Have you been working in the construction industry for some time but you don’t have your trade licence?

 

With your years of industry experience and knowledge, your Certificate III trade qualification could be quicker to achieve than you think with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which you can achieve a nationally recognised qualification, without the need to attend classes. You are assessed by providing us with evidence of the knowledge, skills and experience you already have. Our industry expert assessors review your submission and provide feedback if we require more information or clarification.

Best of all, you could earn your Certificate III trade qualification within 6 months!

The Australian and NSW Governments support the building and construction industry with educational subsidies, tax write-offs and consumer grants, so there’s no reason to delay your journey.

How do I find out about becoming a licensed tradesperson?

NSW Fair Trading provides all licensing for the building and construction industry of New South Wales.

Before making any training decisions we recommend you find out everything you need to know about becoming a licenced trade professional from NSW Fair Trading. 

Our previously completed students who are on the pathway have success with licence approvals by NSW Fair Trading. 

Find out how we can help you reach your qualification goals. Take the next step with Master Builders.

Course Enquiry

Are you interested in enrolling in our course or program?

Complete the form below and we will get back to you shortly.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

BROWSE THE TRADE QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM MASTER BUILDERS. YOU CAN ENROL AT ANYTIME.

Carpentry RPL

CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry

Cabinet Making and Timber Technology RPL

MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

Renovation RPL

Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Renovation

Bricklaying/Blocklaying RPL

CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying

Concreting RPL

CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting

FAQ

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which you can achieve a nationally recognised qualification, without the need to attend classes. Simply follow our RPL kit and provide video and photographic evidence of the knowledge, skills and experience you have. Plus, our industry expert assessors review your submission and provide feedback if we require more information or clarification.

The assessment practical activities are very specific and require you to have access to your workplace and a variety of job tasks. These tasks relate to the practical components of each unit of competency, and you must be able to have access to tools, equipment and materials necessary to carry out the tasks.

To participate you will need a laptop or computer with internet access to login. With our RPL program you can submit all the required assessment knowledge questions, practical activities and evidence in our online student system.

Watch our video for tips on how to gather evidence for your RPL kit.

Examples of the types of evidence that you will need to gather will depend on the qualification you are completing, however, examples could include:

  • Video footage of your performing tasks on site
  • Time-lapse photos of you performing tasks on site
  • Certificates you have already gained 
  • Project management documentation

Watch our video for tips on the types of evidence you need to gather for your RPL kit.

Once you have submitted your answers and the evidence you have gathered, one of our industry professional assessors will review them and will advise you if any additional evidence is required. When your evidence is complete, you can provide demonstrations of your on-site practical tasks connecting with WhatsApp or FaceTime with one of our industry expert trainers.

  • Observe you working on current projects demonstrating your skills
  • Take notes of what they observe you demonstrating and assess your skill level
  • Work together with you to identify any gaps in your knowledge and skills and put a plan in place to fill those skills gaps

After all the evidence is gathered, the answers are marked, and you are observed on-site and assessed via online video, your RPL process will be complete.

To apply for the Master Builders Certificate III qualification courses, you must have the following minimum entry requirements:

  • Minimum of 2-5 years (depending on the qualification) of full-time experience in the relevant industry within the last 10 years
  • Valid White Card (general construction induction card)
  • Currently working on-site in the relevant industry and access to tools of the trade
  • Successfully complete our building and construction online quiz
  • Successfully complete our referee checking process

Enrolment Restrictions

MBA have set the following enrolment restrictions to ensure you are able to progress through your training:

  • Students cannot enrol in more than one online program at a time.  
  • Students cannot undertake more than two programs in total at a time.
  • This does not include our online Professional Development or short 1 or 2 day courses.

For more information on entry requirements please read the qualification webpages and course information brochures.

Take your place in one of Australia’s largest industries, study with the Master Builders. Backed by the original Building and Construction Association, why would you choose anyone else for your qualification pathway to a building licence?

Within our building community, you will be supported by our industry expert educators and our customer service team throughout your learning journey. 

NSW Fair Trading provides all licensing for tradespeople who work in the building and construction industry of New South Wales.
Our previously completed students who are on the pathway have success with licence approvals by NSW Fair Trading. 

Before making any training decisions we recommend you find out everything you need to know about becoming a licenced trade professional from NSW Fair Trading. 

The Smart and Skilled program provides subsidies from the NSW Government to support your training. Master Builders has a contract with the NSW Government (Department of Education) to offer subsidised training and assessment programs under the government’s Smart and Skilled program.
Eligibility and course availability criteria apply. To find out if you are eligible visit the Smart and Skilled NSW website. The Master Builders customer service team will also assist you with your enquiries.

To further his career, Tony came to the Master Builders to start on the pathway to a building licence. As part of this journey, he needed to complete the Certificate III in Carpentry.
““The RPL process at Master Builders has been really good. If anyone has work experience in the industry, I’d recommend RPL at Master Builders because it’s quick. For me, I get my certificate quicker because Master Builders assesses me on my work and skills”.”
– Tony Polifrone, 26 years, Concrete Formworker