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CPC32420

Certificate III in Plumbing

This trade qualification will give you the skills and experience you need to apply to the QBCC for your plumbing licence.

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Starts anytime View all intakes

Course overview

Progress your career in the plumbing industry with this trade qualification. Successful completion of this qualification will allow you to apply for your QBCC plumbing licence. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, plumbing is a skill in demand with employers continuing to find it hard to fill vacancies for qualified plumbers.

Learn how to provide a full range of plumbing services in water, sanitation, drainage, irrigation, roofing, fire and gas services. You will master skills in installing pipe work and testing and maintaining pipes, fixtures and gas regulators. You'll also learn how to install pumps, gas appliances, water tanks, water heaters and water heating systems.

Using industry-standard equipment and with the proven expertise of our teachers you will earn a highly-respected qualification through TAFE Queensland.

Successful completion of this course as part of your apprenticeship will allow you to apply to become a licensed plumber in Queensland.

What can I do?

  • Gasfitter
  • Drainer
  • Plumber

Course outcome:

CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing

Industry connections

TAFE Queensland is respected as a leading expert in the plumbing industry. We remain on top of industry trends and requirements, and regularly host workshops and events where we showcase current best practice and discuss industry-relevant issues. Our industry connections and knowledge mean your TAFE Queensland qualification will be highly regarded by employers.

Free apprenticeships

The Queensland Government is providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications to support Queenslanders. Eligible qualifications have been chosen based on skills demand and advice from industry. If you’re eligible for funding, your course costs will be covered by the state government. Learn more>

What you will study

To enable you to apply to become a licenced Plumber, this qualification requires you to complete all core and 15 elective units listed below.  

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCCCM2012
    Work safely at heights
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCCCM2012
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to work safely on construction sites where the worker has the potential to fall from one level to another.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCCWHS2001
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work safely at heights

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2039
    Carry out interactive workplace communication
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2039
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to carry out effective communication techniques underpinning work in the plumbing and services industry.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out interactive workplace communication

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2040
    Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2040
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to read and interpret construction and plumbing plans and specifications and obtain dimensions to calculate material quantities and mark out materials.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3024
  • UNIT NAME
  • Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2041
    Work effectively in the plumbing services sector
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2041
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to comply with effective workplace performance within the plumbing and services sector.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively in the plumbing services sector

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2043
    Carry out WHS requirements
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2043
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to carry out work health and safety (WHS) requirements in a plumbing and services work environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out WHS requirements

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2045
    Handle and store plumbing materials
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2045
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to safely handle and store plumbing materials and identify and address environmental concerns and associated hazards, including the disposal of waste.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Handle and store plumbing materials

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2046
    Use plumbing hand and power tools
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2046
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to use commonly used hand and power tools in plumbing work applications.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use plumbing hand and power tools

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2047
    Carry out levelling
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2047
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to plan and use levelling equipment.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out levelling

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2048
    Cut and join sheet metal
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2048
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to cut and join sheet metal in the plumbing and services industry.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Cut and join sheet metal

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2054
    Carry out simple concreting and rendering
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2054
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to undertake minor concreting and rendering tasks.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Carry out simple concreting and rendering

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM2055
    Work safely on roofs
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM2055
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to work safely on roofing structures.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work safely on roofs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM3021
    Flash penetrations through roofs and walls
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM3021
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to set out, cut and flash roof and wall penetrations.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM3022
    Weld polymer pipes using fusion method
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM3022
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to fusion weld polymer pipes.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM3023
    Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM3023
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM3024
    Prepare simple drawings
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM3024
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to produce onsite drawings for plumbing services work.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare simple drawings

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPCM3025
    Install trench support
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPCM3025
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install trench support.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install trench support

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPDR2021
    Locate and clear blockages
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPDR2021
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to locate and clear blockages in sanitary plumbing and drainage systems, using a range of equipment, including closed-circuit television (CCTV).

