What Is a Certificate III?
A Certificate III qualifies you to apply a broad range of knowledge and skills in varied contexts to do skilled work, and it is a pathway to further study, according to the Australian Qualifications Framework. It sits above a Certificate II and below a Certificate IV. In trades such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry and automotive, the Certificate III is the core trade qualification you need to work as a qualified tradesperson.
Certificate III Courses by Industry
Electrical
Automotive
Building and Construction
Certificate III in Carpentry
CPC30326
Certificate III in Plumbing
CPC32420
Certificate III in Shopfitting
CPC30120
Engineering
Horticulture and Landscaping
Certificate III in Horticulture
AHC30722
Business, IT and Services (traineeships)
Certificate III in Business
BSB30120
Cert 3 Apprenticeship or Traineeship?
Trade qualifications such as electrical, construction, automotive, engineering and horticulture are completed as apprenticeships, which usually take around four years. Business, finance, IT and supply chain qualifications are completed as traineeships, which are usually shorter. Both are paid jobs with structured training, and both lead to the same nationally recognised qualification. Read more about the difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship.
How to Get a Certificate III Through 1300apprentice
- Choose the qualification and industry that interests you from the list above
- Register your interest or apply for a current job
- We match you with a host employer and sign you into your apprenticeship or traineeship
- You start work, start your training and get paid from your first day
- Our field officers support you and your host employer through to completion
Is a Cert 3 Free?
In NSW, apprentices whose training is funded under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program can study fee free, including school-based apprentices, for training that started on or after 1 July 2018, according to Skills NSW. Traineeships have a separate fee-free initiative. When you train with 1300apprentice, we cover your TAFE or training fees either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cert 3?
A Cert 3, or Certificate III, is a nationally recognised qualification at level 3 of the Australian Qualifications Framework. It gives you the knowledge and skills to do skilled work, and in most trades it is the qualification you need to be recognised as a qualified tradesperson.
What is a Certificate III equivalent to?
A Certificate III is equivalent to level 3 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which places it above a Certificate II and below a Certificate IV and Diploma. In the trades, a Certificate III completed through an apprenticeship is the full trade qualification.
How long does a Cert 3 take?
How long a Cert 3 takes depends on the qualification and how you study it. Trade Certificate IIIs completed as apprenticeships usually take around four years, because most of the learning happens on the job, while Certificate IIIs completed as traineeships are usually shorter.
Can you do a Certificate III while working?
You can do a Certificate III while working, and an apprenticeship or traineeship is designed for exactly that. You are employed and paid while you complete your training, and with 1300apprentice we are your employer and your training fees are covered.
Start Your Certificate III
Ready to earn a nationally recognised qualification while you get paid? Call 1300 277 736 or register your interest and our team will help you choose the right Certificate III.




































