Certificate III in Plumbing
This course has been replaced with a newer course - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
This course is currently in transition.
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies. To discuss your study options, please get in touch with us today.
Duration
Up to 4 years (Croydon campus)
Study mode
- Part-time

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Swinburne hosts WorldSkills Australia Regionals 2019
Held at Swinburne’s Croydon campus on 28 August, the WorldSkills Melbourne East Regionals featured five competing teams showcasing their skills across five trades.
For the Certificate III in Plumbing qualification, students are required to complete the Water and Sanitary streams, and must also complete two of the following four streams: Drainage, Roofing, Gas Services, or Mechanical Services.
Students show their skills
The Plumbing WorldSkills Competition offers students an incredible opportunity to show off their skills and network with industry.
In 2018, the competition was proudly hosted by Swinburne, and students from various TAFEs gathered to compete for prizes and accolades.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
In this course you will gain hands-on experience in areas such as installation of air conditioning, sprinkler and gas piping systems; welding; blockage clearance; pipe fabrication; plan interpretation; and workplace safety.
Our teachers are experienced plumbing professionals who maintain current industry practice and will guide you through your training.
The next step is the , which may enable you to gain a plumbing license.
Course structure
This qualification has core and elective units of competency requirements that cover common and specialist skills for the plumbing industry in six specialist streams:
Water stream (24 core units and 5 elective units)
Sanitary stream (6 core units and 4 elective units)
Drainage stream (9 core units and 3 elective units)
Roofing stream (8 core units and 4 elective units)
Gas Services stream (12 core units and 5 elective units)
Mechanical Services stream (4 core units and 11 elective units)
For the Certificate III in Plumbing qualification, students are required to complete the Water and Sanitary streams, and must also complete two of the following four streams: Drainage, Roofing, Gas Services, or Mechanical Services.
Note that units of competency achieved in one stream count as credit for the same unit in the core or elective requirements for any other stream.
Units of study
Carry out interactive workplace communication (CPCPCM2039A)
Read plans and calculate plumbing quantities (CPCPCM2040A)
Work effectively in the plumbing and services sector (CPCPCM2041A)
Carry out WHS requirements (CPCPCM2043A)
Handle and store plumbing materials (CPCPCM2045A)
Use plumbing hand and power tools (CPCPCM2046A)
Carry out levelling (CPCPCM2047A)
Mark out materials (CPCPCM2050A)
Weld using oxy-acetylene equipment (CPCPCM2052A)
Weld using manual metal arc welding equipment (CPCPCM2053A)
Carry out simple concreting and rendering (CPCPCM2054A)
Work safely on roofs (CPCPCM2055A)
Flash penetrations through roofs and walls (CPCPCM3021A)
Weld polyethylene and polypropylene pipes using fusion method (CPCPCM3022A)
Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping (CPCPCM3023A)
Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems (CPCPFS3031A)
Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply (CPCPWT3020A)
Set out and install water services (CPCPWT3021A)
Install and adjust water service controls and devices (CPCPWT3022A)
Install and commission water heating systems (CPCPWT3023A)
Install water pumpsets (CPCPWT3025A)
Fit off and commission hot and cold water services (CPCPWT3026A)
Connect irrigation systems from drinking water supply (CPCPWT3027A)
Provide basic emergency life support (HLTFA211A)
Design domestic urban irrigation systems (CPCPIG2021A)
Set out, install and commission irrigation systems (CPCPIG3021A)
Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps (CPCPIG3022A)
Install water services (CPCPWT3028A)
Sanitary stream
Core units
Cut and join sheet metal (CPCPCM2048A)
Locate and clear blockages (CPCPDR2021A)
Plan layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system (CPCPSN3011B)
Install discharge pipes (CPCPSN3022A)
Fabricate and install sanitary stacks (CPCPSN3023A)
Install and fit off sanitary fixtures (CPCPSN3024A)
Elective units
Work safely at heights (CPCCCM2010B)
Cut using oxy-LPG-acetylene equipment (CPCPCM2049A)
Install sewerage pumpsets (CPCPSN3026A)
Drainage stream
Core units
Locate and clear blockages (CPCPDR2021A)
Install domestic treatment plants (CPCPDR2022A)
Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems (CPCPDR2024A)
Drain work site (CPCPDR2025A)
Install prefabricated inspection openings and enclosures (CPCPDR2026A)
Plan layout of a residential sanitary drainage system (CPCPDR3021A)
Install below ground sanitary drainage systems (CPCPDR3022A)
Install on-site disposal systems (CPCPDR3023A)
Install trench support (RIICCM210A)
Elective units
Install pre-treatment facilities (CPCPSN3025A)
Install water pipe systems (CPCPWT3029A)
Roofing stream
Core units
Cut and join sheet metal (CPCPCM2048A)
Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding (CPCPRF2022A)
Collect and store roof water (CPCPRF2023A)
Receive roofing materials (CPCPRF3021A)
Fabricate and install roof drainage components (CPCPRF3022A)
Fabricate and install external flashings (CPCPRF3023A)
Install roof components (CPCPRF3024A)
Install composite roof systems (CPCPRF3026A)
Elective units
Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding (CPCCCM2008B)
Work safely at heights (CPCCCM2010B)
Operate elevated work platforms (CPCCCM3001C)
Install roof coverings to curved roof structures (CPCPRF3025A)
Gas services stream
Core units
Cut and join sheet metal (CPCPCM2048A)
Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces (CPCPGS3046A)
Install LPG systems in marine craft (CPCPGS3047A)
Install gas pressure control equipment (CPCPGS3048A)
Install Type A gas appliance flues (CPCPGS3049A)
Purge consumer piping (CPCPGS3051A)
Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances (CPCPGS3053A)
Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances (CPCPGS3054A)
Install gas piping systems (CPCPGS3056A)
Size consumer gas piping systems (CPCPGS3057A)
Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres (CPCPGS3059A)
Elective units
Cut using oxy-LPG-acetylene equipment (CPCPCM2049A)
Install Type B gas appliance flues (CPCPGS3050A)
Maintain Type A gas appliances (CPCPGS3052A)
Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8KL (CPCPGS3060A)
Core units
Install and maintain evaporative air cooling systems (CPCPMS3040A)
Maintain mechanical services equipment (CPCPMS3039A)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and professional recognition.
Career opportunities

Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate III in PlumbingEstimated course fees for 2023* |
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Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
Total Cost (GST Free) | $23,580 | $8,480 | $1,696 |
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,135.
Entry requirements
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059