National code: ICP31220

Certificate III in Printing (Digital Printing)

OverviewAbout this course

Launch your career as a digital printing specialist. Prepare and upload files on specialised digital printing equipment. Use Adobe CC, monitor and operate RIP software and peripheral equipment. Apply solutions to a defined range of problems.

OutcomesWhat you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry
Set up and operate a variety of current digital equipment
Use colour management systems
Use Adobe Creative software
Check components and functions of digital print systems
Apply software applications for digital production

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

A nationally recognised qualification at Certificate III level
The skills and knowledge to pursue a career in digital printing
The ability to produce digitally printed products
A sound understanding of the specialised digital printing industry
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

Entry requirements

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

To take this course as an apprenticeship you need to be employed as an apprentice in the industry as evidenced by a letter of support from your employer and
Submit your Training Plan Proposal (TPP) with your application

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

An interest in the printing processes and related industries
An interest in graphics and image reproduction for printing
Good communication and problem solving skills
Creativity to produce digital prints

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.

PathwaysFuture career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: graphic arts digital printing tradesperson, digital print specialist, print supervisor, print salesperson and print manager.

Study pathways

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

Previous study0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Printing (Digital Printing) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study3 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.

UnitsUnits taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Printing (Digital Printing) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 21 units of competency, including 5 core and 16 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.

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesBSBSUS201
Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industryICPKNW3220
Inspect quality against required standards in a production environmentICPSUP2160
Maintain a safe work environmentICPSUP2600
Communicate in the workplaceICPSUP2620

TAFE NSW offers packaged specialty units

Specialty units are packaged by TAFE NSW to customise your qualification and ensure you are ready to meet the demands of industry.

