Certificate III in Plumbing
CPC32420
Length
4 Years (part time)
Study mode
On Campus & Online
Block Release On Campus
Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
Introduction
Join one of Australia's biggest industries, and future-proof your career with a Certificate III in Plumbing.
This is a trade qualification for plumbers in residential, industrial, and commercial workplaces who are responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining water services, sanitary plumbing and sanitary drainage, gas, roofing, and mechanical services in both existing and new constructions.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Plumber
- Drainer
- Gasfitter
- Roof Plumber
- Mechanical Services Plumber
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Shepparton - Archer Street
(1 commencing soon)Open From: 03-Mar-2025 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Monday to Friday inclusive - 8.00am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus
Wangaratta - Docker Street
(2 commencing soon)Open From: 03-Mar-2025 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Monday to Friday inclusive - 8.00am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus
Post Trade CPC32413 - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Part time - Various - 8.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online
Attendance & commitment
Apprenticeship face-to-face delivery | 4 years course length | Part-time study load
This course runs over 5 days for 10 weeks per year for 3 years of the 4-year apprenticeship.
- Students choosing to complete the General Plumbing Roofing and Mechanical stream will be required to attend 4 - 6 additional week blocks in the final year of their apprenticeship to complete all the required work.
- The days are 8am - 4.30pm. Blocks are scheduled between February and early December.
- Students are required to attend all blocks and may need to attend outside of their schedule to catch up if required.
School-Based Apprenticeship Traineeship face-to-face delivery | 6 years course length | Part-time study load
This course runs over 5 days for 4 weeks per year for 2 years.
- The days are 8am - 4.30pm. Blocks are scheduled between February and early December.
- Students are required to attend all blocks and may need to attend outside of their schedule to catch up if required.
General public delivery | 4 weeks course length | Part-time study load
This is a post‐graduate course for prospective students who already hold the CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing qualification.
Upon enrolment, students will proceed into various skillsets depending on their career path and licensing requirements. These include:
- Service Type A Gas Appliances Skillset
- Thermostatic Mixing Values
- Backflow
Students are expected to:
- Attend an induction webinar.
- Attend one day on campus at Wangaratta (8am-4pm).
- Spend approximately 7-8 hours each week completing the online learning in goLearn.
- Attend 2 x 1 hour phone consultations with the teacher as required (scheduled upon enrolment).
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Simulated demonstrations
- Practical demonstrations
- Projects
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 82 units: 43 core and 39 elective.
Core units
43 units- 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
- CPCPRF2023 Collect and store roof water
- CPCPRF3022 Fabricate and install roof drainage systems
- CPCPRF3023 Fabricate and install external flashings
- CPCPRF3024 Install roof components
- 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
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
Elective units
39 units- CPCCCM3001 Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
- CPCCWC2001 Complete penetrations and flashings
- CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
- CPCPCM2049 Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment
- CPCPCM2052 Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment
- CPCPCM2053 Weld using metal arc welding equipment
- CPCPFS3037 Install residential life safety sprinkler systems
- CPCPFS3038 Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations
- CPCPGS3046 Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces
- CPCPGS3047 Install LPG systems in marine craft
- CPCPGS3052 Maintain Type A gas appliances
- CPCPGS3060 Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl
- CPCPIG2021 Design domestic urban irrigation systems
- CPCPIG3021 Set out, install and commission irrigation systems
- CPCPIG3022 Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps
- CPCPMS2021 Assemble mechanical services components
- CPCPMS3031 Fabricate and install steel pressure piping
- CPCPMS3032 Select and fit insulation and sheathing
- CPCPMS3033 Install small bore heating systems
- CPCPMS3034 Install and test medical gas pipeline systems
- CPCPMS3035 Install and test ducting systems
- CPCPMS3036 Install air handling units
- CPCPMS3038 Install air conditioning control equipment
- CPCPMS3039 Maintain mechanical services equipment
- CPCPMS3040 Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems
- CPCPMS3041 Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances
- CPCPRF2022 Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding
- CPCPRF3021 Receive roofing materials
- CPCPRF3025 Install roof coverings to curved roof structures
- CPCPRF3026 Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings
- CPCPSN3025 Install pre-treatment facilities
- CPCPSN3026 Install sewerage pumpsets
- CPCPWT3024 Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment
- CPCPWT3028 Install property service
- CPCPWT3029 Install water pipe systems
- UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
- UEERA0049 Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems
- UEERA0059 Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings
- UEERA0064 Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Complete the general construction induction training program, specified in the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Student resources
Students must have access to:
- Personal Protective Equipment - safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection.
- Basic stationery - pens, pencils, paper.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.