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Locate and clear blockages

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPDR2025
    Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPDR2025
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems to an approved point of discharge.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPDR2026
    Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPDR2026
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers in new or existing domestic or commercials contexts.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPDR3021
    Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPDR3021
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to plan the layout of and install below ground sanitary drainage systems for sewage and waste discharge from sanitary fixtures to approved points of connection in new or existing domestic and commercial structures.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3024
  • UNIT NAME
  • Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPDR3023
    Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPDR3023
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install an approved prefabricated wastewater treatment plant and on-site effluent disposal.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPFS3031
    Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPFS3031
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems on new or existing structures.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3023
  • UNIT NAME
  • Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3048
    Install gas pressure control equipment
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3048
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install and commission gas control and regulating equipment for consumer piping carrying natural gas (NG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) up to 200 kPa.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install gas pressure control equipment

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3049
    Install gas appliance flues
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3049
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install and test flues for gas appliances in accordance with relevant regulatory authority and jurisdictional requirements.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3021
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install gas appliance flues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3051
    Purge consumer piping
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3051
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to purge consumer gas piping systems greater than 0.03 cubic metres (30 L in volume).

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Purge consumer piping

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3053
    Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3053
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances operating on natural gas (NG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The work is confined to disconnecting and reconnecting the appliance.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3054
    Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3054
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to calculate and install natural ventilation for certified Type A gas appliances.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3056
    Size and install consumer gas piping systems
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3056
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to size and install consumer gas piping.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Size and install consumer gas piping systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3059
    Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3059
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to select, install and test liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities with a capacity up to 500 litres.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPGS3061
    Install and commission Type A gas appliances
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPGS3061
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install and commission certified Type A gas appliances.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPGS3054
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install and commission Type A gas appliances

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPRF2023
    Collect and store roof water
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPRF2023
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to collect and store roof water. It includes installing storage tanks and related piping for the collection and storage of roof water.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Collect and store roof water

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPRF3022
    Fabricate and install roof drainage systems
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPRF3022
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to fabricate and install roof drainage systems and associated rainwater components.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM2055
  • UNIT NAME
  • Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPRF3023
    Fabricate and install external flashings
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPRF3023
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to fabricate and install external flashings.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM2055
  • UNIT NAME
  • Fabricate and install external flashings

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPRF3024
    Install roof components
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPRF3024
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install roof components. It includes flashing penetrations through a roof to maintain weatherproofing.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM2055
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install roof components

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPSN3011
    Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPSN3011
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system for a three-storey residence.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPSN3022
    Install discharge pipes
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPSN3022
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install discharge pipes.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install discharge pipes

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPWT3020
    Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPWT3020
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3023
  • UNIT NAME
  • Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPWT3021
    Set out and install water services
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPWT3021
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install heated, tempered, cold, drinking and non-drinking water services from water supply to fixture or points of discharge.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3023
  • UNIT NAME
  • Set out and install water services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPWT3022
    Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPWT3022
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install and commission water heaters and install and adjust controls and mixing devices used to manually control water mix and flow.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPWT3025
    Install water pumpsets
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPWT3025
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install, test and commission water pumpsets.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install water pumpsets

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPWT3026
    Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPWT3026
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to fit off and commission heated, tempered and cold-water services to sanitary fixtures. It includes installing and fitting sanitary fixtures and adjusting water service controls and devices.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

  • UNIT CODE
  • CPCPWT3027
    Install backflow prevention devices
    UNIT CODE :
    CPCPWT3027
    Unit description :
    This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to install backflow prevention devices. It does not include the commissioning or testing of backflow prevention devices or arrangements.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    CPCPCM2043 , CPCPCM3023
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install backflow prevention devices

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAID011
    Provide First Aid
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAID011
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide First Aid

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Acacia Ridge
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Alexandra Hills
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Eagle Farm
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Ashmore
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Nambour
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Toowoomba
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Bundaberg
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Townsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

Resources required

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes.
This includes the use of:

  • safety glasses
  • protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
  • long leather gloves to AS2161
  • hair protection
  • You should wear 100% cotton drill industry-standard clothing including overalls and long sleeved, heavy duty shirts and pants (for welding)
  • You are also required to have access to an arc welding helmet, oxy welding goggles, and gauntlet leather gloves.

If you fail to meet these minimum standards of dress, you will not be permitted entry into practical classes.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You are also required to have access to and bring personal stationary, a USB, a scientific calculator, and tools/equipment including an 8m tape measure.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more