CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry

Become a qualified carpenter with Certificate III in Carpentry. Choose from apprenticeship, on-campus, or RPL pathways and gain the skills to build your future in Australia’s booming construction industry.

About this course

The Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) is a trade-level qualification that teaches you everything you need to become a qualified carpenter in Australia. You’ll learn to read building plans, use power tools safely, construct timber frames and formwork, install flooring, doors and windows, build stairs, and work on scaffolding and footings.

This course focuses on residential construction, covering building, renovation and maintenance work. You’ll gain hands-on skills while learning essential measurements, calculations, and work health and safety practices to meet industry standards.

This nationally recognised qualification lets you work for construction companies, specialise in areas like formwork or shopfitting, or start your own carpentry business.

Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)

This course covers the essential skills for residential and commercial carpentry work:

  • Reading and interpreting building plans, specifications and drawings
  • Safe use of carpentry tools, equipment and materials
  • Constructing and erecting wall frames, ceiling frames and roof trusses
  • Installing windows, doors, and architectural linings
  • Building timber external stairs and installing cladding
  • Constructing pitched roofs and eaves
  • Installing flooring systems
  • Working safely at heights and on scaffolding
  • Formwork construction for footings and slabs
  • Workplace safety, communication and project planning


This course is ideal for:

  • School leavers wanting a hands-on trade career
  • Career changers looking for job security in a growing industry
  • Existing construction workers wanting formal qualifications
  • Apprentices completing their formal training requirements


This is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Your Certificate III in Carpentry is recognised across all Australian states and territories, giving you the flexibility to work anywhere in the country.

Core Units
CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
CPCWHS3001 Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies
CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
CPCCOM3001 Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements
CPCCCA3025 Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work
CPCCCA2002 Use carpentry tools and equipment
CPCCCA2011 Handle carpentry materials
CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
CPCCCO2013 Carry out concreting to simple forms
CPCCCA3001 Carry out general demolition of minor building structures
CPCCCA3002 Carry out setting out
CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures
CPCCOM3006 Carry out levelling operations
CPCCCA3003 Install flooring systems
CPCCCA3004 Construct and erect wall frames
CPCCCA3005 Construct ceiling frames
CPCCCA3006 Erect roof trusses
CPCCCA3007 Construct pitched roofs
CPCCCA3008 Construct eaves
CPCCCA3028 Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground
CPCCCA3010 Install windows and doors
CPCCCA3024 Install lining, panelling and moulding
CPCCCA3016 Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs
CPCCCA3017 Install exterior cladding
Elective Units
CPCCCA3012 Frame and fit wet area fixtures
CPCCCA3014 Construct and install bulkheads
CPCCCM2002 Carry out hand excavation
CPCCCA3027 Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools
CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
CPCCSF2004 Place and fix reinforcement materials
CPCCCM3001 Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres

This course opens up career options in Australia’s booming construction industry. With over 160,000 new workers needed by 2034, qualified carpenters enjoy excellent job security and growth opportunities across residential, commercial, and large-scale projects.

Where can you work?

  • Construction companies & builders – Work on homes, apartments, shopping centres, and major projects across Queensland, Western Australia, and other states.
  • Specialised carpentry – Focus on formwork, shopfitting, or heritage restoration. These roles often pay more.
  • Renovations & maintenance – Work with renovation companies, property maintenance businesses, or councils. Every day brings different challenges.
  • Your own business – Start your own carpentry company doing custom homes, renovations, decks, pergolas, or timber work.


Career growth

Experienced carpenters often progress to leading hand, site supervisor, project manager, building inspector, or trainer roles.

Qualification pathways

On campus – Domestic

Study full-time on campus with hands-on carpentry training in modern workshop facilities. Gain practical skills with expert trainers in a supportive learning environment.

Duration
65 weeks

Location
On campus in Brisbane and Perth, blended

Entry requirements

  • 18+ years old
  • Access to a computer/device capable of reading documents + internet
  • General Construction Induction: Statement of Attainment CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
  • Completion of LLN Assessment (not necessarily a barrier to entry)


Training provider

Everthought College of Construction Pty Ltd, RTO No. 51681, CRICOS Provider Code: 02898C

On campus – International

Study in Australia on a student visa with practical carpentry training and English language support in our workshop facilities.

