OverviewAbout this course

    The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating equips you with the painting and decorating skills to take your career to the next level as a qualified painter or decorator. Learn to decorate beautiful residential and commercial rooms and build long-lasting relationships with clients.

    This course provides you with everything you will need to know about to painting and decorating. You will develop a range of technical skills that can be used across the building and construction industry as a licensed painter.

    TAFE NSW is the leading education and training provider in Australia, with over 130 years of history. Our courses are designed in close consultation with industry, so you graduate with relevant, up-to-date skills and knowledge.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Colour match
    • Apply wallpaper
    • Use painting tools and equipment
    • Prepare and decorate materials
    • Apply texture coating and staining
    • Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in: 

    • Preparing different surfaces for painting
    • Applying surface coatings with a brush, roller and spray
    • Wallpaper application
    • Colour matching
    • Communicating with colleagues and clients on a job site

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Interest in indoor painting and decorating
    • Great communication skills
    • The ability to listen to instruction
    • An eye for detail
    • The ability to work in a variety of conditions

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Painter and Decorator

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    To achieve this qualification, the candidate must demonstrate competency in: 29 units of competency 26 core units
    3 elective units

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffoldingCPCCCM2008

    • Work safely at heightsCPCCCM2012

    • Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metresCPCCCM3001

    • Calculate costs of construction workCPCCCM3005

    • Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industryCPCCOM1012

    • Plan and organise workCPCCOM1013

    • Conduct workplace communicationCPCCOM1014

    • Carry out measurements and calculationsCPCCOM1015

    • Read and interpret plans and specificationsCPCCOM2001

    • Erect and maintain trestle and plank systemsCPCCPB3026

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW painting and decorating pathway:

    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    You will study in classrooms for theory knowledge content and when developing your technical skills you’ll study in a workshop equipped with industry standard tools and materials.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service 
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support  
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service  
    • Smarthinking – online access to a tutor 
    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International