A lot of people underestimate what it takes to become a qualified painter and decorator. They picture someone with a roller and a drop sheet. What they don’t picture is a professional who can match any colour precisely, apply decorative finishes on heritage buildings, safely work on elevated platforms, read architectural plans, handle hazardous materials, and quote a job accurately enough to run their own business. That’s actually what a qualified painter and decorator can do – and that’s exactly what the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) trains you for.
If you’re an international student considering this path in Melbourne, here is everything you need to know before you apply.
What Is the CPC30620?
The CPC30620 is a nationally recognised, AQF-accredited trade qualification that provides a genuine career outcome in painting and decorating for both residential and commercial construction work. It is the standard qualification required to work as a professional painter and decorator in Australia and is listed on the national training register at training.gov.au.
At AABT College, this course runs for 52 weeks – made up of 45 weeks of class delivery and 7 weeks of scheduled breaks. Classes run face-to-face for 20 hours per week across 10-week study periods, delivered at AABT’s practical training facility. The total learning load is 1,350 hours, split between 900 hours of classroom training and assessment, and 450 hours of guided self-study.
What Will You Actually Learn?
The course covers 29 units of competency – 26 core and 3 electives. But beyond the unit codes, here is what that looks like in practice:
Surface preparation – Learning to strip old paint, fill holes, sand, seal, and prime surfaces correctly. This is the foundation of every painting job; a poor prep means a poor finish, no matter how good the paint is.
Application techniques – Brush and roller work, spray painting, texture coat finishes, and applying protective coating systems. You will practise all of these, not just read about them.
Decorative finishes – Applying wallpaper, matching specific paint colours, staining timber, and creating decorative effects. This is the creative side of the trade that sets skilled painters apart.
Safety and compliance – Two dedicated units cover working safely with lead-painted surfaces and encapsulating non-friable asbestos. In Melbourne’s older housing stock, this knowledge is not optional – it is essential.
Working at heights – Units covering scaffolding, trestle and plank systems, and operating elevated work platforms up to 11 metres. You will need a White Card (construction induction card) before commencing practical work.
Business skills – Three elective units include investigating business opportunities and organising finances for a new business venture, because many painters in Australia work for themselves.
Entry Requirements for International Students
To enrol at AABT College, international students need to meet these requirements:
• Age: 18 years or older at the time of course commencement.
• Academic: Equivalent of Australian Year 10 or above.
• English: Minimum IELTS 6.0 overall (or equivalent – PTE, Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted). Students with IELTS 5.5 may enrol with an ELICOS pathway of up to 10 weeks; IELTS 5.0 with up to 20 weeks of ELICOS.
• Physical: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and carry tools, work at heights, and use manual and power tools safely.
• Computer literacy: Basic MS Office and internet skills, plus a personal laptop (Windows 10 or higher)
All students also complete a pre-training review and an LLN&D (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) test after enrolment to ensure the right level of support is in place from day one.
Fees at a Glance
- Fee Type Amount
- Tuition Fee $20,000
- Enrolment Fee $300
- Material Fee $2,200
The material fee covers the tools, equipment, and consumables used throughout the 52 weeks of practical training – meaning you are not sourcing these separately on top of your tuition.
What Jobs Can You Get After Graduating?
Graduates of the CPC30620 can work as a painter and decorator, construction painter, maintenance painter, decorative finisher, spray painter, or protective coatings applicator. In 2026, painters in Australia earn an average of AUD $80,000-$85,000 per year, with over 1,300 painting jobs listed on seek.com.au and a projected 2.9% growth in the trade over the next five years. Many graduates choose to become self-employed contractors – painting has one of the highest rates of self-employment of any trade in Australia.
How to Apply to AABT College?
The process is straightforward. Read the student prospectus and handbook first – both are available to download from the AABT website. Then prepare your academic records, English language test results, and identification documents. Complete the pre-training review and submit your online application form. If you have questions about eligibility or documentation, the admissions team is available at admissions@aabt.edu.au.
AABT College is a CRICOS-registered institution (Provider No. 03734D, RTO No. 45457) located at Level 3, 382 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, with practical classes held at the dedicated workshop in North Melbourne.
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