CPC32420
Certificate III in Plumbing
Develop core plumbing skills for installation, maintenance, and compliance work.
Course overview
CPC32420 – Certificate III in Plumbing is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals seeking to develop the practical skills and knowledge required to work in the plumbing services industry.
Throughout this qualification, students develop skills in the installation, maintenance, testing and repair of plumbing systems across residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure environments.
Training and assessment are undertaken in real or closely simulated workplace environments, reflecting the practical nature of the plumbing industry and supporting the development of job-ready skills aligned with current industry expectations.
Successful completion of this qualification may support employment opportunities within the plumbing industry and may assist graduates in meeting qualification requirements for plumbing registration or licensing, 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.
- This qualification is designed for individuals entering the plumbing industry, apprentices undertaking formal trade training, or those seeking to formalise existing industry skills and experience.
- Students must hold competency in CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, which satisfies the general construction induction training requirements specified by the Model Code of Practice for Construction Work and is required before entering a construction work site.
- The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment. Accordingly, all units of competency within this qualification are delivered and assessed in accordance with these industry requirements.
- Students may also be required to comply with workplace health and safety requirements and any employer-specific site induction requirements before undertaking workplace activities.
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, tools, equipment or personal protective equipment (PPE) that they are required to supply. Where applicable, practical training materials and industry-specific equipment required for training and assessment will be provided by ATR or made available through approved training facilities.
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 the CPC32420 – Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) qualification, students must successfully complete the required units of competency, including all core units and the required elective units, in accordance with the CPC Plumbing Services Training Package.
- For the award of CPC32420 – Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber), students must successfully complete 58 units of competency consisting of 43 core units and 15 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: 8 units from Group A, 4 units from Group B, 3 units from Group C. Up to 4 elective units may be replaced by units from any other group or from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course, provided the selected units contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification.
Units of competency
Core units
| Unit code | Unit name |
|---|---|
| CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights |
| CPCPCM2039 | Carry out interactive workplace communication |
| CPCPCM2040* | Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials |
| CPCPCM2041 | Work effectively in the plumbing services sector |
| CPCPCM2043 | Carry out WHS requirements |
| CPCPCM2045* | Handle and store plumbing materials |
| CPCPCM2046* | Use plumbing hand and power tools |
| CPCPCM2047* | Carry out levelling |
| CPCPCM2048* | Cut and join sheet metal |
| CPCPCM2054* | Carry out simple concreting and rendering |
| CPCPCM2055* | Work safely on roofs |
| CPCPCM3021* | Flash penetrations through roofs and walls |
| CPCPCM3022* | Weld polymer pipes using fusion method |
| CPCPCM3023* | Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping |
| CPCPCM3024* | Prepare simple drawings |
| CPCPCM3025* | Install trench support |
| CPCPDR2021* | Locate and clear blockages |
| CPCPDR2025* | Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site |
| CPCPDR2026* | Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers |
| CPCPDR3021* | Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems |
| CPCPDR3023* | Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems |
| CPCPFS3031* | Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems |
| CPCPGS3048* | Install gas pressure control equipment |
| CPCPGS3049* | Install gas appliance flues |
| CPCPGS3051* | Purge consumer piping |
| CPCPGS3053* | Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS3054* | Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS3056* | Size and install consumer gas piping systems |
| CPCPGS3059* | Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres |
| CPCPGS3061* | Install and commission Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPSN3011* | Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks |
| CPCPSN3022* | Install discharge pipes |
| CPCPWT3020* | Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply |
| CPCPWT3021* | Set out and install water services |
| CPCPWT3022* | Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices |
| CPCPWT3025* | Install water pumpsets |
| CPCPWT3026* | Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls |
| CPCPWT3027* | Install backflow prevention devices |
| CPCPRF2023* | Collect and store roof water |
| CPCPRF3022* | Fabricate and install roof drainage systems |
| CPCPRF3023* | Fabricate and install external flashings |
| CPCPRF3024* | Install roof components |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
Elective units
| Unit code | Unit name |
|---|---|
| CPCCCM3001 | Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres |
| CPCPIG2021* | Design domestic urban irrigation systems |
| CPCPIG3021* | Set out, install and commission irrigation systems |
| CPCPIG3022* | Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps |
| CPCPCM2049* | Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment |
| CPCPWT3024* | Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment |
| CPCPFS3038* | Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations |
| RIIWHS202E | Enter and work in confined spaces |
| CPCPCM2053* | Weld using metal arc welding equipment |
| CPCPGS3046* | Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces |
| CPCPGS3052* | Maintain Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS3055* | Install gas sub-meters |
| CPCPSN3025* | Install pre-treatment facilities |
| CPCPSN3026* | Install sewerage pumpsets |
| CPCPDR3025* | Plan layout and install vacuum drainage systems |
* This unit has a prerequisite. Students should refer to the relevant unit of competency for information regarding prerequisite requirements.
