Turn your bricklaying experience into a nationally recognised qualification. If you already work in residential construction, commercial construction, civil projects, housing developments, or masonry construction, you may be able to achieve the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification Code | CPC33020 |
| Qualification Name | Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying |
| Assessment Method | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
| Qualification Type | Nationally Recognised Qualification |
| Training Package | CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package |
| Suitable For | Experienced Bricklayers and Blocklayers |
| Recognition | Australia-Wide |
| Industry | Construction |
| Career Outcomes | Bricklayer, Blocklayer, Masonry Tradesperson |
| Pathway Options | Construction Supervision, Site Management, Building Qualifications |
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying RPL is a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway that allows experienced bricklayers and blocklayers to gain a nationally recognised qualification based on their existing construction experience.
The qualification recognises competencies developed through laying bricks, laying blocks, constructing masonry structures, interpreting plans, setting out work areas, and applying construction industry safety requirements.
Through RPL, eligible applicants can have their practical trade experience assessed against nationally recognised competency standards without repeating training in areas where competency can already be demonstrated.
The qualification reflects the skills required by qualified bricklayers and blocklayers working across Australia’s construction industry.
Yes.
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying is a nationally recognised qualification within Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
The qualification is listed on training.gov.au and forms part of the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package.
When issued by an authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the qualification is recognised throughout Australia.
Yes.
Experienced bricklayers and blocklayers may achieve CPC33020 through Recognition of Prior Learning if they can demonstrate competency against qualification requirements.
RPL focuses on:
Construction experience
Masonry skills
Bricklaying techniques
Blocklaying techniques
Reading plans
Workplace safety
Evidence of competency
Many experienced tradespeople already perform the tasks covered by the qualification every day on construction sites.
Many workers enter the construction industry through practical experience and develop trade skills over many years.
A nationally recognised qualification provides formal recognition of those skills.
Common reasons professionals pursue CPC33020 include:
Formal trade recognition
Improved employment opportunities
Meeting industry requirements
Supporting career progression
Demonstrating competency to employers
Increasing credibility with clients and contractors
Accessing supervisory opportunities
For many workers, RPL provides a pathway to gain recognition for experience already gained on the job.
| Benefit | Outcome |
|---|---|
| National Recognition | Qualification recognised across Australia |
| Skills Recognition | Workplace experience formally assessed |
| Career Development | Supports advancement within construction |
| Employment Opportunities | Demonstrates industry competency |
| Time Efficiency | Avoids repeating existing skills |
| Professional Recognition | Recognised construction trade qualification |
| Further Training Pathways | Supports progression into higher qualifications |
You may be eligible if you have practical experience in bricklaying, blocklaying, or masonry construction.
Common applicants include:
Bricklayers
Blocklayers
Masonry Tradespeople
Construction Contractors
Self-Employed Bricklayers
Residential Construction Workers
Commercial Construction Workers
Civil Construction Workers
Apprentice Bricklayers with extensive experience
Experience gained in Australia or overseas may be considered.
Eligibility depends on your responsibilities, experience, and available evidence.
There is no fixed number of years required.
Eligibility depends on:
Scope of masonry work completed
Variety of construction projects
Bricklaying responsibilities
Blocklaying responsibilities
Ability to demonstrate competency
Available workplace evidence
Professionals who regularly construct walls, partitions, retaining structures, and masonry components often possess skills that align with qualification requirements.
Relevant experience may include:
Laying bricks
Laying concrete blocks
Constructing masonry walls
Building retaining walls
Reading construction plans
Setting out work areas
Measuring and levelling
Mixing mortar
Installing masonry reinforcement
Applying construction calculations
Using bricklaying tools and equipment
Following workplace safety requirements
Experience may come from:
Residential housing projects
Commercial construction projects
Civil construction projects
Building companies
Construction contractors
Subcontracting businesses
Property development projects
The qualification develops practical masonry and construction skills.
Key competency areas include:
Bricklaying
Blocklaying
Masonry construction
Construction calculations
Plan reading
Setting out
Levelling
Mortar preparation
Structural masonry work
Workplace health and safety
These skills support construction projects across residential, commercial, and civil sectors.
| Occupation | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Bricklayer | ✓ |
| Blocklayer | ✓ |
| Masonry Worker | ✓ |
| Construction Contractor | ✓ |
| Self-Employed Bricklayer | ✓ |
| Apprentice Bricklayer with extensive experience | ✓ |
| General Labourer Only | Usually No |
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they involve different materials and applications.
Bricklaying involves constructing structures using clay bricks.
Common applications include:
House walls
Boundary walls
Decorative features
Residential construction
Blocklaying involves constructing structures using concrete masonry blocks.
Common applications include:
Retaining walls
Commercial buildings
Structural walls
Industrial projects
Qualified tradespeople often perform both bricklaying and blocklaying work across different construction projects.
CPC33020 includes units that develop bricklaying, blocklaying, masonry construction, workplace safety, and construction planning skills.
