CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing (Apprenticeship)

Build the practical skills and industry experience to start your career in one of Australia’s essential trades.
The CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing is designed for plumbing apprentices working under the supervision of appropriately licensed tradespeople. Training combines hands-on practical learning, technical knowledge and real workplace experience across water, drainage, gas, roofing and related plumbing services.
To undertake this course as an apprentice, you will need an employer and an active apprenticeship training contract.

NSW Government Subsidised Training

This qualification is available under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled program for eligible students. Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with access to government-subsidised vocational education and training in NSW, helping apprentices develop the skills and qualifications required for their trade.

Upcoming Programs

Name	Start Date	End Date	Cost
APP_44	12/06/2026	30/06/2028	$20,410.00	Enrol
APP_45	17/08/2026	26/02/2029	$20,410.00	Enrol
MtDruitt_3	19/08/2026	30/08/2028	$20,410.00	Enrol
APP_46	08/10/2026	08/02/2029	$20,410.00	Enrol
APP_47	25/11/2026	06/06/2029	$20,410.00	Enrol

Course Guide

Enquiries

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Duration

126 weeks

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Format

Face to Face

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Course Type

Certificate

Course overview

The CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing is a nationally recognised trade qualification designed to develop the practical skills and technical knowledge required to work across residential, commercial and industrial plumbing environments.

Throughout the qualification, apprentices develop skills in installing, maintaining and repairing water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage systems, gas systems, roofing components and associated plumbing infrastructure. Training places a strong emphasis on practical trade skills. Apprentices learn to interpret plans, use plumbing hand and power tools, fabricate and install pipework, install fixtures and water services, work with drainage and gas systems and apply workplace health and safety requirements.

The course combines formal training at Superior Training Centre with structured workplace experience, allowing apprentices to apply what they learn in real plumbing environments. Completion of CPC32420 can support eligibility for relevant plumbing, draining and gasfitting tradesperson certification in NSW. Licensing and certification requirements are determined by the relevant NSW regulatory authority and may depend on the categories of work being undertaken.

Features

Nationally Recognised Qualification
Hands-on Practical Plumbing Training
Industry-Experienced Trainers
Apprenticeship-Based Training
Real Workplace Experience
Water, Drainage & Gas Training
Modern Training Facilities
Pathway Towards Plumbing Trade Certification

Skills & Competencies

Water Supply & Plumbing Systems
Sanitary Plumbing & Drainage
Gas Installation & Gas Appliances
Roof Plumbing & Stormwater
Pipe Fabrication & Installation
Plumbing Fixtures & Water Heating Systems
Reading Plans & Calculating Materials
Workplace Safety & Trade Practices

Benefits

Nationally Recognized Certification

Receive a nationally accredited certificate upon successful completion of your course, ensuring you meet Australian industry standards.

Learn from Industry Experts

Benefit from the knowledge and experience of seasoned trainers and professionals who understand real-world trade applications.

Ongoing Industry Connections

Gain access to an extensive network of industry partners and resources to support your career development.

Local Support, When You Need It

Based in New South Wales, we provide personalized support to help you succeed throughout your training journey.

Flexible Study Options

Choose between our many intakes per year, or a hybrid approach to suit your lifestyle and employment.

Advance Your Career

Our courses are designed to open doors to promotions, higher earning potential, and lifelong career growth in the trades industry.

What will I learn?

44 Modules • Approx 126 weeks of Learning Content

CPCCCM2012 – Work safely at heights

Develop the skills required to safely plan and undertake work where there is a risk of falling from one level to another.

CPCPCM2039 – Carry out interactive workplace communication

Develop effective communication skills for working with supervisors, clients and other tradespeople.

CPCPCM2040 – Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials

Learn to interpret plumbing and construction plans, calculate required materials and accurately mark out work.

CPCPCM2041 – Work effectively in the plumbing services sector

Understand workplace responsibilities, industry practices and how plumbing work fits within the wider construction sector.

CPCPCM2043 – Carry out WHS requirements

Apply workplace health and safety requirements to plumbing activities and work environments.

