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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 3 years full-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications open for 2026.
Online Application: This course is not available for online applications. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as an apprenticeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
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.
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.
Completing of the general construction induction training program, specified in Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, is required by anyone carrying out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina Alice Springs |
| Duration | 3 years full time, or 6 years part time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | February 11, 2026 - November 27, 2026 Term 1: 11/02/2026 to 03/04/2026 |
| Attendance | Block delivery 3 to 4 x 2-week blocks over 3 years Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:20 pm |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Carpenter - Commercial
- Carpenter - Formwork
- Carpenter - Residential
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $4,123.35 |
| Full Fee | $18,346.23 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve a CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry a total of thirty four (34) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty seven (27) Core and seven (7) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1071.*CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safetly in the construction industry is a pre-requisite unit for many of the units in this program and must be successfully completed to proceed further in this program.
Course structure
To achieve a CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry a total of thirty four (34) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty seven (27) Core and seven (7) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1071.
*CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safetly in the construction industry is a pre-requisite unit for many of the units in this program and must be successfully completed to proceed further in this program.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CPCCCA2002* | Use carpentry tools and equipment | 96 |
| CPCCCA2011* | Handle carpentry materials | 16 |
| CPCCCA3001* | Carry out general demolition of minor building structures | 32 |
| CPCCCA3002* | Carry out setting out | 24 |
| CPCCCA3003* | Install flooring systems | 40 |
| CPCCCA3004* | Construct and erect wall frames | 60 |
| CPCCCA3005* | Construct ceiling frames | 32 |
| CPCCCA3006* | Erect roof trusses | 40 |
| CPCCCA3007* | Construct pitched roofs | 60 |
| CPCCCA3008* | Construct eaves | 20 |
| CPCCCA3010* | Install windows and doors | 70 |
| CPCCCA3016* | Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs | 40 |
| CPCCCA3017* | Install exterior cladding | 20 |
| CPCCCA3024* | Install lining, panelling and moulding | 40 |
| CPCCCA3025* | Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work | 36 |
| CPCCCA3028* | Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground | 24 |
| CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures | 8 |
| CPCCCM2008* | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | 40 |
| CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights | 8 |
| CPCCCO2013* | Carry out concreting to simple forms | 20 |
| CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry | 20 |
| CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication | 20 |
| CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations | 20 |
| CPCCOM3001 | Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements | 25 |
| CPCCOM3006 | Carry out levelling operations | 24 |
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | 20 |
| CPCWHS3001 | Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies | 30 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 885 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select 7) | ||
| Group A: Specialist Electives | ||
| CPCCCA3012* | Frame and fit wet area fixtures | 24 |
| CPCCCA3014* | Construct and install bulkheads | 16 |
| CPCCCA3018* | Construct, erect and dismantle formwork for stairs and ramps | 40 |
| CPCCCA3027* | Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools | 20 |
| CPCCCM2002* | Carry out hand excavation | 16 |
| Un-named Electives | ||
| RIISAM205E | Cut, weld and bend materials | 40 |
| TLILIC0005 | Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) | 30 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 186 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1071 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry as an Apprentice, candidates require:
- To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT.
Students can undertake this course as self-funded mainstream non-Apprentices, candidates will need to discuss the program with the delivery team.
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package Training Package.
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
VET Engineering and Construction |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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