Craft your future and gain a strong foundation to enter the building industry as a fibrous plasterer or wall and ceiling liner. Renovate, extend and create projects with fibrous plastering and building skills, and be eligible to apply for your trade licence.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Fix standard plasterboard and fibre cement sheeting to straight and curved internal and external wall and ceiling substrates
Mix plastering compounds and finish plasterboard joints manually and using mechanical jointing equipment
Cut and fix paper-faced cornices, match, mitre and install cast ornamental cornices, and install pre-cast decorative mouldings
Construct and install bulkheads and partitions and install suspended ceilings
Install drywall passive fire-rated systems
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Experience in installing domestic wall, ceiling, eave soffits and wet area linings, cornices and decorative plaster work
A nationally recognised qualification at Certificate III level
Eligibility to apply for your trade licence
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Be employed as an apprentice in the industry
Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application
Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:
Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification
Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers
Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer
This course may be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Check your preferred campus page for more information.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A general construction induction card (commonly known as a white card) – you will need this before you can enter a construction site
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
A strong work ethic
A good level of fitness to manage the physical demands of the job, including lifting heavy sheets of board, bending, and working at heights on scaffolding and trestles
Interest in handling power tools
Literacy and numeracy skills to accurately interpret safety data sheets and measure and cut board products
To set you up for study success and ensure your skills match the demands of your course, TAFE NSW offers you a free Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. This assessment helps us to work with you to understand your individual study needs, to direct you to the right course for you and to give you the personalised support you need to succeed.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: fibrous plasterer, wall and ceiling liner, drywaller and site supervisor.
This is a licensed occupation. NSW Fair Trading is the licensing and regulatory authority for trades and contractor authorities in NSW. When you successfully complete the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining you can apply for licensing with NSW Fair Trading. Visit NSW Fair Trading for more information.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 29 units of competency, including 22 core and 7 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community