Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

This course is designed for students who:

• Wish to start or advance a career in painting and decorating
• Are transitioning into the building and construction industry
• Want to develop practical skills in painting, decorating and surface preparation
• Are international students looking to gain a trade qualification in Australia
• Seek to progress to further study and higher-level construction qualifications

The course is delivered over a period of up to 52 weeks, including:

• 40 weeks of training and assessment
• 12 weeks of scheduled term breaks
• Classroom-based learning
• Practical workshop training
• Online learning activities
• Assessment activities

Training is delivered using a blended learning approach, including:

• Face-to-face classroom sessions
• Practical workshop training
• Trainer-led demonstrations
• Simulated workplace activities
• Online learning and assessment
• Independent research and study

Students undertake:

• 20 hours of scheduled training and assessment each week through a combination of classroom, online and site-based learning activities.
• Practical activities conducted within simulated environments or live building sites where required by unit assessment conditions.
• Approximately 10 hours of independent study per week.

Students who complete this qualification may seek employment in roles such as:

• Painter and Decorator
• Construction Supervisor
• Maintenance Painter
• Decorative Finisher
• Construction Trades Assistant

Note: Employment outcomes may vary depending on industry demand, location, and individual experience.

Graduates may consider further study in:

• CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
• Other higher-level qualifications in construction and related trades

Note: Further study pathways may include qualifications not offered by Legend Institute.

For information about course fees, payment arrangements, and additional costs, please refer to the details below.

• Please contact the Legend Institute Admissions Team for the latest course fees and available payment options.
• Detailed information about tuition fees, payment schedules, refund policies, and other applicable charges will be provided in your Letter of Offer and Student Agreement before you accept your enrolment. These documents, together with the International Student Handbook, outline all relevant payment terms and conditions.
• International students are required to maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa. Information about OSHC requirements and approved providers is available in the International Student Handbook, and our Admissions Team can assist you with any questions.

Entry requirements for international students:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent)
• Successful completion of the unit CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
• Participate in a pre-enrolment interview to assess suitability, learning needs, language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills

Meet the following English requirements:

• Have an IELTS academic score of 6.0 or equivalent, or
• PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or an approved internal English language assessment meeting the equivalent English proficiency level.

NOTE: English language competence can also be demonstrated through documented evidence of any of the following:

• Educated for 5 years in an English-speaking country; or
• Successful completion of at least 6 months of a Certificate IV level course or above in an Australian education institution; or
• Successful completion of an Oxford English language placement test with an overall score of not less than Level B2 (Upper Intermediate)

Assessment methods may include:

• Written knowledge assessments
• Practical demonstrations
• Projects and assignments
• Observation in simulated or workplace environments

Training and Assessment Approach:

• Practical activities conducted in workshop and simulated environments
• Combination of theoretical learning and practical application
• Industry-relevant scenarios and workplace practices

Students must successfully complete all required units of competency and assessment requirements to achieve the qualification.

All assessments are conducted in accordance with the Standards for RTOs 2025 and the AQF.

The course consists of the following units of competency:

Facilities and equipment provided by Legend Institute:

• Fully equipped painting and decorating workshop
• Industry-standard painting tools and equipment required for practical training and assessment
• Paints, coatings and other materials required for practical activities
• Classroom facilities with training and learning resources
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required for practical training
• Simulated workplace environments reflecting industry conditions and practices

Equipment students are required to provide:

• Suitable protective workwear and enclosed safety footwear
• Any additional personal equipment or resources specified prior to enrolment

1. What is the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating?

This is a nationally recognised trade qualification that prepares students to work as professional painters and decorators in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

2. What skills will I learn?

You will learn surface preparation, paint application techniques, colour matching, decorative finishes, wallpapering, and safe use of painting tools and equipment.

3. What jobs can I get after this course?

Graduates can work as painters, decorators, maintenance painters, or start apprenticeships and subcontracting roles within the construction industry.

4. Do I need experience before enrolling?

No prior experience is required. This course is designed for beginners who want to enter the painting and decorating trade.

5. Is this a practical course?

Yes. The majority of training is hands-on, focusing on real painting and decorating tasks in workshop or simulated construction environments.

6. How long is the course?

The duration is typically structured over a full-time training program, including both theory and practical assessments.

7. What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must generally be 18 years or older and meet basic English and numeracy requirements. International students must also meet visa requirements.

8. Will I need tools or equipment?

Students are usually required to bring basic PPE such as safety clothing and boots, while tools and materials are provided during training.

9. Can I continue studying after this course?

Yes. Students can progress into higher construction qualifications or supervisory roles depending on their career goals.

10. Why choose Legend Institute?

Legend Institute provides hands-on training, experienced trade trainers, and nationally recognised qualifications designed to prepare students for real industry work.