Already a concreter? Get your Cert III through RPL
If you’ve got the experience, RPL could get you a nationally recognised Certificate III in Concreting without going back to a classroom.
Is RPL right for me?
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is a formal assessment process that recognises the skills and knowledge you’ve built through real work in the concreting trade. If you’ve been placing, finishing, and curing concrete on site. residential, commercial, or both, there’s a good chance RPL could work for you.
Instead of sitting through training you’ve already lived, RPL lets you demonstrate what you know and fills in any gaps along the way. It’s the most practical path to getting trade-qualified.
Looking to get your concreting contractor licence?
In Queensland, completing the Certificate III in Concreting plus an approved QBCC Managerial Course is the minimum requirement to apply for a Trade Contractor – Concreting licence. Getting your Cert III through RPL is often the fastest way to meet that requirement.
What your Cert III unlocks
The Certificate III in Concreting is the nationally recognised trade qualification for concreters in Australia. It’s the credential that formally validates your skills and opens the door to licences, better roles, and your own business. Here’s what it gives you:
- Trade recognition: gives formal proof that you are a qualified concreter, accepted by many employers and industry bodies.
- Support for licences: the certificate is commonly used as technical evidence for concreting licences, for example with the QBCC in Queensland.
- More job options: opens up roles such as Concreter and Tilt Panel Fabricator. Some jobs may need extra units or experience, like operating a concrete pump.
- Start your own business: the certificate is an important technical requirement for contracting.
- Better pay and opportunities: many employers pay higher rates to trade‑qualified workers.
Is RPL a real qualification?
Yes. The CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting issued through RPL is the same nationally accredited qualification as one completed through a traineeship or traditional study.
The certificate itself does not state that it was completed via RPL. It carries the same weight with licensing bodies, employers, and government agencies across Australia. RPL is a recognised assessment pathway under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), offered by Everthought Education as a registered training organisation (RTO 32438).
What changes is the process, not the outcome. Your existing skills and experience are assessed against the competency standards.
Units
The CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting consists of 22 units of competency: 17 core units and 5 elective units.
Core Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry |
| CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry |
| CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work |
| CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication |
| CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations |
| CPCCOM2001 | Read and interpret plans and specifications |
| CPCCON3035 | Determine concrete supply requirements |
| CPCCON2022 | Select, use and maintain concreting plant, tools and equipment |
| CPCCON2021 | Handle concreting materials and components |
| CPCCCM2002 | Carry out hand excavation |
| CPCCCA3002 | Carry out setting out |
| CPCCCA3028 | Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground |
| CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures |
| CPCCSF2004 | Place and fix reinforcement materials |
| CPCCON3041 | Place concrete |
| CPCCON3042 | Finish concrete |
| CPCCON3043 | Cure concrete |
Elective Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CPCCON3053 | Slump test concrete |
| CPCCON3047 | Cut concrete |
| CPCCON3057 | Core concrete |
| CPCCON3051 | Conduct off-form vertical concrete operations |
| CPCCON3044 | Apply decorative finishes to concrete |
You may be eligible if you:
- Have 3+ years of demonstrated experience
- Hands-on work on residential or commercial sites
- Can provide evidence of your work
- Work referralsÂ
- Based anywhere in Australia
Step 1: Eligibility chat
We start with a quick conversation about your work history and experience to make sure RPL is the right fit. No commitment required.
Step 1: eligibility chat
We start with a quick conversation about your work history and experience to make sure RPL is the right fit. No commitment required.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
We’ll guide you through exactly what to pull together, photos, references, job records. If you’re not sure what you have, we’ll work through it with you.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
We’ll guide you through exactly what to pull together, photos, references, job records. If you’re not sure what you have, we’ll work through it with you.
Step 3: Competency conversation
Your evidence is reviewed by one of our trainers, who will have a conversation with you about your skills and experience to confirm competency against the requirements.
Step 4: Receive your qualification
Once everything checks out, you’ll be issued your nationally recognised CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting.
Step 4: Receive your qualification
Once everything checks out, you’ll be issued your nationally recognised CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting.
What qualified tradies are saying
Good experience. The RPL process was explained very well and all evidence was set out and mapped in next to no time. 2 weeks from the initial contact, to explanation, phone call appointment to application acceptance and evidence mapped and submitted, certificate given and QBCC license granted.
Excellent customer service and value for money. The assessor was extremely professional and easy to work alongside, had a fantastic subject knowledge. The whole team was very responsive and helpful throughout.
Had a great experience with Everthought College of Construction. Nickolas, my trade advisor, and Mark, my trainer, were both very knowledgeable and supportive throughout my RPL for Certificate III in Carpentry and Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. Highly recommend to anyone looking to complete their RPL in the construction industry.
I recently completed my Carpentry Certificate through RPL with Everthought. Nickolas did an excellent job with communication throughout the whole process. I'm very thankful for his support and I definitely recommend Everthought College.
Fantastic from start to finish. Went at my own pace and the support was there 24/7 with my trainer. Even after passing, the trainer allowed me to contact him if I had further questions during my career.
I recently completed a Diploma in Building and Construction with Everthought. Nikolas and Mark were proactive and supportive throughout, making the process smooth and efficient. The program was well-structured and professional — I highly recommend Everthought to anyone pursuing a career in the industry.
Frequently asked questions
If you still have questions, our team will be happy to help.
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. It’s a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills and knowledge you’ve built through real work experience and matches them against the required competency standards. Where your experience covers the requirements, you don’t need to sit through additional training.
Typically 2 to 8 weeks depending on your level of experience and how quickly you can pull your evidence together. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe after your eligibility chat.
Evidence can include site photos, payslips, employment references, contracts, or letters from builders or supervisors you’ve worked under. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed once we understand your background.
In Queensland, the Cert III in Concreting plus an approved QBCC Managerial Course is the minimum requirement to apply for a Trade Contractor Concreting licence. Requirements may vary in other states. We recommend checking with your local licensing authority.
Got the experience? Let's get you licensed
Fill out the form below and one of our RPL advisors will be in touch to confirm your eligibility and walk you through exactly what comes next.
- info@everthought.com.au
- 1300 728 996
