Skip to content
RPLdirect
  • CPC32420
  • Certificate III
  • Current
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNISED · AQF

Certificate III in Plumbing

This is a trade qualification for plumbers on homes, commercial and industrial sites. Work includes water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage, gas, roofing and mechanical services, in both new and existing buildings. Plumbers already doing this work may be able to have their experience recognised through RPL.

TRAINING PACKAGE
CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Nil
SUPERSEDES
CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing (not equivalent)

WHO IT'S FOR

People who work in plumbing, drainage, gas fitting or roof plumbing and want a formal trade qualification.

JOB ROLES

  • Plumber
  • Plumber and drainer
  • Plumber and gasfitter
  • Gasfitter
  • Roof plumber
  • Mechanical services plumber

Qualification structure

To be awarded this qualification, competency in one of the four occupational options must be achieved. OPTION 1: General Plumbing For the award of the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) a minimum of 58 units are to be completed as follows: Electives are to be selected as followed: 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 relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. The units must contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification. OPTION 2: General Plumbing – Roofing For the award of the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber and Roofing) a minimum of 62 units are to be completed as follows: Electives are to be selected as followed: 8 units from Group A. 4 units from Group B. 3 units from Group C. 4 units from Group D. Up to 4 elective units may be replaced by units from any other group or from any relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. The units must contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification. OPTION 3: General Plumbing – Mechanical For the award of the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumbing and Mechanical) a minimum of 73 units are to be completed as follows: 30 electives Electives are to be selected as followed: 8 units from Group A. 4 units from Group B. 3 units from Group C. 7 units from Group E. 8 units from Group F. Up to 4 elective units may be replaced by units from any other group or from any relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. The units must contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification. OPTION 4: General Plumbing – Roofing and Mechanical For the award of the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber Roofing and Mechanical) a minimum of 77 units are to be completed as follows: 34 electives Electives are to be selected as followed: 8 units from Group A. 4 units from Group B. 3 units from Group C. 4 units from Group D. 7 units from Group E. 8 units from Group F. Up to 4 elective units may be replaced by units from any other group or from any relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. The units must contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification. An asterisk (*) against a unit code below indicates that the unit has a prerequisite. Please check the unit for information on this. All prerequisites are packaged in the qualification.

Core units

43 units
  1. CPCCCM2012 (has a prerequisite)Work safely at heights
  2. CPCPCM2039Carry out interactive workplace communication
  3. CPCPCM2040 (has a prerequisite)Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials
  4. CPCPCM2041Work effectively in the plumbing services sector
  5. CPCPCM2043Carry out WHS requirements
  6. CPCPCM2045 (has a prerequisite)Handle and store plumbing materials
  7. CPCPCM2046 (has a prerequisite)Use plumbing hand and power tools
  8. CPCPCM2047 (has a prerequisite)Carry out levelling
  9. CPCPCM2048 (has a prerequisite)Cut and join sheet metal
  10. CPCPCM2054 (has a prerequisite)Carry out simple concreting and rendering
  11. CPCPCM2055 (has a prerequisite)Work safely on roofs
  12. CPCPCM3021 (has a prerequisite)Flash penetrations through roofs and walls
  13. CPCPCM3022 (has a prerequisite)Weld polymer pipes using fusion method
  14. CPCPCM3023 (has a prerequisite)Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping
  15. CPCPCM3024 (has a prerequisite)Prepare simple drawings
  16. CPCPCM3025 (has a prerequisite)Install trench support
  17. CPCPDR2021 (has a prerequisite)Locate and clear blockages
  18. CPCPDR2025 (has a prerequisite)Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site
  19. CPCPDR2026 (has a prerequisite)Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers
  20. CPCPDR3021 (has a prerequisite)Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems
  21. CPCPDR3023 (has a prerequisite)Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems
  22. CPCPFS3031 (has a prerequisite)Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems
  23. CPCPGS3048 (has a prerequisite)Install gas pressure control equipment
  24. CPCPGS3049 (has a prerequisite)Install gas appliance flues
  25. CPCPGS3051 (has a prerequisite)Purge consumer piping
  26. CPCPGS3053 (has a prerequisite)Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances
  27. CPCPGS3054 (has a prerequisite)Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances
  28. CPCPGS3056 (has a prerequisite)Size and install consumer gas piping systems
  29. CPCPGS3059 (has a prerequisite)Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres
  30. CPCPGS3061 (has a prerequisite)Install and commission Type A gas appliances
  31. CPCPSN3011 (has a prerequisite)Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks
  32. CPCPSN3022 (has a prerequisite)Install discharge pipes
  33. CPCPWT3020 (has a prerequisite)Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply
  34. CPCPWT3021 (has a prerequisite)Set out and install water services
  35. CPCPWT3022 (has a prerequisite)Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices
  36. CPCPWT3025 (has a prerequisite)Install water pumpsets
  37. CPCPWT3026 (has a prerequisite)Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls
  38. CPCPWT3027 (has a prerequisite)Install backflow prevention devices
  39. CPCPRF2023 (has a prerequisite)Collect and store roof water
  40. CPCPRF3022 (has a prerequisite)Fabricate and install roof drainage systems
  41. CPCPRF3023 (has a prerequisite)Fabricate and install external flashings
  42. CPCPRF3024 (has a prerequisite)Install roof components
  43. HLTAID011Provide First Aid