Create graphics using graphics applicationsICPPRP3250
Deliver and monitor a service to customersBSBCUS301
Use and respect copyrightBSBIPR401
Design and produce business documentsBSBITU306
Investigate micro business opportunitiesBSBSMB301
Plan small business financesBSBSMB402
Market the small businessBSBSMB403
Produce basic converted or finished productICPCBF220
Set up and produce basic guillotined productICPCBF2210
Set up machine for basic flat-bed die cutting or embossingICPCBF2250
Produce basic flat-bed die cut or embossed productICPCBF2260
Produce basic rotary die cut or embossed productICPCBF228
Set up machine for basic flat-bed cuttingICPCBF2310
Produce basic flat-bed cut productICPCBF2320
Set up machine for basic foldingICPCBF2410
Produce basic folded productICPCBF2420
Set up machine for basic collating or inserting (sheet/section)ICPCBF2430
Produce basic collated or inserted (sheet/section) productICPCBF2440
Set up machine for complex rotary die cutting or embossingICPCBF3270
Produce complex rotary die cut or embossed productICPCBF3280
Set up machine for complex sequenced or multiple foldingICPCBF3410
Set up machine for complex laminatingICPCBF3810
Produce complex laminated productICPCBF3820
Develop basic design conceptsICPPRP2110
Select and apply typeICPPRP2210
Produce pages using a page layout applicationICPPRP224
Electronically combine and assemble data for page layoutsICPPRP2320
Output imagesICPPRP2520
Produce offset lithographic platesICPPRP2670
Produce flexographic photopolymer platesICPPRP2680
Produce PDF files for online and screen displayICPPRP2840
Scan images for reproductionICPPRP2860
Transfer digital filesICPPRP2970
Develop detailed design conceptsICPPRP3110
Produce typographic imagesICPPRP3210
Digitise images for reproductionICPPRP3220
Prepare imposition format for printing processesICPPRP3340
Produce computer images for screen printingICPPRP3820
Operate databases for digital printingICPPRP3850
Generate high-end PDF filesICPPRP3960
Manage colourICPPRP4300
Set up and operate automated workflowICPPRP4840
Manipulate 3D files in preparation for 3D printingICPPTD301
Set up and produce 3D printsICPPTD302
Set up and produce 3D scansICPPTD303
Apply problem solving techniques to 3D printing maintenance and operationICPPTD304
Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machineICPSUP2010
Prepare, load and unload product on and off machineICPSUP2020
Prepare and maintain the work areaICPSUP2030
Prepare machine for operation (basic)ICPSUP2070
Operate and monitor machines (basic)ICPSUP2080
Prepare inks and additivesICPSUP2110
Pack and dispatch productICPSUP2210
Lift and shift loads mechanicallyICPSUP2360
Undertake warehouse materials processingICPSUP2410
Perform basic industry calculationsICPSUP2630
Provide basic instruction for a taskICPSUP271
Use computer systems in the printing and graphic arts sectorsICPSUP2810
Undertake basic machine maintenanceICPSUP2820
Prepare ink and additives (advanced)ICPSUP311
Pack and dispatch (advanced)ICPSUP3210
Dispose of wasteICPSUP3230
Undertake inventory proceduresICPSUP3420
Undertake basic production schedulingICPSUP351
Plan operational processesICPSUP352
Apply quick changeover proceduresICPSUP3570
Create a markup language document to specificationICTWEB429
Deliver customer serviceMSMPMC326
Use structured problem-solving toolsMSMSUP390
Apply competitive systems and practicesMSS402001
Sustain process improvementsMSS402002
Manage the impact of change on own workMSS402010
Apply 5S proceduresMSS402040
Undertake root cause analysisMSS402080
Apply cost factors to work practicesMSS402082
Advise on products and servicesSIRXPDK001
Sell to the retail customerSIRXSLS001
Set up and produce basic digital printICPPRN3840
Set up and produce specialised digital printICPPRN3920
Set up and produce complex digital printICPPRN4960
Set up machine for basic laminatingICPCBF2810
Produce basic laminated productICPCBF2820
Mount and proof flexographic plates for basic printingICPPRN2110
Produce basic flexographic printed productICPPRN2140
Produce basic gravure printed productICPPRN2220
Produce basic lithographic printed productICPPRN2320
Produce basic pad printed productICPPRN2420
Set up for foil stampingICPPRN2610
Produce foil stamped productICPPRN262
Set up for basic coatingICPPRN271
Produce basic coated productICPPRN272
Produce and manage basic digital printICPPRN2820
Use colour management systemsICPPRN284
Use digital workflowICPPRN2850
Produce basic relief printed productICPPRN2880
Set up for basic flexographic printingICPPRN3130
Produce complex flexographic printed productICPPRN3140
Set up for basic gravure printingICPPRN3210
Produce complex gravure printed productICPPRN3220
Set up for basic lithographic printingICPPRN3310
Produce complex lithographic printed productICPPRN3320
Set up for basic pad printingICPPRN3410
Produce complex pad printed productICPPRN3420
Produce and manage complex digital printICPPRN3820
Prepare for personalised digital printingICPPRN3830
Apply software applications to digital productionICPPRN3850
Troubleshoot digital mediaICPPRN3860
Use colour management for productionICPPRN3870
Preflight and import complex images for digital devicesICPPRN3880
Manage digital filesICPPRN3890
Generate proofs for digital productionICPPRN3900
Set up for basic relief printingICPPRN3930
Produce complex relief printed productICPPRN3940
Mount and demount flexographic plates for complex printingICPPRN4110
Set up for complex flexographic printingICPPRN4130
Set up for complex gravure printingICPPRN4210
Set up for complex lithographic printingICPPRN4310
Set up for complex pad printingICPPRN4410
Set up for complex relief printingICPPRN4510
Prepare for variable data printingICPPRN4840
Apply advanced software applications to digital productionICPPRN4940
Set up and use complex colour management for productionICPPRN4950
Work with digital informationICPPRN4970
Digitise complex images for reproductionICPPRP422
Prepare screenICPSCP2150
Prepare substrateICPSCP2210
Manually prepare direct emulsion stencilICPSCP2330
Manually prepare and produce screen printsICPSCP2700
Manually produce basic screen printsICPSCP2710
Semi-automatically produce basic screen printsICPSCP2730
Automatically produce basic screen printsICPSCP2750
Finish screen print productsICPSCP2810
Prepare film for basic screen printingICPSCP2820
Reclaim screen manuallyICPSCP3110
Prepare stencil using direct projection methodICPSCP339
Prepare machine and drying/curing unitICPSCP3510
Manually produce complex screen printsICPSCP3710
Semi-automatically produce complex screen printsICPSCP3730
Operate a semi-automatic screen printing machineICPSCP374
Operate an automatic screen printing machineICPSCP3760
Produce computer image for screen printingICPSCP382
Prepare film for complex screen printingICPSCP3830

