At a glance
- Level
- Certificate IIITrade qualification
- Field
- Construction finishing tradesPainting, coatings, wallcoverings
- Study mode
- Practical plus theoryDuration and fees vary by provider
- Education advice
- FreeOur education counsellors are QEAC certified
Construction trades
What you actually study
Units and delivery differ between providers, so treat this as the shape of the qualification rather than a specific timetable. We get you the actual unit list and schedule from the providers we work with.
Surface preparation
The part that actually determines the finish. Substrate assessment, filling, sanding and priming.
Coating systems
Choosing and applying the right system for the substrate and the environment, by brush, roller and spray.
Wallcoverings and decorative finishes
Hanging, matching and specialty finishes.
Hazard management
Lead paint in older buildings, asbestos awareness, working at heights and ventilation. Regulated for good reason.
Where it leads
Career outcomes
Roles this qualification is commonly used for in Australia. Employment outcomes depend on your experience, English and the labour market — a qualification opens a door rather than guaranteeing a job.
- 01
Painter and decorator
New construction, renovation and maintenance.
- 02
Commercial and industrial coatings applicator
Specialised systems on larger projects.
- 03
Maintenance painter
Ongoing contracts with strata, government and facilities managers.
- 04
Self-employed contractor
Subject to state licensing, which is separate from the qualification.
How we help
Course advice is free. Visa advice is regulated.
We keep the two separate on purpose. Education counselling costs you nothing; immigration assistance is given by a registered agent under the MARA Code of Conduct, and it is charged.
- 01
Free course and provider advice
Our QEAC-certified education counsellors compare providers, campuses, intake dates and fees against what you actually want. This part costs nothing.
- 02
Application and enrolment
We handle the provider application through to your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment.
- 03
Your student visa
Handled by a MARA-registered migration agent, because that is immigration assistance. The Genuine Student requirement and financial evidence are where these applications are decided.
- 04
After you start
Course progress and attendance conditions, provider transfers done in the right order, and planning the graduate pathway before your final semester rather than after it.
Before you enrol
Entry requirements, and what to confirm
Requirements are set by each provider, not by us. Duration, tuition and campus vary, which is exactly why we compare rather than send everyone to the same college.
- 01
English at the provider's required level
Varies between providers.
- 02
Physical suitability
Working at heights and sustained physical work.
- 03
Construction induction card
Commonly required for site work.
- 04
Duration, fees and campus
Vary by provider.
Fees and the honest bit
What this costs
A course does not guarantee a visa or permanent residence. A qualification can support a skills assessment against a nominated occupation, which can in turn support a visa application. Those are separate steps with separate requirements, and skilled occupation lists change.
Course and provider information on this page is general and set by providers; confirm units, duration, fees and intakes with the provider before enrolling. Migration information is general only and is not immigration assistance for your circumstances.
Education counselling: QEAC 1942, ICEF accredited agency #4216. Immigration assistance: MARA-registered migration agent, MARN 1793706. Reviewed August 2026.
Course and provider advice
Education counselling
Comparing providers, campuses, intakes and fees, and handling your application through to a Confirmation of Enrolment.
FreeFor international students
Student visa application
Immigration assistance
Prepared and lodged by a MARA-registered agent, including the Genuine Student responses and financial evidence.
On quoteFixed in writing before work starts
Tuition, provider application fees, OSHC, Department of Home Affairs charges and English tests are separate and not included.
See the full pricing page.
Other courses
Related qualifications
All the courses we place students into are on study in Australia.
Carpentry
Cert IIIStructural and finishing carpentry, and a licensed trade pathway.
Wall & Floor Tiling
Cert IIISubstrates, waterproofing and setting out. High liability, high demand.
Bricklaying
Cert IIIStructural masonry in brick, block and stone.
Questions
What students ask
Course details come from providers and change. Migration answers are general guidance only.