This unit has a prerequisite unit. Check the unit on training.gov.au for details.

Elective units

60 units

Group A

  1. CPCCCM2008 (has a prerequisite)Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  2. CPCCCM3001Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
  3. CPCPCM2049 (has a prerequisite)Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment
  4. CPCPCM2052 (has a prerequisite)Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment
  5. CPCPFS3037 (has a prerequisite)Install residential life safety sprinkler systems
  6. CPCPFS3038 (has a prerequisite)Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations
  7. CPCPGS3026Assess operational risk when working with hydrogen
  8. CPCPIG2021 (has a prerequisite)Design domestic urban irrigation systems
  9. CPCPIG3021 (has a prerequisite)Set out, install and commission irrigation systems
  10. CPCPIG3022 (has a prerequisite)Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps
  11. CPCPWT3024 (has a prerequisite)Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment
  12. CPCPWT3028 (has a prerequisite)Install property service
  13. CPCPWT3029 (has a prerequisite)Install water pipe systems
  14. CPCPWT3030 (has a prerequisite)Install home fire sprinkler systems
  15. MEM11011 (has a prerequisite)Undertake manual handling
  16. MEM13015Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
  17. MEM16006 (has a prerequisite)Organise and communicate information
  18. MEM05049 (has a prerequisite)Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding
  19. MEM05050 (has a prerequisite)Perform routine gas metal arc welding
  20. RIIWHS202Enter and work in confined spaces

Group B

  1. CPCPCM2053 (has a prerequisite)Weld using metal arc welding equipment
  2. CPCPGS3046 (has a prerequisite)Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces
  3. CPCPGS3052 (has a prerequisite)Maintain Type A gas appliances
  4. CPCPGS3055 (has a prerequisite)Install gas sub-meters
  5. CPCPGS3060 (has a prerequisite)Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl
  6. CPCPGS3047 (has a prerequisite)Install LPG systems in marine craft

Group C

  1. CPCPDR3025 (has a prerequisite)Plan layout and install vacuum drainage systems
  2. CPCPSN3025 (has a prerequisite)Install pre-treatment facilities
  3. CPCPSN3026 (has a prerequisite)Install sewerage pumpsets
  4. RIIWHS202Enter and work in confined spaces
  5. RIICTT306EInstall cure in-place linings for existing pipeline systems

Group D

  1. CPCCCM2008 (has a prerequisite)Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  2. CPCCCM3001Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
  3. CPCPRF2022 (has a prerequisite)Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding
  4. CPCPRF2024 (has a prerequisite)Fabricate roof coverings for curved structures
  5. CPCPRF3021 (has a prerequisite)Receive roofing materials
  6. CPCPRF3025 (has a prerequisite)Install roof coverings to curved roof structures
  7. CPCPRF3026 (has a prerequisite)Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings
  8. CPCPRF3027 (has a prerequisite)Select and install a heritage roof system

Group E

  1. CPCPMS2021 (has a prerequisite)Assemble mechanical services components
  2. CPCPMS3031 (has a prerequisite)Fabricate and install steel pressure piping
  3. CPCPMS3032 (has a prerequisite)Select and fit insulation and sheathing
  4. CPCPMS3035 (has a prerequisite)Install and test ducting systems
  5. CPCPMS3036 (has a prerequisite)Install air handling units
  6. CPCPMS3038 (has a prerequisite)Install air conditioning control equipment
  7. CPCPMS3039 (has a prerequisite)Maintain mechanical services equipment

Group F

  1. CPCCCM2008 (has a prerequisite)Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  2. CPCCCM3001Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
  3. CPCCWC2001 (has a prerequisite)Complete penetrations and flashings
  4. CPCCWHS2001Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  5. CPCPCM2053 (has a prerequisite)Weld using metal arc welding equipment
  6. CPCPMS3033 (has a prerequisite)Install small bore heating systems
  7. CPCPMS3034 (has a prerequisite)Install and test medical gas pipeline systems
  8. CPCPMS3037 (has a prerequisite)Install and commission a single head split system air conditioning
  9. CPCPMS3040 (has a prerequisite)Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems
  10. CPCPMS3041 (has a prerequisite)Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances
  11. UEECD0007Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
  12. UEERA0049 (has a prerequisite)Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems
  13. UEERA0059 (has a prerequisite)Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings
  14. UEERA0064 (has a prerequisite)Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems

This unit has a prerequisite unit. Check the unit on training.gov.au for details.

