Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling

Precision on every surface. A trade that fits every space.

Course overview

The Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling builds the precision behind every great-looking space. Students learn surface preparation, waterproofing, plan interpretation and professional tiling technique across ceramic, glass, slate, marble and clay materials, covering both interior and exterior wall and floor applications including decorative, mosaic and curved surface work. Graduates are ready to work as a tiler, tiling subcontractor, or to establish their own business across residential and commercial construction.

Why choose Wall and Floor Tiling at Evantaa?

• Workshop-first training — The majority of your time is spent at the bench — preparing surfaces, setting out layouts, cutting tiles and grouting to trade standard in our purpose-built tiling workshop from the very first term.
• Full trade scope in one qualification — This course covers everything from basic wall and floor tile installation through to waterproofing systems, mosaic work, decorative tiling, curved surfaces and tile repair — you graduate with the full trade skill set.
• Materials knowledge built in — Ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone, slate, clay, marble — understanding how different materials behave, cut and bond is what separates a good tiler from a great one. This course covers all of it.
• Heights and scaffolding included — Scaffolding erection, working at heights and elevated work platform operation are all built into the elective units — the site safety credentials you’ll need on any commercial or residential project.
• Two campuses, one qualification — Study in Melbourne or Brisbane — the same 62-week program, the same workshop standard, the same CRICOS-registered credential.
• A trade with growing commercial demand — Tiling is required at the fit-out stage of every residential, commercial and hospitality build. As the renovation sector grows and apartment construction continues, qualified tilers are consistently in demand.

What you’ll learn

• Handle and store tiling materials, adhesives and grouts correctly
• Use wall and floor tiling hand and power tools safely and effectively
• Prepare and waterproof surfaces for tiling application
• Set out, install and finish floor and wall tiles to trade standard
• Install decorative tiling, mosaic tiling and tile curved surfaces
• Repair and restore existing wall and floor tiling
• Read and interpret construction plans and tiling specifications
• Apply levelling procedures and basic surveying for tile layout
• Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding and work safely at heights
• Apply WHS requirements and construction industry safety practices

Entry requirements

Academic

• Minimum age 18 years at commencement
• Year 11 or Year 12 completion, or equivalent academic preparation

English proficiency

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) — online tests not accepted
• PTE Academic: 48 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 54 overall

Other

• Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment (completed pre-enrolment)
• Completion of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry is required before commencing site-based units (general construction induction — White Card)

Course structure

The CPC31320 comprises 20 units of competency — 17 core units and 3 elective units — delivered face-to-face across 62 weeks with a minimum of 20 contact hours per week. The program moves progressively from foundational trade skills and materials handling through to complex tiling applications including waterproofing systems, curved surfaces, mosaic work and decorative installations. Heights and elevated work platform units are integrated across the program to meet site safety requirements.

Three elective units selected to build heights safety and site mobility capability:

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment is competency-based — you are assessed as either Competent or Not Yet Competent against each unit’s performance criteria. No grades or marks are awarded.

• A — Written assessments — Knowledge questions, short-answer tests and written case studies assessing your understanding of tiling materials, adhesives, waterproofing systems, specifications and WHS requirements.
• B — Practical demonstrations — Observed demonstrations in the on-campus tiling workshop, assessed to trade standard. Tasks include surface preparation, tile layout, cutting, adhesive application, grouting, waterproofing and repair.
• C — Projects — Integrated tiling installation projects assessed holistically — setting out from a plan, completing a full tile installation to specification, and documenting the process.
• F — On-site safety assessment — Scaffolding erection/dismantling, working at heights and elevated work platform operation are assessed in a simulated or actual site environment to the relevant performance criteria.

Resources & facilities

Training is delivered in Evantaa’s purpose-built tiling workshop, equipped with purpose-built tile setting stations, substrate panels, mixing benches, full tiling tool kits, spray-applied waterproofing systems, tile cutting equipment (hand, angle grinder and wet saw), and sample tile ranges covering ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone and mosaic. Scaffolding and elevated work platforms are available at both campuses for heights unit training. All consumables — adhesives, grouts, waterproofing compounds and tiles — are provided.

Evantaa’s tiling workshop is purpose-built for trade-level training. It includes multiple tiling stations with different substrate types (concrete, fibre cement, render, plasterboard), a full range of hand tools, angle grinders and wet-saw cutting equipment, spray-applied waterproofing systems and a sample material library covering ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone and mosaic. Scaffolding and elevated work platforms are available at both campuses for heights unit training. All adhesives, grouts, waterproofing compounds and tile materials are supplied — you come to class and learn.

Recognition of prior learning & credit transfer

Students with relevant prior experience or formal training may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT). RPL involves gathering and assessing evidence of existing skills and knowledge against unit requirements. Applications must be submitted before or at commencement. Contact admissions@evantaa.edu.au for the RPL/CT application form.

Licensing & regulatory information

Tiling work may be subject to licensing requirements in some states and territories. In Victoria, tiling work valued over the minor works threshold may require registration as a Domestic Builder (Limited) under the Building Act 1993. In Queensland, tiling work is a licensable trade under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Act. Graduates should confirm applicable licensing requirements with the relevant state or territory authority before commencing trade work.

Where it can take you

Tiling is one of the most consistently demanded finishing trades in the Australian construction industry. Qualified tilers work across residential housing, commercial fit-out, hospitality projects, aquatic centres, heritage restoration and high-end renovation — and the skills are transferable internationally.

With a CPC31320, you could work as:

• Wall and Floor Tiler — installing tiles in residential and commercial interiors — kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, commercial lobbies and facades.
• Tiling Subcontractor — working for builders and developers as a licensed trade contractor on housing estates, apartment builds and commercial fit-outs.
• Maintenance Tiler — servicing, repairing and replacing tiles in commercial premises, body corporate buildings and public facilities.
• Senior Tiler or Leading Hand — supervising a tiling crew on larger commercial or mixed-use projects.
• Renovation Specialist — working directly with homeowners and interior designers on high-end kitchen, bathroom and outdoor tiling projects.
• Tiling Business Owner — establishing your own tiling contracting business — a natural step for experienced tilers with commercial acumen.

Pathways for further study

• CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction — step into site supervision, estimating and project management
• CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) — advance into building management
• CPC40320 Certificate IV in Building Project Support — specialise in estimating and contract administration

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for you if:

• You’re detail-oriented and precise — Tiling is one of the most demanding finishing trades in construction — every line, every joint and every level matters. If you take pride in getting things exactly right, you’ll find this trade deeply satisfying.
• You enjoy working with a variety of materials — Every project brings different substrates, tile formats, adhesive systems and installation challenges. Tilers who understand materials and adapt their technique accordingly are the ones in highest demand.
• You want to work on projects people can see — Tiling is a highly visible finish — every completed bathroom, kitchen or commercial lobby is a showcase of your skill. There’s real pride in the result.
• You want a trade with a clear contractor pathway — Many tilers move into self-employment within a few years of qualifying. Setup costs are manageable and demand is consistent.
• You want to work in Melbourne, Brisbane, or beyond — Tiling qualifications are recognised nationally — and the trade is in demand across every Australian capital city and regionally.

Not sure if it’s for you? Contact admissions@evantaa.edu.au — we’ll help you work out if this course suits your goals.

Fast facts

Fees

Fees are shown in Australian dollars. See the full fee schedule for payment plans and international rates, and our Refunds Policy for refund terms.

Keep exploring

• Conditions of Enrolment — your study load and attendance obligations.
• Planning Your Arrival — what to book and pack before you fly.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — your visa-required health insurance.
• Student Central — forms, support and services.

Frequently Asked Questions