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CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying

National ID
CPC33020
WA Course Code
BGD8
CRICOS code
103833B
Five students stand together, facing the camera with big smiles. In the background is a body of water and a scenic view of the Perth skyline

Why choose this course?

Build your bricklaying/blocklaying career by completing this hands on qualification. Gain the skills and knowledge to use tools and equipment to lay bricks for domestic, commercial and public building projects. This course covers techniques such as basic levelling procedures, basic demolition, measurements and calculations, erecting and dismantling restricted scaffolding and setting out a project. You will also learn how to create arches and columns, build feature and curved walls and construct steps and ornamental panels. You will also develop the knowledge to interpret plans and an understanding of occupational health and safety requirements for the construction industry.


This course is ideal if you love working outdoors, have good hand-eye coordination and the ability to complete work to a high standard.

Career opportunities

  • Bricklayer & Blocklayer

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 10 with passes in Maths.

Please refer to the Non-Tuition Fees section of your Letter of Offer for any additional requirements where a cost may be incurred.

Your study options

Semester 2, 2024

Duration | 4 semesters
When | Semester 2, 2024
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)
How | On campus and work placement, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $26,760
  • Resources fee: $2,472
  • Materials fee: $1,796

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement
During your Bricklaying qualification at SM TAFE, you will be required to undertake a work experience component that will be based in industry and on a ‘construction worksite’. It will be your responsibility to source your own work experience and you will need to complete a workplace logbook recording the hours and tasks you complete. This logbook will also need be signed off by your site supervisor. Students must complete ‘CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’ to gain a “white card” before being permitted to enter a construction work site. This unit will be delivered prior to commencing your work experience requirement and will be outlined by your lecturers during your studies and at orientation.

Year 10/11/12
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying - BGD8
4 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 28 units. These 28 are comprised of 20 core units and 8 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL2001 Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials
  • CPCCBL2002 Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment
  • CPCCBL3002 Carry out masonry veneer construction
  • CPCCBL3003 Carry out cavity brick construction
  • CPCCBL3005 Lay masonry walls and corners
  • CPCCBL3006 Lay multi-thickness walls and piers
  • CPCCBL3009 Install flashings and damp proof course
  • CPCCBL3010 Construct masonry arches
  • CPCCBL3011 Construct curved walls
  • CPCCBL3013 Construct masonry structural systems
  • CPCCCA3002 Carry out setting out
  • CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures
  • CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
  • CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
  • CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
  • CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
  • CPCCOM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
  • CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL3001 Lay paving
  • CPCCBL3004 Construct masonry steps and stairs
  • CPCCBL3007 Install glass blockwork
  • CPCCBL3014 Install fire-rated masonry construction
  • CPCCBL3015 Construct decorative brickwork
  • CPCCBL3016 Construct battered masonry walls and piers
  • CPCCCO2013 Carry out concreting to simple forms
  • CPCCPA3003 Cut segmental paving

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written and oral questioning which will assess theory and knowledge and will take place in the classrooms. Practical skills will be assessed by direct observation, and recorded on observation checklists. Students will undergo training prior to the practical assessment which will be demonstrated by the lecturer during the training exercises. All students will be given the opportunity to practice their skills prior to being assessed and will take place at SM TAFE Thornlie Campus, Block 6, Bricklaying Section. The assessment conditions have been designed to resemble a working environment.  

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to appropriate support materials and learning resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, industry web links and workbooks.

Facilities and equipment may include access to simulated work areas for all practical based training such as workshops, scaffolding, open areas designated for brick cutting, sand storage and cement mixers, full size sample brick buildings, full size set outs for house slabs, classrooms safety equipment and PPE.  Safety boots which must be provided by the student.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 4 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)
How | On campus and work placement, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $26,760
  • Resources fee: $2,472
  • Materials fee: $1,796

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement
During your Bricklaying qualification at SM TAFE, you will be required to undertake a work experience component that will be based in industry and on a ‘construction worksite’. It will be your responsibility to source your own work experience and you will need to complete a workplace logbook recording the hours and tasks you complete. This logbook will also need be signed off by your site supervisor. Students must complete ‘CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’ to gain a “white card” before being permitted to enter a construction work site. This unit will be delivered prior to commencing your work experience requirement and will be outlined by your lecturers during your studies and at orientation.

Year 10/11/12
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying - BGD8
4 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 28 units. These 28 are comprised of 20 core units and 8 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL2001 Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials
  • CPCCBL2002 Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment
  • CPCCBL3002 Carry out masonry veneer construction
  • CPCCBL3003 Carry out cavity brick construction
  • CPCCBL3005 Lay masonry walls and corners
  • CPCCBL3006 Lay multi-thickness walls and piers
  • CPCCBL3009 Install flashings and damp proof course
  • CPCCBL3010 Construct masonry arches
  • CPCCBL3011 Construct curved walls
  • CPCCBL3013 Construct masonry structural systems
  • CPCCCA3002 Carry out setting out
  • CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures
  • CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
  • CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
  • CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
  • CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
  • CPCCOM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
  • CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL3001 Lay paving
  • CPCCBL3004 Construct masonry steps and stairs
  • CPCCBL3007 Install glass blockwork
  • CPCCBL3014 Install fire-rated masonry construction
  • CPCCBL3015 Construct decorative brickwork
  • CPCCBL3016 Construct battered masonry walls and piers
  • CPCCCO2013 Carry out concreting to simple forms
  • CPCCPA3003 Cut segmental paving

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written and oral questioning which will assess theory and knowledge and will take place in the classrooms. Practical skills will be assessed by direct observation, and recorded on observation checklists. Students will undergo training prior to the practical assessment which will be demonstrated by the lecturer during the training exercises. All students will be given the opportunity to practice their skills prior to being assessed and will take place at SM TAFE Thornlie Campus, Block 6, Bricklaying Section. The assessment conditions have been designed to resemble a working environment.  

