CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing
Start Your Career as a Qualified Plumber
Course Overview
This qualification equips students with the technical skills required to work as a licensed plumber under Australian regulations. Students learn to install, test and maintain plumbing systems while complying with building codes, safety standards and environmental requirements.
Training focuses on developing practical competencies across water supply, drainage, gas services and roofing systems to prepare students for employment in the plumbing and construction industries.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic prerequisites; however, applicants should:
- Be at least 16–18 years of age depending on enrolment pathway
- Possess basic English communication skills
- Demonstrate numeracy skills for measurements and calculations
- Be physically capable of manual work and working in confined or elevated spaces
- Undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to enrolment
Apprenticeship students must be employed in the plumbing industry where required.
Delivery & Assessment Methods
Training is delivered through a combination of:
- Face-to-face classroom instruction
- Practical workshop and simulated site tasks
- Written assessments and knowledge questions
- Trainer observation and practical demonstrations
Assessment reflects real industry work practices and compliance requirements.
What You Will Learn
During this course, students develop competencies in:
Water & Drainage Systems
- Installing and maintaining water supply systems
- Installing sanitary plumbing and drainage
- Testing and commissioning plumbing installations
Gas & Mechanical Services
- Installing gas piping systems
- Testing gas installations
- Maintaining mechanical plumbing systems
Roofing & Stormwater Systems
- Installing roof drainage systems
- Working with gutters, downpipes and stormwater infrastructure
Workplace Skills
- Reading plans and job specifications
- Using plumbing tools and equipment safely
- Applying workplace health and safety practices
- Working effectively on construction sites
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this qualification may seek employment as:
- Plumber (apprentice or qualified tradesperson)
- Maintenance Plumber
- Construction Plumber
- Gasfitter Assistant
- Drainage Installer
This qualification is recognised across the Australian construction and plumbing industry.
Pathways
After successful completion, students may progress to:
- Plumbing licensing in accordance with state regulations
- CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
- Specialisation in gasfitting, drainage or hydraulic services
- Self-employment or subcontracting opportunities
COURSE DETAILS
Qualification Code: CPC32420
RTO Code: 45818
Course Name: Certificate III in Plumbing
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face, workplace-based or blended learning.
Course Duration: 104 weeks
Location: Campus
Domestic Students: Yes
Course Units
| Code | Title | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| CPCCCM2012 | Work safely at heights | Core |
| CPCPCM2039 | Carry out interactive workplace communication | Core |
| CPCPCM2040 | Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials | Core |
| CPCPCM2041 | Work effectively in the plumbing services sector | Core |
| CPCPCM2043 | Carry out WHS requirements | Core |
| CPCPCM2045 | Handle and store plumbing materials | Core |
| CPCPCM2046 | Use plumbing hand and power tools | Core |
| CPCPCM2047 | Carry out levelling | Core |
| CPCPCM2048 | Cut and join sheet metal | Core |
| CPCPCM2054 | Carry out simple concreting and rendering | Core |
| CPCPCM2055 | Work safely on roofs | Core |
| CPCPCM3021 | Flash penetrations through roofs and walls | Core |
| CPCPCM3022 | Weld polymer pipes using fusion method | Core |
| CPCPCM3023 | Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping | Core |
| CPCPCM3024 | Prepare simple drawings | Core |
| CPCPCM3025 | Install trench support | Core |
| CPCPDR2021 | Locate and clear blockages | Core |
| CPCPDR2025 | Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site | Core |
| CPCPDR2026 | Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers | Core |
| CPCPDR3021 | Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems | Core |
| CPCPDR3023 | Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems | Core |
| CPCPFS3031 | Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems | Core |
| CPCPGS3048 | Install gas pressure control equipment | Core |
| CPCPGS3049 | Install gas appliance flues | Core |
| CPCPGS3051 | Purge consumer piping | Core |
| CPCPGS3053 | Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances | Core |
| CPCPGS3054 | Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances | Core |
| CPCPGS3056 | Size and install consumer gas piping systems | Core |
| CPCPGS3059 | Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres | Core |
| CPCPGS3061 | Install and commission Type A gas appliances | Core |
| CPCPRF2023 | Collect and store roof water | Core |
| CPCPRF3022 | Fabricate and install roof drainage systems | Core |
| CPCPRF3023 | Fabricate and install external flashings | Core |
| CPCPRF3024 | Install roof components | Core |
| CPCPSN3011 | Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks | Core |
| CPCPSN3022 | Install discharge pipes | Core |
| CPCPWT3020 | Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply | Core |
| CPCPWT3021 | Set out and install water services | Core |
| CPCPWT3022 | Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices | Core |
| CPCPWT3025 | Install water pumpsets | Core |
| CPCPWT3026 | Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls | Core |
| CPCPWT3027 | Install backflow prevention devices | Core |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | Core |
| CPCCCM2008 | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | Elective |
| CPCPCM2053 | Weld using metal arc welding equipment | Elective |
| CPCPDR3025 | Plan layout and install vacuum drainage systems | Elective |
| CPCPFS3037 | Install residential life safety sprinkler systems | Elective |
| CPCPFS3038 | Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations | Elective |
| CPCPGS3052 | Maintain Type A gas appliances | Elective |
| CPCPGS3055 | Install gas sub-meters | Elective |
| CPCPGS3060 | Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl | Elective |
| CPCPIG2021 | Design domestic urban irrigation systems | Elective |
| CPCPIG3021 | Design domestic urban irrigation systems | Elective |
| CPCPSN3025 | Install pre-treatment facilities | Elective |
| CPCPSN3026 | Install sewerage pumpsets | Elective |
| CPCPWT3028 | Install property service | Elective |
| CPCPWT3029 | Install water pipe systems | Elective |
| CPCPWT3030 | Install home fire sprinkler systems | Elective |
Why Study With Us
Industry-experienced trainers
Practical training facilities and equipment
Small class sizes for personalised support
Real project-based learning
Career guidance and job preparation support
Industry connections & apprenticeship pathways
Take the Next Steps in Your Career!
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