Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

If you have been worked as a joiner in the building construction but have not yet attained your qualification for any reason, you’re come to the right place. The RPL Recognition of Prior Learning program is a way to convert your skills and work experience into a formal Certificate III in Joinery from one of our Registered Training Organisation partners.

Let’s get your skills certified!

Certificate III in Joinery Overview

The Certificate III in Joinery (CPC31920) is designed for individuals who aspire to work in the construction industry, specialising in joinery. A joiner is responsible for cutting, shaping, and fitting timber components in workshops to create structures and fittings that are prepared for installation. Considering obtaining this certificate is advisable, as it represents one of the key trade qualifications required for positions as a joiner in the building and construction sector.

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:

29 units of competency must be completed:

  • 18 core units
  • 11 elective units

Job titles: Joiner, Stair builder

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Find out if you qualify for this certificate

Why do I need the Certificate III in Joinery?

If you have been working as a joiner in the residential or commercial building industry but have yet to get your qualification for any reason, following an RPL program for this certification will significantly increase your prospects in the building and construction sector. It will also enable you to be ready for the requirements to be a certified trade worker, so enabling professionals to legally start industrial, commercial, and residential building and construction projects all around Australia.

International students and migrants working as a joiner in Australian building construction want to apply for skills assessment for the occupation of joiner under the General Skills Migration (GSM) programme. To satisfy one of the qualifications for their migration skills assessment, they must thus obtain the Certificate III in Joinery.

Ozlinks Education can assist you in transforming your skills and work experience into a formal Certificate III in Joinery through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program with one of our Registered Training Organisation partners. Our expert team will assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored support to ensure that you achieve the qualifications necessary to advance your career.

rpl certificate iii in joinery
rpl certificate iii in joinery

What does a joiner do?

A joiner cuts, shapes and fits timber parts in workshops to form structures and fittings, ready for installation.

Their job involves:

  • Interprets plans, specifications and drawings to determine joinery materials and methods required to meet project specifications
  • Uses hand or power tools and static machines, and programs and operates computer-controlled machinery to produce joinery components
  • Manufactures and assembles of joinery components such as multi paneled doors, window sashes and cabinet carcasses
  • Designs, manufactures and finishes wooden stairs, including stair posts, handrails and balustrades
  • Assembles components using joinery methods such as clamps, cramps, pressers, packers and wedges
  • Disassembles joinery components and packages them for transport

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is governed by the Australian Government’s Department of Education in consultation with the states and territories, gives all students the right to have their prior education, relevant work experience, and training acknowledged to facilitate their advancement towards and between qualifications. Every registered training organisation (RTO) has its own policies and procedures for determining your RPL eligibility, but the fundamentals are the same. The experience and skills you’ve gained through your work can help you complete a qualification faster and reduce the time commitment of taking a course to get you closer to your dream job.

The advantages of using RPL program

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offer numerous benefits, including time and cost savings by validating existing skills and experience, expedited qualification achievement, and improved employment prospects. RPL program helps you:

  • There is no need to relearn what you already know.
  • It saves both your time and tuition fees.
  • Assist you in achieving your career change objectives in Australia.
  • Gaining an Australian qualification requires less time.
  • You do not need to attend classes or redo the training you have already completed.
  • Open new career opportunities in the building industry.
  • Obtain a qualification to satisfy the visa or skills assessment requirements.

Evidence requirements

Below is the general list of documents that you are required to provide to support your RPL assessment application:

  • 100 points of identification documents (ID)
  • A current resume outlines your relevant employment history
  • Student USI number
  • A white card or any other relevant license
  • Employment evidence, including an employment reference letter, employment contract, payslips, income statement, and superannuation.
  • Workplace photos and videos showcasing yourself performing your tasks according to the job duties mentioned above demonstrate your competency in the applied qualification.

Note: Note: Additional gap training may be necessary to address any areas for improvement and to ensure a positive assessment outcome. An RTO assessor might conduct a competency interview with you to identify any existing training gaps.

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

What RPL qualification are you looking for?

To improve your chances of landing a high-paying job in the Australian job market, consider evaluating your skills and having them formally recognised. You can apply for skills certification through the recognition of prior learning process if you are a skilled worker or an international student migrant living in Australia with recent job experience. Choose the qualification that best meets your needs and circumstances from the list below. Building and construction is a significant industry that offers employment opportunities to both men and women in a wide variety of professions, such as joiners, carpenters, wall and floor tiler, solid plasterer, roof plumber, and general plumber. The building and construction refer to the manufacturing and commercial sector of the industrial sector that is concerned with the building, repairing, renovating, and maintaining of infrastructures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions that our customers often ask us. If you need more information, don't hesitate to contact Ozlinks Education now.

Why should you consider RPL?

The RPL is generally a faster way to an Australian qualification than completing a formal training course because it recognizes your previous work experience.

Yes. The RPL evaluation process is just as thorough as any other evaluation. But the evidence you need to show may be different from what is usually asked in a class assessment.

When the criteria for each of the subjects are met, a degree may be partially or fully accredited. For example, only completed subjects can be counted towards the qualification.

Even if your credits aren't enough to qualify, you can still receive written certification of the courses you've completed.

This will depend on the complexity of your qualification, how many subjects you apply for and how long it takes you to gather proof of work experience, collate and submit proof. Usually, the RPL process is 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application to the RPL assessment institute and also depends on your industry and qualifications.