpentry
Program code: C3410
National curriculum code: CPC30220
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Carpentry
City Campus
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
C3410
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C3410
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate III in Carpentry
Bundoora Campus
4 years Full-time or Part-time equivalent
C3410BU
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years Full-time or Part-time equivalent
Plan code
C3410BU
CRICOS
View plan

Career

The Certificate III in Carpentry offers you diverse career options, such as a carpenter, joiner, shop fitter or form worker.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

This program is delivered as an apprenticeship. To enrol in this program as an apprentice you should:

  •  Make contact with Australian Apprenticeship Support Network who can explain Apprenticeship and assist with finding employment as an apprentice.
  •  Sign a training contract with your employer and the Apprenticeship Network provider
  •  Nominate RMIT as your preferred Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

You will be contacted by RMIT after we are notified by the Apprenticeship Network to organise your enrolment.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse our courses.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$550* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$2,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$8,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information