Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)
Framing, formwork, roofing, finishing, fixing and structural carpentry.
Who is it for? Site carpenters, framers, formworkers, finishing carpenters with 3+ years on the tools.
RPL in 5 Simple Steps
Free RPL Suitability Enquiry
Discuss your skills, work history and experience with our team to determine whether RPL may be suitable for you. Eligible applicants are referred to a partnered RTO for enrolment.Enrolment & RPL Kit
The partnered RTO enrols you into the qualification or units and provides the RPL assessment kit, evidence guide and submission requirements.Evidence Collection & Submission
Gather and submit evidence of your skills and experience — resumes, employment documents, licences, references, work samples and previous training records. We can assist you with organising your evidence.Assessment & Review
The RTO assessor reviews your evidence and may conduct a competency conversation, workplace verification, practical assessment or request additional information if required.Outcome
The RTO determines the assessment outcome. Where competency requirements are met, the RTO issues the qualification or Statement of Attainment.88%
Graduate Satisfaction
Source: NCVER Student Outcomes (industry avg)
79%
Reported Work Status Improvement
Employment outcomes vary and are not guaranteed
$90k
Typical Median Earnings
Source: Seek / Indeed AU 2026
Qualification Description
CPC30220 — Official description from training.gov.au
This is a trade qualification for carpenters in residential and commercial workplaces. It includes setting out, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, installing and repairing products made using timber and non-timber materials.
Occupational titles may include:
- Carpenter – Commercial
- Carpenter – Formwork
- Carpenter – Residential
State and territory jurisdictions may have different licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
Employed Carpenter or Contracting Carpenter? The Cert is the Bridge.
You can swing a hammer on a site in Australia as an employee — that’s legal under someone else’s licence. But the moment you want to contract your own jobs, run a small crew, or step toward a builder licence, CPC30220 is the certificate that opens the door.
NSW, VIC, QLD and WA all require a contractor licence for residential carpentry work above state thresholds (typically $3,300–$5,000 in labour and materials). The Cert III is the certificate behind that licence — and behind award-rate pay as a qualified employee.
Qualified Carpenter (employed)
$80k–$95k / yr
Residential and commercial framing, formwork, fixing. Award-rate band once your Cert III is on file.
Commercial Site Carpenter
$90k–$115k / yr
Major projects and tier-2 builders. Better hourly, more overtime, longer contracts.
Leading Hand / Foreman
$95k–$125k / yr
Run a crew, set the program, hold the build accountable. Step-up role once you have site time.
Contracting Carpenter / Builder
$120k–$180k+ / yr
Quote your own jobs. Required for contract work above state thresholds. Pathway to a full builder licence with Cert IV.
Employee carpenter or contracting carpenter — the cert is the lever.
REQUEST RPL SUITABILITY CHECK — Free →
Salary ranges sourced from Seek, Indeed and Payscale Australia (2026). Licensing thresholds vary by state and project value. Figures are typical full-time ranges and exclude superannuation unless noted.
You May Need To Provide Evidence Such As
- Photos of frames, roofs, formwork, decks you have built
- References from supervisors, builders or owners
- Pay slips or invoices showing carpentry work
- Evidence of relevant Australian workplace experience, where required by the partner RTO
- White card + any safety or short-course tickets
- Trade supplier references (Bunnings Trade, timber yards)
- Overseas qualifications (UK CITB, Ireland C&G, etc.)
FQ helps you understand what evidence may be requested before assessment by the partner RTO.
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