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to appropriate support materials and learning resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, industry web links and workbooks.

Facilities and equipment may include access to simulated work areas for all practical based training such as workshops, scaffolding, open areas designated for brick cutting, sand storage and cement mixers, full size sample brick buildings, full size set outs for house slabs, classrooms safety equipment and PPE.  Safety boots which must be provided by the student.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 2, 2025

Duration | 4 semesters
When | Semester 2, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)
How | On campus and work placement, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $26,760
  • Resources fee: $2,472
  • Materials fee: $1,796

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement
During your Bricklaying qualification at SM TAFE, you will be required to undertake a work experience component that will be based in industry and on a ‘construction worksite’. It will be your responsibility to source your own work experience and you will need to complete a workplace logbook recording the hours and tasks you complete. This logbook will also need be signed off by your site supervisor. Students must complete ‘CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’ to gain a “white card” before being permitted to enter a construction work site. This unit will be delivered prior to commencing your work experience requirement and will be outlined by your lecturers during your studies and at orientation.

Year 10/11/12
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying - BGD8
4 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 28 units. These 28 are comprised of 20 core units and 8 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL2001 Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials
  • CPCCBL2002 Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment
  • CPCCBL3002 Carry out masonry veneer construction
  • CPCCBL3003 Carry out cavity brick construction
  • CPCCBL3005 Lay masonry walls and corners
  • CPCCBL3006 Lay multi-thickness walls and piers
  • CPCCBL3009 Install flashings and damp proof course
  • CPCCBL3010 Construct masonry arches
  • CPCCBL3011 Construct curved walls
  • CPCCBL3013 Construct masonry structural systems
  • CPCCCA3002 Carry out setting out
  • CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures
  • CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
  • CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
  • CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
  • CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
  • CPCCOM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
  • CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL3001 Lay paving
  • CPCCBL3004 Construct masonry steps and stairs
  • CPCCBL3007 Install glass blockwork
  • CPCCBL3014 Install fire-rated masonry construction
  • CPCCBL3015 Construct decorative brickwork
  • CPCCBL3016 Construct battered masonry walls and piers
  • CPCCCO2013 Carry out concreting to simple forms
  • CPCCPA3003 Cut segmental paving

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written and oral questioning which will assess theory and knowledge and will take place in the classrooms. Practical skills will be assessed by direct observation, and recorded on observation checklists. Students will undergo training prior to the practical assessment which will be demonstrated by the lecturer during the training exercises. All students will be given the opportunity to practice their skills prior to being assessed and will take place at SM TAFE Thornlie Campus, Block 6, Bricklaying Section. The assessment conditions have been designed to resemble a working environment.  

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to appropriate support materials and learning resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, industry web links and workbooks.

Facilities and equipment may include access to simulated work areas for all practical based training such as workshops, scaffolding, open areas designated for brick cutting, sand storage and cement mixers, full size sample brick buildings, full size set outs for house slabs, classrooms safety equipment and PPE.  Safety boots which must be provided by the student.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 4 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)
How | On campus and work placement, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $26,760
  • Resources fee: $2,472
  • Materials fee: $1,796

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

During your Bricklaying qualification at SM TAFE, you will be required to undertake a work experience component that will be based in industry and on a ‘construction worksite’. It will be your responsibility to source your own work experience and you will need to complete a workplace logbook recording the hours and tasks you complete. This logbook will also need be signed off by your site supervisor. Students must complete ‘CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’ to gain a “white card” before being permitted to enter a construction work site. This unit will be delivered prior to commencing your work experience requirement and will be outlined by your lecturers during your studies and at orientation.

Year 10/11/12
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying - BGD8
4 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 28 units. These 28 are comprised of 20 core units and 8 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL2001 Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials
  • CPCCBL2002 Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment
  • CPCCBL3002 Carry out masonry veneer construction
  • CPCCBL3003 Carry out cavity brick construction
  • CPCCBL3005 Lay masonry walls and corners
  • CPCCBL3006 Lay multi-thickness walls and piers
  • CPCCBL3009 Install flashings and damp proof course
  • CPCCBL3010 Construct masonry arches
  • CPCCBL3011 Construct curved walls
  • CPCCBL3013 Construct masonry structural systems
  • CPCCCA3002 Carry out setting out
  • CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures
  • CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
  • CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
  • CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
  • CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
  • CPCCOM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
  • CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPCCBL3001 Lay paving
  • CPCCBL3004 Construct masonry steps and stairs
  • CPCCBL3007 Install glass blockwork
  • CPCCBL3014 Install fire-rated masonry construction
  • CPCCBL3015 Construct decorative brickwork
  • CPCCBL3016 Construct battered masonry walls and piers
  • CPCCCO2013 Carry out concreting to simple forms
  • CPCCPA3003 Cut segmental paving

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written and oral questioning which will assess theory and knowledge and will take place in the classrooms. Practical skills will be assessed by direct observation, and recorded on observation checklists. Students will undergo training prior to the practical assessment which will be demonstrated by the lecturer during the training exercises. All students will be given the opportunity to practice their skills prior to being assessed and will take place at SM TAFE Thornlie Campus, Block 6, Bricklaying Section. The assessment conditions have been designed to resemble a working environment.  

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to appropriate support materials and learning resources, Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, industry web links and workbooks.

Facilities and equipment may include access to simulated work areas for all practical based training such as workshops, scaffolding, open areas designated for brick cutting, sand storage and cement mixers, full size sample brick buildings, full size set outs for house slabs, classrooms safety equipment and PPE.  Safety boots which must be provided by the student.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

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  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

Last updated on December 1, 2022