... 36

TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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

OverviewAbout this course

OutcomesWhat you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Course outcomes

SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Completion requirements

Entry recommendations

PathwaysFuture career and study options

Career pathways

Study pathways

Your experience counts

UnitsUnits taught in this course

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesBSBSUS201

Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industryICPKNW3220

Inspect quality against required standards in a production environmentICPSUP2160

Maintain a safe work environmentICPSUP2600

Communicate in the workplaceICPSUP2620

TAFE NSW offers packaged specialty units

Create graphics using graphics applicationsICPPRP3250

Deliver and monitor a service to customersBSBCUS301

Use and respect copyrightBSBIPR401

Design and produce business documentsBSBITU306

Investigate micro business opportunitiesBSBSMB301

Plan small business financesBSBSMB402

Market the small businessBSBSMB403

Produce basic converted or finished productICPCBF220

Set up and produce basic guillotined productICPCBF2210

Set up machine for basic flat-bed die cutting or embossingICPCBF2250

Produce basic flat-bed die cut or embossed productICPCBF2260

Produce basic rotary die cut or embossed productICPCBF228

Set up machine for basic flat-bed cuttingICPCBF2310

Produce basic flat-bed cut productICPCBF2320

Set up machine for basic foldingICPCBF2410

Produce basic folded productICPCBF2420

Set up machine for basic collating or inserting (sheet/section)ICPCBF2430

Produce basic collated or inserted (sheet/section) productICPCBF2440

Set up machine for complex rotary die cutting or embossingICPCBF3270

Produce complex rotary die cut or embossed productICPCBF3280

Set up machine for complex sequenced or multiple foldingICPCBF3410

Set up machine for complex laminatingICPCBF3810

Produce complex laminated productICPCBF3820

Develop basic design conceptsICPPRP2110

Select and apply typeICPPRP2210

Produce pages using a page layout applicationICPPRP224

Electronically combine and assemble data for page layoutsICPPRP2320

Output imagesICPPRP2520

Produce offset lithographic platesICPPRP2670

Produce flexographic photopolymer platesICPPRP2680

Produce PDF files for online and screen displayICPPRP2840

Scan images for reproductionICPPRP2860

Transfer digital filesICPPRP2970

Develop detailed design conceptsICPPRP3110

Produce typographic imagesICPPRP3210

Digitise images for reproductionICPPRP3220

Prepare imposition format for printing processesICPPRP3340

Produce computer images for screen printingICPPRP3820

Operate databases for digital printingICPPRP3850

Generate high-end PDF filesICPPRP3960

Manage colourICPPRP4300

Set up and operate automated workflowICPPRP4840

Manipulate 3D files in preparation for 3D printingICPPTD301

Set up and produce 3D printsICPPTD302

Set up and produce 3D scansICPPTD303

Apply problem solving techniques to 3D printing maintenance and operationICPPTD304

Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machineICPSUP2010

Prepare, load and unload product on and off machineICPSUP2020

Prepare and maintain the work areaICPSUP2030

Prepare machine for operation (basic)ICPSUP2070

Operate and monitor machines (basic)ICPSUP2080

Prepare inks and additivesICPSUP2110

Pack and dispatch productICPSUP2210

Lift and shift loads mechanicallyICPSUP2360

Undertake warehouse materials processingICPSUP2410

Perform basic industry calculationsICPSUP2630

Provide basic instruction for a taskICPSUP271

Use computer systems in the printing and graphic arts sectorsICPSUP2810

Undertake basic machine maintenanceICPSUP2820

Prepare ink and additives (advanced)ICPSUP311

Pack and dispatch (advanced)ICPSUP3210