CERTIFICATE III IN WALL AND CEILING LINING
Course CRICOS Code: 119740J Status: CurrentCourse Overview
Nationally Recognised | 119740J
A trade qualification that opens doors to one of Australia’s most in-demand skilled construction roles — fully CRICOS-registered for international students.
The Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220) is a nationally recognised VET qualification that equips students with practical, job-ready trade skills in wall and ceiling lining for residential and commercial construction projects. Also widely known as a fibrous plastering course, this qualification covers the specialist skills required to apply and fix linings to non-structural walls and ceilings — the backbone of modern construction finishing.
At West Melbourne Institute of Technology (WMIT), this course is delivered as classroom-based face-to-face training at our Melbourne CBD campus, ensuring students receive hands-on instruction under the guidance of industry-experienced trainers. Our CRICOS Code: 119740J makes this program fully accessible to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
Whether you are pursuing a career as a drywaller, a wall and ceiling liner, or a plasterer, this qualification provides the technical foundation and nationally recognised credential to enter or advance in Australia’s booming construction industry. The course is also recognised as a suitable Australian apprenticeship pathway, giving students flexibility in how they complete their training.
Completion of the general construction induction training (CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry) is required for anyone carrying out construction work in Australia, and achievement of this unit is embedded within the course structure, ensuring students are industry-compliant from day one.
Program Overview
Entry Requirements
- Academic Requirements:
- Whilst there are no formal entry requirements for this qualification in the Training Package, the institute’s entry requirements are as follows:
- 18 years or older at commencement of course.
- Cert III in EAL / Academic IELTS band score of 6.0 or equivalent
- Completed equivalent of Australian Year 11 qualification from any of the English-speaking countries such as Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- Completion of any Australian AQF Certificate III or higher qualification
- Additional Requirements:
- The applicant must have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent
Training Pathway & Employment Pathway
- Training Pathway:
- Certificate IV in Building and Construction OR
- Any other equivalent qualification
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Employment Pathway:
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge to potentially gain employment as a: - Wall and ceiling liner
- Drywaller
- Plasterer
To attain this qualification, 29 units must be achieved, consisting of 22 core and 7 elective units listed below:
Course Credit
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WMIT can grant you credit towards your course for units of competency that you have already completed with another RTO or authorised issuing organisation.
We can also grant you Credit for subjects or units you have completed where equivalence can be established between the unit in your course and the subject or unit you have completed. - There is no charge to apply for Credit.
- To apply, fill in the Credit Application Form and submit it as part of your enrolment.
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*Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on Course Credit.
International students should be aware that if credit is granted, the course duration will be adjusted and confirmation will be provided in writing.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where skills and knowledge that you have gained through work and life experience and other unrecognised training can be formally recognised.
- WMIT has a process that has been structured to minimise the time and cost to applicants and provides a supportive approach to students wishing to take up this option. You should ideally apply for RPL at the time of enrolment, but you may also apply up to 2 weeks into your course.
- During the entry process and interview stage, WMIT will discuss the process and options for RPL with you. Suitability is often determined by how much experience you have in a certain area, your work history and previous training. If RPL is determined as a possibility for you, you will be provided with a kit that will guide you in working through each unit to determine relevant skills and experience and identify whether you would be able to provide the required evidence.
- A trainer/assessor will be available to assist you throughout this process.
- *Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on RPL. International students should be aware that if RPL is granted, the course duration will be adjusted and confirmation will be provided in writing.
Training & Placement Arrangements
Training Arrangements
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Class sessions are planned to ensure that student have a mixture of practical and theoretical components and those classes cater for a wide variety of learning styles. Additionally, workplace practices and environments will be regularly simulated and used to conduct skills based assessments in accordance with unit requirements.
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WMIT organises face to face training of 20 hours per week, all the international student must attend the classes to comply with student visa conditions.
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Homework tasks may include research, readings from related textbooks and continuing to work on assessment tasks.
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Students are provided with the Learner Guides for each unit to students to support their learning (these are included in the course fees).
Additional Support & Assessment Arrangements
Additional Support
All students will complete a language literacy and numeracy assessment at orientation to determine their learning support needs. All students will be provided with a range of learning support options and resources to help you achieve competency. Where additional support needs have been identified an Individual Support Plan will be developed which may include:
Provision of additional support services will be provided where necessary to enable students to participate in the same way as any other person regardless of whether support services have been required.
Assessment Arrangement
There are a variety of assessment methods used for this qualification including:
Course Details
Delivery Mode
This course will be delivered as classroom-based face-to-face training.
Delivery Location
Level 10, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Course Duration
52 Weeks (including 12 weeks of holidays)
Duration - 52 Weeks
Course Fee - $20,000
Promotional Fee - $8,000
Course Fee
- Promotional Tuition Fees: $8,000.00
- Enrolment Fee: $250.00
- Material Fee: $1,500.00
Payment Plan
- Non-refundable enrolment deposit (prior to commencement) – $250
- 4 equal instalments of tuition fee before the start of every term
Additional charges apply if students require
- Additional copies of a student’s qualification/record of results and/or statement of attainment. A cost of $50 per document applies, and $70 if express post is required.
- Printing costs may be required to complete assessments. Students may print and copy on campus for a cost of 15c per page; however, they may also use other printing facilities.