CPCPCM2045 – Handle and store plumbing materials

Safely handle, transport and store plumbing materials used across different applications.

CPCPCM2046 – Use plumbing hand and power tools

Develop safe and effective techniques for using common plumbing hand and power tools.

CPCPCM2047 – Carry out levelling

Use levelling equipment and techniques required for accurate plumbing installations.

CPCPCM2048 – Cut and join sheet metal

Develop practical skills in cutting, shaping and joining sheet metal for plumbing applications.

CPCPCM2054 – Carry out simple concreting and rendering

Perform basic concreting and rendering associated with plumbing installation and repair work.

CPCPCM2055 – Work safely on roofs

Apply safe work procedures when undertaking plumbing activities on roof structures.

CPCPCM3021 – Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

Install flashing around penetrations to protect buildings against water entry.

CPCPCM3022 – Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

Prepare and join polymer piping using appropriate fusion welding techniques.

CPCPCM3023 – Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

Fabricate, assemble and install non-ferrous pressure pipework.

CPCPCM3024 – Prepare simple drawings

Prepare basic technical drawings and sketches for plumbing work.

CPCPCM3025 – Install trench support

Install and maintain trench support systems to enable safe underground plumbing work.

CPCPDR2021 – Locate and clear blockages

Identify the location and cause of drainage blockages and use appropriate methods to clear them.

CPCPDR2025 – Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

Install systems designed to manage stormwater, groundwater and construction site drainage.

CPCPDR2026 – Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

Install access points and chambers used to inspect and maintain drainage systems.

CPCPDR3021 – Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

Plan and install sanitary drainage pipework below ground.

CPCPDR3023 – Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

Install domestic wastewater treatment and disposal systems according to relevant requirements.

CPCPFS3031 – Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

Develop skills in the fabrication and installation of fire hydrant and hose reel systems.

CPCPGS3048 – Install gas pressure control equipment

Install gas regulators and associated pressure-control equipment.

CPCPGS3049 – Install gas appliance flues

Install flues and ventilation systems associated with gas appliances.

CPCPGS3051 – Purge consumer piping

Safely purge gas consumer piping in accordance with relevant procedures.

CPCPGS3053 – Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

Safely disconnect and reconnect common Type A gas appliances.

CPCPGS3054 – Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

Determine and provide appropriate ventilation requirements for Type A gas appliances.

CPCPGS3056 – Size and install consumer gas piping systems

Calculate required pipe sizes and install consumer gas pipework.

CPCPGS3059 – Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

Install LPG storage systems with an aggregate capacity of up to 500 litres.

CPCPGS3061 – Install and commission Type A gas appliances

Install, test and commission Type A gas appliances.

CPCPRF2023 – Collect and store roof water

Install systems for collecting and storing rainwater from roof areas.

CPCPRF3022 – Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

Fabricate and install gutters, downpipes and other roof drainage components.

CPCPRF3023 – Fabricate and install external flashings

Fabricate and install flashings that protect building structures from water penetration.

CPCPRF3024 – Install roof components

Install plumbing-related roof components using appropriate methods and materials.

CPCPSN3011 – Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

Plan residential sanitary plumbing layouts and fabricate and install sanitary stacks.

CPCPSN3022 – Install discharge pipes

Install sanitary discharge pipes and associated fittings.

CPCPWT3020 – Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

Connect storage tanks to domestic water services.

CPCPWT3021 – Set out and install water services

Plan, position and install water services within buildings and properties.

CPCPWT3022 – Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

Install, test and commission water heating systems and associated controls.

CPCPWT3025 – Install water pumpsets

Install pumps and associated equipment for water supply systems.

CPCPWT3026 – Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

Install and connect common sanitary fixtures and water service components.

CPCPWT3027 – Install backflow prevention devices

Install devices designed to prevent contamination of potable water supplies.

HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

Develop the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid in workplace and community situations.

Elective Units

Students complete 15 elective units as part of the General Plumber specialisation.

