Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Certificate III · 2–3 years
The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620, previously CPC30611) is the standard Australian trade qualification for painters. It covers surface preparation, application techniques, decorative finishes, and the use of contemporary paint systems on residential and commercial sites.
What’s covered
- Surface preparation, sanding, priming, and patching
- Application of interior and exterior paint systems
- Decorative finishes — texture, special-effects, and wallpaper
- Estimating, quoting, and project management basics
- Workplace health and safety, including hazardous materials handling
Apprenticeship and visa pathway
Like other CPC30-series qualifications, painting and decorating is traditionally an apprenticeship. International delivery is structured to combine workshop training with industry placement. Painting occupations periodically appear on regional skilled-migration lists.
Entry requirements
- Year 10 or equivalent
- IELTS 5.5 (or institute equivalent)
- Reasonable physical fitness and tolerance for working at heights