A Certificate III is a nationally-recognised qualification and gives students more in-depth theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to move forward in their career. Students often study for a Certificate III qualification as part of a training scheme or Apprenticeship.
Certificate III qualifications show an employer that the potential worker has mastered a range of skills and can use judgement and discretion in their day-to-day work. The next step is a Certificate IV.
Students will typically go on to study the Certificate III following completion of a Certificate II, especially as most Certificate III courses hold a prerequisite of a completed Certificate II before students can enrol. A Certificate III marks the third course in the TAFE learning pathway, following the Certificate I and II, and preceding the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
What skills will I learn in a Certificate III?
Students of a Certificate III training certificate will learn a range of skills during their course, including applying solutions to a variety of problems, performing processes where discretion is required, and interpreting information using their judgement. Graduates of a Certificate III will be expected to show relevant theoretical knowledge, and be able to take responsibility for their own work, as well as limited responsibility for the work of others.
Assessement for a Certificate III differs from course to course. Usually a TAFE course will involve practical assessments, oral or written tests, or a final examination at the end of the course. Students will then be graded with a Distinction, Credit or Pass depending on their performance. Students are required to complete all units with at least a pass grade or they will not receive their Certificate at the conclusion.
Prior to starting a Certificate III, students can apply for recognition of prior knowledge, and be exempt from studying certain units if they can prove that they already possess the knowledge being taught.
Studying a Certificate III at TAFE
Students who choose to study a Certificate at TAFE will be well supported during their studies. Most TAFEs offer student support services, careers information and counseling, libraries, services for women, indigenous students, and the disabled, and multicultural and ESL services.
A Certificate III gives a fantastic educational grounding to go on to further study, or even go out in the workforce and begin your career.