Group A – 8 Units

CPCPCM2049 – Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment
CPCPCM2052 – Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment
CPCPWT3024 – Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment
MEM05049 – Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding
MEM05050 – Perform routine gas metal arc welding
MEM11011 – Undertake manual handling
MEM13015 – Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
MEM16006 – Organise and communicate information

Group B – 4 Units

CPCPCM2053 – Weld using metal arc welding equipment
CPCPGS3046 – Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces
CPCPGS3052 – Maintain Type A gas appliances
CPCPGS3055 – Install gas sub-meters

Group C – 3 Units

CPCPDR3025 – Plan layout and install vacuum drainage systems
CPCPSN3025 – Install pre-treatment facilities
CPCPSN3026 – Install sewerage pumpsets

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for this course?

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The total planned duration of the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing is 126 weeks of delivery and assessment, plus scheduled term breaks.

During term time, students undertake approximately 14 hours of structured learning each week, comprising:

8 hours per week face-to-face training – including theory, assessment and practical training within classroom and simulated plumbing environments
3 hours per week online learning
3 hours per week self-paced learning

Across the qualification, this represents approximately:

1,008 hours face-to-face training
378 hours online learning
378 hours self-paced learning
1,764 total structured training and learning hours

Apprentices also undertake substantial workplace training throughout their apprenticeship. The training strategy anticipates approximately 5,050 hours or more of workplace experience, based on approximately 30 hours of employment per week over the apprenticeship period.

The course also includes approximately 30 weeks of scheduled breaks across its overall duration.

Students who receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) may complete a reduced volume of learning where appropriate. Students who require additional time to develop the required knowledge and practical skills may require a longer training period.

Who is this course for?

This course is primarily designed for people undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship who want to develop the practical skills and nationally recognised qualification required to build a career in the plumbing industry.

Do I need to be employed as an apprentice?

Yes, you will generally need to be employed by an appropriate plumbing employer and have an active apprenticeship training contract.

Your workplace plays an important role in your training by providing opportunities to practise and demonstrate plumbing skills under appropriate supervision.

How often do I attend STC?

The planned delivery includes one 8-hour face-to-face training day per week during term time, supported by approximately three hours of online learning and three hours of self-paced learning per week.

Is the course practical?

Yes. Plumbing is a highly practical trade and the course incorporates hands-on training within simulated plumbing environments as well as substantial workplace learning through your apprenticeship.

What areas of plumbing will I learn?

Training covers a broad range of plumbing skills including:

Water services
Sanitary plumbing
Sanitary drainage
Stormwater drainage
Gas services
Roof plumbing
Pipe fabrication
Water heating systems
Pumps and storage tanks
Plumbing fixtures
Backflow prevention
Workplace safety and construction practices

Is CPC32420 nationally recognised?

Yes. CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing is a nationally recognised qualification within the Australian vocational education and training system.

Does this qualification make me a licensed plumber?

CPC32420 is an important qualification for plumbing trade certification; however, completing the qualification does not automatically give you permission to undertake all plumbing work independently.

Plumbing, draining and gasfitting are regulated occupations in NSW. The licence or certificate you require depends on the categories of work you intend to perform and the applicable qualification and experience requirements.

Students should refer to Building Commission NSW and Service NSW for current licensing and certification requirements.

What can I do after completing the qualification?

Depending on your apprenticeship, experience and applicable NSW licensing requirements, the qualification can support pathways into work such as:

General Plumbing
Water Plumbing
Sanitary Plumbing
Drainage
Gasfitting
Roof Plumbing
Plumbing Maintenance
Commercial Plumbing
Residential Plumbing

Graduates may also undertake further study, including higher-level plumbing and services qualifications.

How do I enrol in the course?

If you have already signed up your Apprenticeship contract, get in touch with your preferred Apprenticeship Support Provider, who will guide your enrolment process. If you would like to enquire about the course, career options and the life as an Electrician simply contact us for a consultation. We’ll guide you through the application process and help determine the best study pathway for you.

Can previous plumbing experience be recognised?

Yes. Students with relevant previous training, qualifications or industry experience may be eligible for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning.

Eligibility is assessed individually and appropriate evidence must be provided.