CPC31020 · Certificate III

Solid Plastering

Build hands-on solid plastering capability, technical knowledge, accuracy and quality workmanship.

Course overview

Build practical capability in solid plastering.

The Certificate III in Solid Plastering is a practical trade qualification for students interested in developing construction industry skills.

The national qualification covers common construction skills and the specialist work of applying plaster, cement and other mixtures to create smooth or decorative internal finishes and rendered external walls.

TSC combines technical knowledge with hands-on experience using industry-relevant tools, materials and methods across residential and commercial applications.

52 weeksFull course duration
48 training weeks20 nominal hours per week
Both campusesMelbourne and Geelong
$9,500Total listed course fees
Solid Plastering practical training
What the course covers

From technical knowledge to practical application.

01

Surface preparation

Assess and prepare backgrounds, handle solid plastering materials and organise tools and equipment for safe, efficient work.

02

Render and set coats

Apply float, render and set coats to straight and curved surfaces while controlling level, thickness, finish and consistency.

03

Finishes and restoration

Create trowelled texture finishes and develop techniques used to restore or renovate existing solid plasterwork.

Skills and practical training

Training built around the work.

Preparing surfaces and applying set coats
Applying render and decorative finishes
Using solid plastering tools, equipment and materials
Accuracy, safety and quality workmanship
Practical focus

Apply knowledge through trade-relevant tasks.

TSC's booklet describes practical, industry-relevant training supported by experienced trainers and assessors. Knowledge and practical competence must be demonstrated for each delivered unit.

  • Prepare surfaces and mix materials for the specified application
  • Set up and use hand tools, equipment and restricted-height scaffolding
  • Apply render, float, set coats and trowelled texture finishes
  • Check finished work for line, level, surface quality and specification compliance
Training plan and duration

A complete schedule for this qualification.

The supplied TSC training schedule allocates 960 nominal training hours across 48 training weeks, plus 4 weeks of scheduled term breaks, for a total duration of 52 weeks.

20Units in supplied schedule
960Nominal training hours
48Training weeks
4Scheduled break weeks

Training and assessment

Coursework combines trainer-led technical learning with practical skill development. Assessment evidence is gathered against the requirements of each unit. TSC provides the current timetable, assessment plan and any practical-location details during the admission and orientation process.

Units of competency

Every unit in TSC's supplied delivery schedule.

The hours and teaching weeks below come directly from TSC's detailed course schedule. Unit order and calendar dates may be adjusted for a future intake without changing the qualification requirements.

CodeUnit titleHoursWeeks
CPCCWHS2001Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry201
CPCCOM1012Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry201
CPCCOM1014Conduct workplace communication201
CPCCOM1013Plan and organise work201
CPCCOM1015Carry out measurements and calculations201
CPCCOM2001Read and interpret plans and specifications402
CPCCCM2006Apply basic levelling procedures201
CPCCOM3006Carry out levelling operations201
CPCCCM2012Work safely at heights201
CPCCCM2008Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding402
CPCCSP2001Handle solid plastering materials201
CPCCSP2002Use solid plastering tools and equipment1005
CPCCSP2003Prepare surfaces for plastering603
CPCCCO2013Carry out concreting to simple forms201
CPCCSP3001Apply float and render to straight and curved surfaces1206
CPCCSP3003Apply trowelled texture coat finishes1005
CPCCSP3004Restore and renovate solid plasterwork1206
CPCCSP3002Apply set coats1005
BSBESB301Investigate business opportunities201
BSBESB407Manage finances for new business ventures603
Training total96048
View the qualification on the National Training Register
Industry requirements

Know the requirements around the qualification.

The qualification is suitable for an Australian apprenticeship pathway.

General construction induction training is required for anyone carrying out construction work; CPCWHS1001 meets that requirement.

State and territory licensing, legislative or certification requirements can differ and should be checked before undertaking regulated work.

TSC entry requirements

Admission is based on the TSC course booklet.

Applicants must satisfy TSC's provider entry criteria even where the national qualification itself lists no formal entry requirements.

Age and educationBe at least 18 years old and have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 12.
Interview and LLNDComplete a course-entry interview and LLND assessment, achieving ACSF Level 3 in reading, writing, numeracy and oral communication.
English proficiencyProvide IELTS 6 or equivalent results no more than two years old, or one of the documented alternatives accepted in the booklet.
Academic and health evidenceMeet the booklet's academic pathway and disclose relevant medical conditions; TSC may request a GP fitness certificate for class participation.

Accepted English alternatives include five years of education in an English-speaking country, at least six months of a Certificate IV course at an Australian RTO, a successful English Placement Test, or equivalent PTE/TOEFL results. For Certificate III courses, the booklet also lists CPCCWHS1001 under its academic requirement.

Read every entry requirement
Career direction

Where this qualification can lead.

Completion can support students to pursue relevant employment and continue developing through supervised workplace experience, specialist skills or further study. A qualification does not by itself guarantee employment, licensing or registration.

  • Solid plasterer or renderer roles
  • Residential and commercial rendering and finishing work
  • Further trade development, restoration experience or business capability
Credit and resources

Bring existing experience into the conversation.

Course credit, Credit Transfer and RPL

Students may ask TSC about Credit Transfer for equivalent completed units or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on relevant skills and experience. Evidence and assessment requirements apply, and the outcome can affect the individual training plan.

Equipment, materials and learning resources

The published material fee is listed on this page. Before enrolment, ask TSC for the current list of required personal equipment, protective clothing, technology and any items supplied by the college.

Ready to take the next step?

Check your fit with the TSC team.

Enquire about CPC31020