AHC30921
Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Develop practical skills for landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor construction projects.
Course overview
AHC30921 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals seeking to develop the practical skills and knowledge required to undertake landscape construction projects.
Throughout this qualification, students develop skills in site preparation, drainage installation, landscape construction, paving, retaining walls, concreting, plant establishment and soil improvement while applying work health and safety (WHS) and environmentally sustainable work practices.
Successful completion of this qualification may support employment opportunities within the landscape construction industry and may assist graduates in meeting qualification requirements for certain occupational licences or registrations, subject to the requirements of the relevant state or territory licensing authority.
Entry requirements
To enrol in this qualification, applicants are required to meet ATR's enrolment requirements.
Age
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND)
Academic
Student eligibility
- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens
- New Zealand permanent residents
- Eligible temporary residents (excluding Student Visa holders where applicable)
Industry requirements
- Previous employment or industry experience is not required to enrol in this qualification.
- Some practical training or workplace activities may be subject to workplace health and safety requirements or employer-specific conditions.
- Depending on the workplace or jurisdiction, students may be required to hold a valid Construction Industry White Card before undertaking certain workplace activities.
- Students are encouraged to check any workplace or licensing requirements that may apply in their state or territory.
Technology requirements
- Students will require regular access to a desktop or laptop computer throughout the course.
Desktop / laptop specs
- Processor: 2.5 GHz or higher
- Memory: Minimum 8 GB RAM
- Available Storage: Minimum 100 GB
- Microsoft Windows 10 (Version 1809 or later)
- Microsoft Windows 11
- Apple macOS Monterey (Version 12)
- Apple macOS Ventura (Version 13)
- Apple macOS Sonoma (Version 14)
Additional requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Webcam
- Microphone and speakers or headset
- Mobile phone camera or scanner for submitting handwritten assessments
- A current web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari
- Students should have access to Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Materials
ATR provides learners with the training and assessment resources required to undertake this qualification. These may include:
- Learner guides
- Assessment materials
- Learning resources
- Trainer support
- Digital learning resources, where applicable
Students will be advised prior to enrolment of any additional materials, equipment or personal protective equipment (PPE) that they are required to supply.
Assessment methods
Assessment is designed to determine whether students can demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills required to achieve competency in each unit of competency. Assessment is conducted in accordance with the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence contained within the Standards for RTOs.
Depending on the unit, assessment methods may include:
- Practical demonstrations
- Portfolio of evidence (where applicable)
- Written knowledge assessments
- Projects and workplace tasks
- Case studies
- Oral questioning
- Logbooks or workplace documentation (where applicable)
- Third-party reports (where appropriate)
Students will receive information regarding assessment requirements prior to commencing each unit. Reasonable adjustment may be provided where appropriate, provided the integrity of the assessment outcomes is maintained.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
ATR – Alpha Training & Recognition Ltd recognises that students may have already developed the skills and knowledge required for some or all of the units within this qualification through previous work experience, formal training, informal learning, or life experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that evaluates an individual's existing skills and knowledge against the requirements of the relevant units of competency.
Students wishing to apply for RPL will be required to provide sufficient, valid, authentic and current evidence to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the unit(s). Evidence may include employment history, reference letters, qualifications, licences, workplace documents, photographs, videos, logbooks or other relevant documentation.
Each application is assessed individually by a qualified assessor. Granting of RPL is not automatic and depends on whether the evidence provided demonstrates competency in accordance with the requirements of the Training Package.
Credit Transfer applications are assessed before Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications where applicable.
Fees may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning assessments.
Students interested in applying for RPL are encouraged to contact ATR before enrolling to discuss their eligibility and the evidence requirements.
Credit transfer
ATR recognises nationally recognised training completed with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) through its Credit Transfer process.
Students who have successfully completed identical units of competency may be eligible for Credit Transfer where the unit code and title are equivalent or have been deemed equivalent under the relevant Training Package transition arrangements.
Students applying for Credit Transfer must provide certified copies of their Statement of Attainment, Record of Results or USI VET Transcript prior to enrolment or as early as possible during the enrolment process.
Approved Credit Transfers may reduce the amount of training and assessment required to complete the qualification.
Students should contact ATR if they believe they may be eligible for Credit Transfer.
Packaging rules
- To achieve this qualification, students must successfully complete 17 units of competency consisting of: 10 core units; 7 elective units.
- Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification's Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
- Elective units are to be selected as follows: 1 unit must be selected from Electives Group A; 3 units must be selected from Electives Group B; 3 units may be selected from the remaining elective units or from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
Units of competency
Core units
| Unit code | Unit name |
|---|---|
| AHCDRG305 | Install drainage systems |
| AHCLSC311 | Set out site for construction works |
| AHCLSC312* | Construct brick and block structures and features |
| AHCLSC313 | Construct stone structures and features, and install stone cladding |
| AHCLSC316 | Implement a paving project |
| AHCLSC317 | Construct landscape features using concrete |
| AHCLSC319 | Implement a retaining wall project |
| AHCPCM306 | Provide information on plants and their culture |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCSOL304 | Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas |
Elective units
| Unit code | Unit name |
|---|---|
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry |
| CPCCCA3028* | Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground |
| AHCBUS407 | Cost a project |
| AHCGRI301 | Maintain roof gardens, vertical gardens and green facades |
| CPCCON3042* | Finish concrete |
| CPCCON3043* | Cure concrete |
| MSFFL3063 | Install synthetic textile floor coverings to sports facilities and outdoor spaces |
* This unit has prerequisite requirements specified in the Training Package.