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CPCCBL2001 | Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials |
| CPCCBL2002 | Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment |
| CPCCBL3001 | Lay masonry units and construct masonry corners |
| CPCCBL3002 | Carry out masonry veneer construction |
| CPCCBL3003 | Carry out cavity brick construction |
| CPCCBL3004 | Carry out masonry blockwork |
| CPCCBL3005 | Lay segmental paving |
| CPCCBL3007 | Construct masonry arches |
| CPCCBL3010 | Install flashings and damp proof courses |
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements in the construction industry |
Note: Unit selections may vary according to qualification packaging requirements published on training.gov.au.
| Feature | CPC33020 | CPC30220 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | Bricklaying and Blocklaying | Carpentry |
| Materials | Bricks, Blocks, Mortar | Timber and Construction Materials |
| Primary Work | Masonry Construction | Structural Carpentry |
| Typical Projects | Walls, Retaining Structures | Frames, Roofs, Flooring |
| Career Outcome | Bricklayer | Carpenter |
Both qualifications are construction trades but focus on different building systems and materials.
Recognition of Prior Learning continues to grow as experienced workers seek formal recognition of their trade skills.
Key drivers include:
Skills recognition initiatives
Workforce demand
Qualification requirements
Career progression opportunities
Vocational education pathways
Employer preference for recognised qualifications
Many construction professionals gain extensive skills through workplace experience. RPL provides a pathway to have those competencies formally assessed.
Australia continues to require skilled bricklayers and blocklayers across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Demand is influenced by:
Population growth
Housing construction
Urban development
Infrastructure projects
Workforce replacement needs
Ongoing building activity
Bricklayers remain an important trade occupation within Australia’s construction sector.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia occupation and labour market information.
Build external walls, internal walls, and housing structures.
Construct masonry systems for commercial developments.
Support infrastructure and public works projects.
Deliver masonry work across housing and mixed-use developments.
Provide specialist bricklaying and blocklaying services.
The timeframe depends on:
Available evidence
Experience level
Assessment requirements
Many applicants complete the process within several weeks after submitting the required documentation.
Assessment costs vary according to:
Industry experience
Existing qualifications
Available evidence
Assessment requirements
A pre-assessment helps determine eligibility and applicable fees.
| Job Role | Industry Sector |
|---|---|
| Bricklayer | Construction |
| Blocklayer | Construction |
| Masonry Tradesperson | Building Industry |
| Construction Contractor | Residential and Commercial Construction |
| Bricklaying Subcontractor | Construction Projects |
| Leading Hand Bricklayer | Construction Management |
Bricklayers in Australia commonly earn between $75,000 and $120,000+ per year depending on experience, location, project type, and responsibilities.
Experienced bricklayers, subcontractors, and leading hands may earn higher incomes based on project volume and contract arrangements.
| Job Role | Typical Salary Range* |
|---|---|
| Bricklayer | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
| Blocklayer | $75,000 – $105,000+ |
| Leading Hand Bricklayer | $90,000 – $130,000+ |
| Construction Contractor | Varies by project and contracts |
*Salary ranges vary by employer, region, and market conditions.
Sources:
CPC33020 can support progression into advanced trade, supervisory, and construction leadership roles.
Common pathways include:
Coordinate teams and daily site activities.
Oversee bricklaying operations and workforce performance.
Manage trade coordination and construction activities.
Move into broader construction leadership responsibilities.
Operate an independent bricklaying or masonry contracting business.
Yes.
Many qualified bricklayers continue into:
CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Construction supervision qualifications
Site management qualifications
Leadership and management qualifications
Diploma-level construction programs
Pathways depend on career goals, experience, and industry requirements.
We assist eligible bricklayers and blocklayers throughout:
New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Queensland (QLD)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)
Assessors understand construction industry standards and trade requirements.
Guidance is available throughout the assessment process.
Clear evidence requirements help applicants understand expectations.
Qualifications align with Australian training standards.
Assessment practices follow applicable training and quality requirements.
Get recognition for your skills and experience with our simple four-step process
Connect with RPL Fast Track to discuss your career goals, and let us assist you in identifying the qualifications that will enable you to achieve them.
Gather and prepare evidence of your prior learning, work experience, and relevant skills. This includes documents such as qualifications, work samples, employment records, and references.
After you submit your portfolio, one of our affiliated registered training organizations (RTOs) will evaluate it. If the assigned assessor requires more information, they will contact you. If any skill gaps are identified, the RTO may provide a trainer to help you enhance your skills at no cost.
Care Connect works with Registered Training Organizations to provide nationally recognized qualifications in Australia. These qualifications are equivalent to those obtained through full-time studies and can also be used for licensing applications.
These are the key documents you'll need to submit for your RPL application.
Includes documents like your passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card, or visa that add up to 100 points of identification.
Copies of your school, college, or training certificates like diplomas, transcripts, or qualifications.
Details about your past jobs—what you did, where you worked, and what skills you used or learned.
Extra documents that help your RPL case, like reference letters, photos, or work samples.
Yes. CPC33020 is a nationally recognised qualification within Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
Yes. Overseas bricklaying and masonry experience may be assessed through the RPL process.
Bricklaying involves constructing structures with clay bricks, while blocklaying uses concrete masonry blocks.
Experienced bricklayers may be able to achieve CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL assesses existing workplace skills and experience against nationally recognised qualification requirements without repeating training already mastered
Yes. CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying is a recognised trade qualification within Australia's construction industry.
Hear from individuals who have successfully qualified through our RPL services.
"Care Connect Training Institute" is not an RTO or a CRICOS registered organization. Our mission is to guide students in selecting the right course and college based on their future goals and needs. The information we provide regarding education providers and their specific courses and qualifications—whether via our website, email, live chat, in person, or over the phone—is intended for general guidance and should not be considered professional advice. Relying on the information we share is solely at your own risk. We offer our services at no cost to you and always strive to connect you with the appropriate provider to receive accurate information about the courses they offer.