CPC31420 Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing

Become a qualified waterproofer with Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing. Choose from apprenticeship, traineeship, or RPL pathways and gain the skills to build your future in Australia’s booming construction industry.

About this course

The Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420) is a trade-level qualification that teaches you everything you need to become a qualified waterproofer in Australia. You’ll learn to apply waterproofing processes to below-ground, internal and external wet areas, prepare surfaces for waterproofing, handle waterproofing materials and equipment, apply remedial waterproofing processes, and assess waterproofing quality.

This course covers residential and commercial construction waterproofing for both interior and exterior areas. You’ll gain hands-on skills while learning to read plans and specifications, prevent water and damp damage, and follow work health and safety practices to meet industry standards.

This nationally recognised qualification lets you work for construction companies, specialise in areas like remedial waterproofing or wet area systems, or start your own waterproofing business.

Qualification: Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420)

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

  • Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
  • Handling waterproofing materials safely
  • Using waterproofing tools and equipment
  • Preparing surfaces for waterproofing application
  • Applying waterproofing to below-ground level wet areas
  • Applying waterproofing to internal wet areas
  • Applying waterproofing to above-ground external wet areas
  • Applying waterproofing remedial processes
  • Assessing construction waterproofing processes
  • Working safely at heights and on wet surfaces
  • 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 and trainees completing their formal training requirements

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

Please note: You’ll need a White Card (Construction Induction Card) before entering a construction work site. This covers the general induction training required by the National Code of Practice.

Core Units
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
CPCCWP2001 Handle waterproofing materials
CPCCWP2002 Use waterproofing tools and equipment
CPCCWP2004 Prepare surfaces for waterproofing application
CPCCWP3001 Apply waterproofing process to below ground level wet areas
CPCCWP3002 Apply waterproofing process to internal wet areas
CPCCWP3003 Apply waterproofing process to above-ground external wet areas
CPCCWP3004 Apply waterproofing remedial processes
CPCCWP3005 Assess construction waterproofing process
Elective Units
CPCCCA3012 Frame and fit wet area fixtures
CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures
CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
CPCCCO2013 Carry out concreting to simple forms
CPCCSH2003 Apply and install sealant and sealant devices

This course opens up career options in Australia’s booming construction industry. There’s strong demand for skilled waterproofers across the country, particularly with increasing focus on building quality and water damage prevention. Qualified waterproofers enjoy solid job security and strong pay across residential, commercial, and remedial construction projects.

Where can you work?

  • Construction companies & builders – Work on new homes, apartments, shopping centres, and major projects across Australia.
  • Specialised waterproofing – Focus on remedial waterproofing, wet area systems, basement waterproofing, or balcony waterproofing. These specialised jobs often pay more.
  • Renovations & bathrooms – Work with renovation companies, bathroom specialists, or property maintenance businesses. Wet area waterproofing is always in high demand.
  • Your own business – Start your own waterproofing company doing residential projects, commercial waterproofing, remedial work, or wet area specialists.

Career growth

 

Experienced waterproofers often move up to leading hand, site supervisor, foreperson, project manager, or waterproofing assessor roles. With extra qualifications like Certificate IV in Building Project Support or Diploma of Building and Construction, you can step into senior management positions or start your own construction business.

Start dates

Throughout the year. For on campus, enquire for intake dates.

Qualification pathways

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Already working in waterproofing? 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 / Traineeship

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

Duration
2 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 (Apprenticeship)
  • NSW: Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438  (Traineeship – 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 Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420)?

Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420) is Australia’s nationally recognised waterproofing qualification that trains you to become a qualified waterproofer. This course covers residential and commercial waterproofing applications, surface preparation, waterproofing systems for wet areas, remedial waterproofing, and quality assessment skills required for the construction industry.

How long does Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing take to complete?

The duration varies by study mode: apprenticeships/traineeships typically take 2+ years combining work and study, while Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be completed in as little as 2-8 weeks for experienced waterproofers.

Can I study Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing without an employer?

This qualification is available through apprenticeship/traineeship (which requires employment with a registered employer) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for those already working in waterproofing. We don’t currently offer a full-time on-campus option for this course.

What's the difference between waterproofing apprenticeship/traineeship and RPL?

Apprenticeships/traineeships combine paid work with an employer and formal training over 2+ years, ideal for those starting their waterproofing career. RPL is for experienced waterproofers who want to get qualified faster by having their existing skills and work experience formally assessed and recognised.

What jobs can I get with Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing?

Qualified waterproofers can work as residential or commercial waterproofers, construction waterproofers, or wet area specialists. You can specialise in remedial waterproofing, basement waterproofing, balcony waterproofing, or bathroom waterproofing. You can also start your own waterproofing business, work as a site supervisor, or progress to building and construction management roles.

Is Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing recognised nationally in Australia?

Yes, Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420) is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework. It’s recognised across all Australian states and territories and meets the requirements for qualified waterproofers.

Become a qualified waterproofer with Everthought

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