Practical training and workplace requirements
This qualification includes extensive practical training designed to develop practical workplace skills relevant to the landscape construction industry. Practical activities may be conducted within ATR's training facilities, simulated learning environments and, where applicable, workplace settings.
- Site preparation and set-out
- Installation of drainage systems
- Construction of brick, block and stone structures
- Paving and concreting works
- Construction of retaining walls
- Plant establishment and landscaping works
- Soil improvement and site preparation
- Safe use and maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery
- Applying work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements in landscape construction activities
Where workplace-based training or assessment is required, students will be advised of any employer, workplace or licensing requirements before commencement. Students may also be required to comply with workplace health and safety requirements and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during practical training.
Licence & registration requirements
Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply depending on the state or territory in which work is performed. As these requirements vary between jurisdictions, students should consult the relevant regulatory or licensing authority to determine the requirements that apply in their state or territory. ATR – Alpha Training & Recognition Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) only. We deliver nationally recognised training and qualifications. We do not issue licences or registrations. All licences and registrations are granted by the relevant state or territory licensing authority. ATR does not guarantee that successful completion of this qualification alone satisfies licensing or registration requirements in every jurisdiction. Students are responsible for confirming current licensing requirements with the relevant authority. For the latest licensing requirements, please refer to the appropriate authority below:
VIC
No standalone Landscape Construction licence. Victoria does not licence landscape constructors as a separate trade. Depending on the type and scope of building work being undertaken, registration as a building practitioner may be required.
View licensing authorityNSW
Structural Landscaping Contractor Licence or Qualified Supervisor Certificate required. Applicants must meet the required qualifications and experience. AHC30921 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction is an accepted qualification.
View licensing authorityQLD
Builder – Structural Landscaping Licence required. Applicants must meet the QBCC technical qualification, managerial qualification and eligibility requirements for the licence class.
View licensing authorityACT
The ACT does not have a separate licence for landscape construction. Depending on the type and scope of building work being undertaken, a construction occupation licence may be required.
View licensing authoritySA
No standalone Landscape Construction licence. Contractors undertaking structural landscape construction work may require a Building Work Contractor's Licence issued by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
View licensing authorityWA
Western Australia does not licence landscape constructors as a separate trade. Depending on the type and scope of building work being undertaken, builder registration may be required.
View licensing authorityTAS
Tasmania does not have a separate licence for landscape construction. Depending on the type and scope of building work being undertaken, a Building Services Provider Licence may be required.
View licensing authorityNT
The Northern Territory does not have a separate licence for landscape construction. Depending on the type and scope of building work being undertaken, registration with the Building Practitioners Board may be required.
View licensing authority
Employment pathway
Successful completion of this qualification may support employment opportunities within the landscape construction industry, depending on an individual's experience, licensing requirements and employer expectations.
Potential job outcomes may include:
- Landscape Construction Tradesperson
- Landscape Construction Technician
- Landscaper
- Structural Landscaper
- Landscape Maintenance Worker
- Landscape Construction Supervisor (with experience)
- Landscape Contractor (subject to licensing and business requirements)
Employment outcomes are not guaranteed and may vary depending on individual circumstances, industry demand and applicable licensing requirements.
Student support
ATR is committed to supporting students throughout their learning journey.
Support services may include:
- Language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy support
- Trainer and assessor guidance
- Reasonable adjustment for students with identified needs
- Additional learning resources where appropriate
- Academic support
- Referral to external support services where required
Students requiring additional support are encouraged to advise ATR prior to enrolment or as soon as possible after enrolment so appropriate support strategies can be discussed.
Fees and additional costs
Course fees, payment arrangements and any applicable administrative charges will be provided to students prior to enrolment. Students should also be aware that additional costs may apply throughout the course, including but not limited to:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Tools and equipment (where required)
- Replacement student identification cards
- Replacement Statements of Attainment or Qualifications
- Licensing or registration application fees payable to external authorities
- Reassessment fees (where applicable in accordance with ATR policies)
Prospective students are encouraged to contact ATR if they require further information regarding course fees, payment arrangements or additional costs prior to enrolment.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is required for all students undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia.
Students must provide a valid USI prior to the issuance of a Statement of Attainment or Qualification.
If a student does not have a USI, ATR can provide information on how to create one before enrolment.
Further information is available from the Australian Government USI website.
Complaints and appeals
ATR is committed to providing a fair, transparent and accessible complaints and appeals process.
Students who are dissatisfied with any aspect of their training, assessment or the services provided by ATR may lodge a complaint or appeal in accordance with ATR's Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Complaints and appeals are managed fairly, confidentially and without disadvantage to the student.
Further information is available by contacting ATR.
Ready to enrol in Certificate III in Landscape Construction?
Contact our team to discuss eligibility, intake dates, and next steps.