Certificate III in Plumbing

Certificate III in Plumbing - CPC32420

VOCATIONAL

Get the skills and experience you need to do gas fitting, water, sanitary, drainage, roofing and mechanical services to become a registered plumber. 

Apply Enquire Download Brochure
Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This certificate provides training for plumbing apprentices and covers the practical and theoretical aspects of the industry.

This is an apprenticeship program.

Through your studies in this certificate, you will specialise in gas-fitting, water, sanitary, drainage and roofing during the first three stages of training. If your employer agrees, you can choose to complete a fourth stage in mechanical services.

After completing your apprenticeship and your Journeyman’s exam, you can apply to the Victorian Building Authority to become a registered plumber.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

Expand all sections

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout this certificate may include examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, and practical assignments.

As an apprentice, you will learn while on the job. Feedback from work supervisors and others maybe used as evidence of competency.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

This certificate is based on general plumbing roofing and mechanical streams.  

There are 83 subjects comprising 43 core units and 40 electives. The electives have been chosen to reflect the discipline of plumbing required for registration and licensing, as prescribed by the VBA.

This apprenticeship runs over three years with the bulk of time spent working with your employer and block releases to study on-campus at RMIT.

You'll study five streams of plumbing, comprising three stages of study: drainage, gas, roofing, sanitary and water. You may also choose to study the mechanical stream, which requires an additional stage of study.

As part of your certificate, you will learn to:

  • Weld polymer pipes using fusion method
  • Install and commission Type-A gas appliances
  • Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks
  • Carry out levelling   
  • Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials                                    
  • Maintain mechanical services equipment   
  • Work safely on roofs
  • Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

 

 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Plumbing
Program code: C3411
National curriculum code: CPC32420
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Plumbing
City Campus
Full Time 4 Years
C3411
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 4 Years
Plan code
C3411
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber and Roofing)
City Campus
Full Time 4 Years
C3411GR
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 4 Years
Plan code
C3411GR
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate III Plumbing (General Plumber Roofing and Mechanical)
City Campus
Full Time 4 Years
C3411GRM
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 4 Years
Plan code
C3411GRM
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Trained plumbers install and repair equipment such as boilers, pumps, heating and cooling systems, natural gas appliances, water tanks, solar heating systems, sinks, basins and showers.

Plumbers may be self-employed, employed in small firms, or employed in large construction firms.

The demand for skilled professionals in the plumbing trade is strong. With new construction continuing to show growth, the need for maintenance of infrastructure is increasing.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

This course is delivered as an apprenticeship. To enrol in this course as an apprentice you should:

  • Make contact with Australian Apprenticeship Support Network who can explain Apprenticeship and assist with finding employment as an apprentice.
  • Sign a training contract with your employer and the Apprenticeship Network provider
  • Nominate RMIT as your preferred Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

You will be contacted by RMIT after we are notified by the Apprenticeship Network to organise your enrolment.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Certificate III in Plumbing

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Learn more about international credit transfers

Fees

1 Course plan

Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:

Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber and Roofing)
Plan code: C3411GR
Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber Roofing and Mechanical)
Plan code: C3411GRM

2Fee Type

The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.

If you are not eligible for a government subsidised place, you are considered a full fee paying student.

Government-subsidised training for citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders.

Tuition fees fully covered for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and Youth Justice referrals in a government subsidised place..

Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.

Full fee fee summary

Course nameCertificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber and Roofing)
Plan codeC3411GR
National Curriculum code CPC32420
Duration4year(s)
Nominal hours1,260Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
 $34,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $655.20
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $34,655.20

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $14,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $655.20
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $14,655.20

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $17.05 per nominal hour ($21,483.00 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$2,800.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$126.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $2,926.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $20.25 per nominal hour ($25,515.00 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
 $0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $0.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $17.05 per nominal hour ($21,483.00 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

Course nameCertificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber Roofing and Mechanical)
Plan codeC3411GRM
National Curriculum code CPC32420
Duration4year(s)
Nominal hours1,658Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
 $34,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $862.16
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $34,862.16

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $14,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $862.16
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $14,862.16

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $17.05 per nominal hour ($28,268.90 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$2,800.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$165.80
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $2,965.80

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $20.25 per nominal hour ($33,574.50 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
 $0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $0.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $17.05 per nominal hour ($28,268.90 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

If eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees for this course through a VET Student Loan (VSL)

VET Student Loan cap for Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber and Roofing) (C3411GR): $

Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.

Learn about eligibility for VSL

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures