Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of six (6) months on a full-time basis or one (1) year on a part-time basis. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and units selected and how long individual students take to reach the required competency level.
Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsOverview
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification available to new and continuing students in Semester 1 2023. This qualification will be superseded by FNS30322 from Semester 2 2023 and further information will be published as soon as it becomes available.
This course is entry-level study suitable for employees in industry, business and government, who are working in accounting and perform routine duties. This qualification is the foundation for further VET studies in accounting.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Financial Services include:
>Accounts clerk/officer
>Accounts payable and receivable clerk
>Bookkeeper
>Cashier
>Payroll clerk/officer
>Inventory clerk
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from FNS30317 Certificate III in Accounts Administration include but are not limited to, FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
The FNS30317 Certificate III in Accounts Administration is your gateway to the financial services industry, leading to entry-level careers such as accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk and payroll clerk. This course is especially designed for those who need to perform routine accounting duties such as accounts payable/receivable, payroll, bookkeeping, purchases and sales, and preparation of financial reports.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Credit transfer, or advanced standing, is awarded based on previous relevant studies completed successfully within the past seven years.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of advanced standing where credit is granted based upon the assessment of a student's prior formal, non-formal and informal learning (or a combination thereof) to determine the extent to which the student has achieved the required learning outcomes of a specified unit.
To apply for credit transfer or RPL, you must apply to study at CDU and submit the relevant supporting documents including:
- HE113 Application for Exemption Form (PDF, 216.84 KB)
- Official Academic Record (Academic transcript and award certificates)
- Unit outlines or syllabus matching time-frame of studies. Unit outlines must be specific to the teaching period in which the unit was undertaken and must include:
- aims/objectives
- learning outcomes
- assessment items
- resources required and institutional identifiers (web links are not accepted, these must be converted to PDF prior to submission)
Please make sure you submit all the required documents with your application to ensure processing time is reduced.
Fees
2023 course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place range from $1,540.00 - $1,645.00, and for students who are not eligible range from $4,400.00 - $4,700.00 dependent on the units chosen.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET 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 a Veteran's Affairs payment
- 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 tuition Fees
The annual tuition fee for commencing students in 2023 is AUD $7,400.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Territory's largest Training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster"
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- 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 Certificate III in Accounts Administration a total of eleven (11) units of competency must be completed comprising seven (7) Core and four (4) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
BSBITU306 | Design and produce business documents | 80 |
BSBWRT301 | Write simple documents | 30 |
FNSACC304 | Conduct business activities using a computerised accounting system | 40 |
FNSACC311 | Process financial transactions and extract interim reports | 60 |
FNSACC312 | Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers | 40 |
FNSACC313 | Perform financial calculations | 30 |
FNSINC301 | Work effectively in the financial services industry | 30 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 310 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Select 4 units) | ||
BSBFIA302 | Process payroll | 30 |
BSBTEC302 | Design and produce spreadsheets (unnamed) | 35 |
BSBWOR301 | Organise personal work priorities and development | 30 |
BSBCUS301 | Deliver and monitor a service to customers | 35 |
BSBFIA401 | Prepare financial reports | 50 |
FNSFLT311 | Develop and apply knowledge of personal finances (unnamed) | 40 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 130-160 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 440-470 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no specific requirements to enter this qualification however all (potential) students (applicants) need to demonstrate the required (appropriate) level of language, literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge to undertake a qualification at this level.
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
Admission criteria
As part of the application process, it is important that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements. If you have any questions, please email the International team: international@cdu.edu.au. We look forward to helping you through the process of applying to study with us at CDU.
Programs | Entry requirements |
Certificate level programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 10 |
Diploma and advanced diploma programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 |
Essential requirements
English language requirements
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 165. |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 42 with no less than 36 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the FNS Training and Education Training Package.
This qualification will be superseded by FNS30322 from Semester 2 2023. Further information will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Waterfront Darwin
Study Mode: On campus or online
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
International Students
This qualification is available to international students at Waterfront Darwin (CRICOS Course No. 0100705).
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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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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