PREREQUISITES

  • CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding — prerequisite: CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights — prerequisite: CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • CPCCWC2001 Complete penetrations and flashings — prerequisite: CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • CPCPCM2040 Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3024 Prepare simple drawings
  • CPCPCM2045 Handle and store plumbing materials — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2046 Use plumbing hand and power tools — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2047 Carry out levelling — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2048 Cut and join sheet metal — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2049 Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2052 Weld mild steel using oxy- acetylene equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2053 Weld using metal arc welding equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2054 Carry out simple concreting and rendering — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM3021 Flash penetrations through roofs and walls — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM3022 Weld polymer pipes using fusion method — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM3024 Prepare simple drawings — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPCM3025 Install trench support — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPDR2021 Locate and clear blockages — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPDR2025 Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPDR2026 Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPDR3021 Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3024 Prepare simple drawings
  • CPCPDR3023 Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPDR3025 Plan layout and install vacuum drainage systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPFS3031 Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping
  • CPCPFS3037 Install residential life safety sprinkler systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPFS3038 Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3046 Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3047 Install LPG systems in marine craft — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3048 Install gas pressure control equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3049 Install gas appliance flues — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3021 Flash penetrations through roofs and walls
  • CPCPGS3051 Purge consumer piping — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3052 Maintain Type A gas appliances — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPGS3054 Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances
  • CPCPGS3053 Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3054 Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3055 Install gas sub-meters — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3056 Size and install consumer gas piping systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3059 Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3060 Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPGS3061 Install and commission Type A gas appliances — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPGS3054 Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances
  • CPCPIG2021 Design domestic urban irrigation systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPIG3021 Set out, install and commission irrigation systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPIG3022 Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3031 Fabricate and install steel pressure piping — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3032 Select and fit insulation and sheathing — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3033 Install small bore heating systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3034 Install and test medical gas pipeline systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3035 Install and test ducting systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3036 Install air handling units — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3037 Install and commission a single head split system air conditioning — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3038 Install air conditioning control equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3039 Maintain mechanical services equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPMS3040 Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs; CPCPCM3021 Flash penetrations through roofs and walls; CPCPWT3029 Install water pipe systems
  • CPCPMS3041 Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances — prerequisite: CPCCWC2001 Complete penetrations and flashings; CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF2022 Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF2023 Collect and store roof water — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPRF2024 Fabricate roof coverings for curved structures — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPRF3021 Receive roofing materials — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPRF3022 Fabricate and install roof drainage systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF3023 Fabricate and install external flashings — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF3024 Install roof components — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF3025 Install roof coverings to curved roof structures — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF3026 Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPRF3027 Select and install a heritage roof system — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
  • CPCPSN3011 Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPSN3022 Install discharge pipes — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPSN3025 Install pre-treatment facilities — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPSN3026 Install sewerage pumpsets — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPWT3020 Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping
  • CPCPWT3021 Set out and install water services — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping
  • CPCPWT3022 Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPWT3024 Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPWT3025 Install water pumpsets — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPWT3026 Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPWT3027 Install backflow prevention devices — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping
  • CPCPWT3028 Install property service — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
  • CPCPWT3029 Install water pipe systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping
  • CPCPWT3030 Install home fire sprinkler systems — prerequisite: CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements; CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non- ferrous pressure piping
  • MEM05049 Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding — prerequisite: MEM11011 Undertake manual handling; MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering; MEM16006 Organise and communicate information
  • MEM05050 Perform routine gas metal arc welding — prerequisite: MEM11011 Undertake manual handling; MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering; MEM16006 Organise and communicate information
  • MEM11011 Undertake manual handling — prerequisite: MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering; MEM16006 Organise and communicate information
  • MEM16006 Organise and communicate information — prerequisite: MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
  • UEERA0049 Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems — prerequisite: UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace; UEERA0059 Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings; UEERA0064 Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems
  • UEERA0059 Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings — prerequisite: UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
  • UEERA0064 Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems — prerequisite: UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

EVIDENCE YOU'LL NEED

  • Resume showing your work history
  • Reference letters from employers
  • Photos or videos of jobs you've done
  • Payslips or employment contracts

LICENSING

This is a licensed occupation. State and territory jurisdictions may have different licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

View on training.gov.au(opens in a new tab)

Worked as a plumber? Get it recognised.

Start free skills check