Practical training and workplace requirements
This qualification includes extensive practical training designed to develop the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required to work safely and effectively within the plumbing services industry. Practical activities are undertaken in real or closely simulated workplace environments to ensure students develop the skills and experience expected by industry and in accordance with the requirements of the CPC Plumbing Services Training Package.
- Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
- Applying work health and safety (WHS) requirements and workplace procedures
- Measuring, marking out and preparing plumbing installations
- Using plumbing hand tools, power tools and specialised equipment
- Installing, testing and maintaining water services systems
- Installing sanitary plumbing and drainage systems
- Installing and commissioning gas piping systems and gas appliances
- Fabricating and installing roof drainage systems and roof plumbing components
- Installing and maintaining mechanical services plumbing systems (where applicable)
- Installing pumps, water heating systems and backflow prevention devices
- Testing plumbing installations to ensure compliance with industry standards
- Communicating effectively with clients, supervisors and other trades
- Applying environmentally sustainable work practices throughout plumbing operations
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
Plumbing is a licensed occupation in Australia. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements 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. Successful completion of this qualification may contribute towards meeting the educational requirements for plumbing registration or licensing in some jurisdictions. However, additional requirements, including workplace experience, examinations or registration processes, may also apply. 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 and registration requirements, please refer to the appropriate authority below:
VIC
Plumbing registration and licensing required. To become a licensed plumber, applicants must first be registered, meet additional experience requirements, complete the prescribed units, and pass the licensing examination.
View licensing authorityNSW
Plumbing, Draining and Gasfitting Licence or Certificate required. Applicants must meet the qualification and experience requirements before applying for the relevant licence or certificate.
View licensing authorityQLD
Plumber's Licence required. Applicants must satisfy the technical qualification and practical experience requirements prescribed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
View licensing authorityWA
Plumbing Licence required. Plumbing work must be carried out by appropriately licensed plumbing contractors and licensed tradespersons in accordance with WA plumbing legislation.
View licensing authoritySA
Plumbing Contractor Licence and/or Registration required. Licensing and registration are administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
View licensing authorityTAS
Plumbing Practitioner Licence required. Individuals undertaking plumbing work must hold the appropriate practitioner licence issued by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).
View licensing authorityACT
Construction Occupation Licence (Plumber) required. Individuals carrying out plumbing work must hold the appropriate ACT plumbing licence.
View licensing authorityNT
Plumbing Licence required. Plumbing and drainage work must be carried out by appropriately licensed plumbers. Plumbers who certify plumbing work must also be registered as Certifying Plumbers and Drainers with the Building Practitioners Board.
View licensing authority
Employment pathway
Successful completion of this qualification may support employment opportunities within the plumbing industry, depending on an individual's experience, licensing requirements and employer expectations.
Potential job outcomes may include:
- Plumber
- Plumber and Drainer
- Roof Plumber
- Plumbing Tradesperson
- Maintenance Plumber
- Commercial Plumber
- Domestic Plumber
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)
- Plumbing hand tools and equipment (where required)
- Replacement student identification cards
- Replacement Statements of Attainment or Qualifications
- Licensing or registration application fees payable to external authorities
- White Card training fees (where applicable)
- 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 Plumbing?
Contact our team to discuss eligibility, intake dates, and next steps.