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Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 3 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
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 plumbers in residential, industrial and commercial workplaces who are responsible for assembling, installing and maintaining water services, sanitary plumbing and sanitary drainage, gas, roofing and mechanical services in both existing and new constructions.
The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.
Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
This is a licensed occupation. 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.
This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina Alice Springs |
| Duration | 3 years * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face Online Simulated workplace Workplace * Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | January 11,2027 to December 10, 2027 * Apprentices will receive an individual call-up notification letter. |
| Attendance | Block delivery Stage 1 - 4 x 2 week blocks Stage 2 - 3 x 2 week blocks Stage 3 - 3 x 2 week blocks Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:20 pm |
Career opportunities
After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
- Plumber
- Plumber and drainer
- Plumber and gasfitter
- Gasfitter
- Roof plumber
- Mechanical services plumber.
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 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.
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including eligibility to apply for a Journeyman license which would enable you to enrol into CPC40920 Certificate IV Plumbing and Services.
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $4,341.05 |
| Full Fee | $20,100.71 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.
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:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa 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 CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber), students must successfully complete 58 units, comprising of 43 core and 15 elective units, as outlined in the packaging rules below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1099.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights | 8 |
| CPCPCM2039 | Carry out interactive workplace communication | 10 |
| CPCPCM2040* | Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials | 28 |
| CPCPCM2041 | Work effectively in the plumbing services sector | 15 |
| CPCPCM2043 | Carry out WHS requirements | 50 |
| CPCPCM2045* | Handle and store plumbing materials | 6 |
| CPCPCM2046* | Use plumbing hand and power tools | 40 |
| CPCPCM2047* | Carry out levelling | 6 |
| CPCPCM2048* | Cut and join sheet metal | 8 |
| CPCPCM2054* | Carry out simple concreting and rendering | 16 |
| CPCPCM2055* | Work safely on roofs | 20 |
| CPCPCM3021* | Flash penetrations through roofs and walls | 18 |
| CPCPCM3022* | Weld polymer pipes using fusion method | 8 |
| CPCPCM3023* | Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping | 12 |
| CPCPCM3024 | Prepare simple drawings | 20 |
| CPCPCM3025* | Install trench support | 16 |
| CPCPDR2021* | Locate and clear blockages | 8 |
| CPCPDR2025* | Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site | 20 |
| CPCPDR2026* | Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers | 4 |
| CPCPDR3021* | Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems | 38 |
| CPCPDR3023* | Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems | 25 |
| CPCPFS3031* | Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems | 40 |
| CPCPGS3048* | Install gas pressure control equipment | 8 |
| CPCPGS3049* | Install gas appliance flues | 12 |
| CPCPGS3051* | Purge consumer piping | 8 |
| CPCPGS3053* | Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances | 16 |
| CPCPGS3054* | Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances | 8 |
| CPCPGS3056* | Size and install consumer gas piping systems | 32 |
| CPCPGS3059* | Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres | 22 |
| CPCPGS3061* | Install and commission Type A gas appliances | 30 |
| CPCPSN3011* | Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks | 36 |
| CPCPSN3022* | Install discharge pipes | 28 |
| CPCPWT3020* | Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply | 12 |
| CPCPWT3021* | Set out and install water services | 36 |
| CPCPWT3022* | Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices | 35 |
| CPCPWT3025* | Install water pumpsets | 8 |
| CPCPWT3026* | Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls | 36 |
| CPCPWT3027* | Install backflow prevention devices | 6 |
| CPCPRF2023* | Collect and store roof water | 10 |
| CPCPRF3022* | Fabricate and install roof drainage systems | 48 |
| CPCPRF3023* | Fabricate and install external flashings | 16 |
| CPCPRF3024* | Install roof components | 10 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide first aid | 18 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 851 | |
| Elective units of competency (Complete ALL 15) | ||
| Group A | ||
| CPCCCM2008* | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | 40 |
| CPCPCM2049* | Cut using oxy-Acetylene equipment | 8 |
| CPCPCM2052* | Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment | 16 |
| CPCPWT3028* | Install property service | 10 |
| CPCPWT3029* | Install water pipe systems | 12 |
| CPCPWT3024* | Install and maintain domestic water treatment facilities | 10 |
| Group B | ||
| CPCPCM2053 | Weld using metal arc welding | 16 |
| CPCPGS3052* | Maintain Type A gas appliances | 12 |
| CPCPGS3055* | Install gas sub-meters | 8 |
| Group C | ||
| CPCPSN3025* | Install pre-treatment facilities | 8 |
| CPCPSN3026* | Install sewerage pumpsets | 8 |
| RIIWHS202E | Enter and work in confined spaces | 30 |
| Group F | ||
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | 20 |
| Unnamed electives (complete 1 unit) | ||
| TLILIC0005 | Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) | 30 |
| CPCPWT4022* | Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 248 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1099 | |
* Indicates unit has pre-requisite requirements. Refer to the flyer for further information.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
To gain entry into the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing, candidates require:
- Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
- To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT.
Required Resources
Students can access assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.
Students are issued with learning materials and handouts relevant to each unit during their scheduled block. Students will need to provide stationary items, tools and PPE at their own expense, details will be provided during their induction with the CDU Apprenticeship Consultant.
Students will need to apply for Provisional gas fitter license when undertaking any live gas fitting work.
Students will need to purchase the following current national standards and codes:
- Cengage Plumbing textbooks
- Basic Plumbing Skills
- Water Supply
- Sanitary & Drainage
- Gas Services
- Roof Plumbing
- AS/NZS3500 Plumbing and drainage (complete set)
- AS/NZS 5601.1 Gas installations - General installations
- AS/NZS 5601.2 Gas installations - LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive
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.
Location and study mode
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, online, workplace assessment
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Electrotechnology and Plumbing |
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 CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
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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