RPL Costs
- Charge per unit of competency – $400
- Nationally Recognised Training does not incur GST.
- Students will only be eligible to receive their qualification if fees have been paid in full and all course requirements have been met.
- *Please refer to your Student Handbook for our Fees and Refunds Policy.
Other costs (not included) to be aware of
- Please refer to the student handbook for guidance in relation to budgeting and planning.
- USB drives that students are required to use to submit their assessments. Students may bring their own or purchase nearby.
- Notebooks/pens/laptops* or other general stationery required for students to complete their work.
- *A note about computers: Many homework and assessment tasks require access to a computer and the internet; therefore, it is recommended that students bring or purchase a laptop if possible.
Inclusions
- Unless otherwise specified, tuition fees include all training and assessment as well as required resources and textbooks necessary for students to achieve the qualification or course in which they are enrolling.
- If students don’t have their own, they can use nearby public facilities, which are listed in the Student Handbook for their convenience. It is optional for students to bring a laptop to class; some students may choose to do so to keep their notes organised, but where a computer is required for class activities, the trainer/assessor will arrange to book the college computers for class sessions.
Enquire About This Course
- If you would like to clarify any details before submitting an application, the WMIT admissions team can provide further guidance. You are welcome to ask about eligibility, study schedules or upcoming intake dates to confirm whether the Certificate III In Wall and Ceiling Lining aligns with your plans.
- Confident to move forward? Apply now to confirm your enrolment.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
Everything you need to know about our wall and ceiling lining course, fibrous plastering training, and enrolling at WMIT Melbourne.
1What is the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220)?
The Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (national code CPC31220) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification that trains you to apply and fix linings for non-structural walls and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings. It is also commonly referred to as a fibrous plastering course or a drywalling course, covering the skills needed to work as a wall and ceiling liner, drywaller, or plasterer across the construction industry.
At WMIT (West Melbourne Institute of Technology), this course is CRICOS-registered (Code: 119740J), making it available to both domestic and international students.
2What are the entry requirements for the wall and ceiling lining course at WMIT?
While the Training Package itself has no formal entry requirements, WMIT's entry requirements for this course are:
- Be 18 years or older at commencement
- Hold a Cert III in EAL or an Academic IELTS band score of 6.0 or equivalent
- Have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11 from an English-speaking country (Australia, UK, USA, Canada, NZ, South Africa, or Ireland) OR
- Completion of an Australian AQF Certificate III or higher qualification
International students must also hold a valid Student Visa and meet all immigration requirements.
3How long is the wall and ceiling lining course and how is it delivered?
The Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining at WMIT has a total duration of 52 weeks, which includes 12 weeks of scheduled holidays. The course is delivered as classroom-based face-to-face training at our campus located at Level 10, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 — in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. This ensures students receive practical, hands-on instruction from experienced industry trainers.
4What jobs can I get after completing the fibrous plastering / wall and ceiling lining course?
Graduates of this qualification can pursue employment in the construction industry across roles such as:
- Wall and Ceiling Liner – installing linings on non-structural walls and ceilings
- Drywaller – specialising in plasterboard and drywall systems
Melbourne's booming residential and commercial construction sector offers strong demand for qualified wall and ceiling liners. This qualification is also suitable as a pathway to a Certificate IV in Building and Construction for those wishing to advance their careers.
5How much does the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining cost at WMIT?
The total course fee for the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining at WMIT is:
- Total Promotional Tuition Fee:$8,000.00
- Enrolment Fee: $250.00 (non-refundable deposit payable before commencement)
- Material Fee: $1,500.00
Tuition is paid in 4 equal instalments before the start of each term. Additional costs may include document copies ($50 per document), printing (15c/page on campus), and USB drives for assessment submission.
6Is this wall and ceiling lining course suitable for international students?
Yes! The Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining at WMIT is CRICOS registered (Code: 119740J), which means it is fully approved for international student enrolment under a Student Visa. WMIT is a registered training organisation (RTO) in Melbourne that specialises in supporting international students with the admissions process, study support, and career guidance throughout the course.
If you are an international student interested in a wall and ceiling lining course in Melbourne, contact our team for information on visa requirements and the application process. You can email us at info@wmit.edu.au or call us at +61 3 9131 8789.
7What is the difference between wall and ceiling lining and solid plastering?
Wall and ceiling lining (also called fibrous plastering or drywalling) involves fixing pre-manufactured linings — such as plasterboard sheets — to non-structural frames, creating smooth wall and ceiling surfaces. It is a faster, dry process widely used in modern residential and commercial builds.
Solid plastering, by contrast, involves applying wet plaster mixes (such as cement or gypsum) directly to walls and ceilings to create a hardened surface. It is more traditional and labour-intensive.
WMIT also offers a Certificate III in Solid Plastering for students interested in the traditional wet plastering trade. Both qualifications open doors to lucrative trade careers in Melbourne's construction industry.
8Does WMIT offer RPL for the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining?
Yes, WMIT offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining. RPL allows students with existing skills, knowledge, or experience in plastering, drywalling, or the construction trade to have their competencies formally recognised — potentially reducing the time and cost required to complete the qualification.
RPL is assessed on a per unit of competency basis at $400 per unit. Students must have paid all fees in full and met all course requirements to receive their final qualification. Please refer to the Student Handbook for full Fees and Refunds Policy details.