Duration
2 years full-time (8 terms)

CRICOS course code: 104862M

Location

Perth campus & Brisbane campus

Entry requirements

  • 18+ years old
  • Have completed Australian Year 10 qualification (or equivalent)


English language requirements

Evidence of English Proficiency IELTS 6.0 with nothing less than 5.5 in any band or TOEFL iBT (scores from a test taken on or before 25 July 2023 are accepted only)  64 or PTE 50 or CAE 169

Training provider

Everthought College of Construction Pty Ltd, RTO 51681, CRICOS 02898C

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Already working in carpentry? Get qualified faster by having your existing skills and experience formally assessed and recognised.

Duration
2 – 8 weeks (dependent on experience and knowledge)

Location

Virtual assessment plus completion of any gap training required.

Entry requirements

  • 3 to 4 years demonstrated experience with a minimum of two work referrals from qualified builders


Training provider

Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438

Everthought assesses your existing skills and experience against the qualification requirements. If you can provide sufficient evidence of your industry experience or previous training, you may not need additional formal study. Gap training is provided if needed, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Access the information and guidelines. Learn more about eligibility criteria and co-contribution fees.

Apprenticeship

Learn while you earn. Combine paid work with a carpentry employer and structured training to complete your qualification.

Duration
4 years

Location

Employers worksite

Entry requirements

  • Minimum working age
  • White Card (General Construction Induction) / CPCWHS1001
  • Access to tools and equipment as per FERC
  • Registered apprenticeship *


English language requirements

Completion of LLN Assessment (not necessarily a barrier to entry)

Training provider

  • QLD: Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438 
  • WA: Everthought College of Construction, RTO 51681
  • NSW: Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438  (This training is subsided by the NSW government).


*A training contract is a legally binding agreement between the employer and the apprentice or trainee. In signing the training contract, both parties are bound by certain obligations expressed in the contract. The training contract sets out the terms of the apprenticeship or traineeship, which are agreed to by both the employer and the apprentice or trainee.

 Learn more about eligibility criteria and co-contribution fees.

Frequently asked questions

If you still have questions, our team will be happy to help. Please reach out at info@everthought.edu.au.

What is Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)?

Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) is Australia’s nationally recognised carpentry qualification that trains you to become a licensed carpenter. This comprehensive course covers residential and commercial carpentry, timber framing, formwork, and finishing carpentry skills required for the building industry.

How long does Certificate III in Carpentry take to complete?

The duration varies by study mode: apprenticeships typically take 3-4 years combining work and study, on-campus courses can be completed in 18-24 months full-time, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be completed in as little as 4-12 weeks for experienced carpenters.

Can international students study Certificate III in Carpentry in Brisbane?

Yes, Everthought College of Construction offers Certificate III in Carpentry for international students on campus in Brisbane. International students study full-time and gain hands-on experience in our training facilities.

What's the difference between carpentry apprenticeship and on-campus study?

Apprenticeships combine paid work with an employer and formal training over 3-4 years. On-campus study is full-time classroom and workshop-based learning completed faster (18-24 months) without employment requirements.

What jobs can I get with Certificate III in Carpentry?

Qualified carpenters can work as residential or commercial carpenters, formwork carpenters, shopfitters, or cabinetmakers. You can also start your own carpentry business, work as a site supervisor, or progress to building and construction management roles.

Is Certificate III in Carpentry recognised nationally in Australia?

Yes, Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) is a nationally recognized qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework. It’s recognised across all Australian states and territories and meets licensing requirements for carpenters.

Become a qualified carpenter with Everthought

Simply enter your details and we’ll be in touch shortly to discuss the best pathway for your carpentry qualification.
General enquiry marketing forms

Thank You!

Your information has been submitted successfully.

Welcome to Everthought
Welcome Students! Are you a Domestic or International Student? Click below to visit the right website for your journey!