If you want to become a qualified tiler in Australia, you have two main routes: a traditional apprenticeship or the CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling through a CRICOS-registered RTO. Both lead to the same nationally recognised qualification, but the experience — and who can access each route — is very different.
The CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling is a nationally recognised qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It covers all the competencies required to work as a professional wall and floor tiler — from surface preparation and tile cutting to grouting, waterproofing, and OH&S compliance on construction sites.
A tiling apprenticeship in NSW typically takes 3–4 years and is completed while working full-time for a registered employer. You earn a wage throughout, and your employer is responsible for providing the on-the-job component. The apprenticeship includes both workplace training and some off-the-job training (usually at TAFE).
Important for international students: Traditional apprenticeships are generally not available on student visas. The CPC31320 through a CRICOS-registered RTO is specifically designed to be accessible to international students on valid student visas.
Completing the CPC31320 through a CRICOS-registered RTO like Wyatt Education Group offers international students a structured, compliant pathway to the same nationally recognised qualification — with a clear link to skilled migration outcomes.
Both pathways lead to the same AQF Level 3 qualification. The apprenticeship is longer but employer-sponsored and paid; the CRICOS route is faster, accessible to international students, and feeds directly into the Job Ready Program for skilled migration.
For most international students on a skilled migration pathway, the CPC31320 via CRICOS RTO is the only practical option — and it's designed specifically for this purpose.
If you already have tiling experience — whether in Australia or overseas — you may be eligible for RPL, which recognises your existing skills and can reduce the time and cost to complete the qualification. At Wyatt, our RPL process involves a portfolio assessment and structured gap training to fill any competency gaps.
RPL candidates typically complete their qualification in a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost than the full course. It's particularly suited to experienced tilers who want to formalise their skills for the TRA assessment.
If you're an international student on a student visa in Sydney looking to qualify as a tiler for skilled migration purposes — the CPC31320 at a CRICOS-registered RTO is your pathway. It's structured, compliant, and designed to connect with the Job Ready Program.
If you're a domestic student or Australian permanent resident looking to enter the trade as a career — an apprenticeship offers valuable paid work experience and strong employer relationships in the industry.
Wyatt Education Group is a CRICOS-registered RTO (46003) delivering nationally recognised qualifications in Bankstown, Sydney.
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