National code: CPC31220

Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining

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Overview About this course

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.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

Course outcomes

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

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

Apprenticeship

  • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Non-apprenticeship

  • 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.

Completion requirements

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

Entry recommendations

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.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Fibrous Plasterer

Fibrous Plasterers apply and fix plasterboard partitions, suspended ceilings, fire rating systems, acoustic tiles, and composite wall linings to buildings.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    78%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    5,700 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    39 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,150

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    43 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    Medium

  • Gender share

    1% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Very Strong Growth

Other jobs include: wall and ceiling liner, drywaller and site supervisor.

Licensing

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.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

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.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 3 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

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.

Units Units taught in this course

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.

  • Construct and install bulkheads CPCCCA3014

  • Assemble partitions CPCCCA3026

  • Work safely at heights CPCCCM2012

  • Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry CPCCOM1012

  • ... 6

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.