RPL for Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Already working as a bricklayer, blocklayer or paver in residential, industrial or commercial construction? Turn your hands-on trade experience into the nationally recognised CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying without going back to study full time.
What Is RPL for the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an Australian Government-endorsed assessment pathway that allows experienced tradespeople to have their existing skills, knowledge and workplace experience formally assessed against the units of a nationally recognised qualification without completing full classroom-based study.
If you have been laying bricks, blocks or pavers in residential, industrial or commercial construction - including masonry veneer, cavity brick, structural masonry systems, arches, curved walls and heritage brickwork - you may already meet the competency requirements for the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. RPL allows you to demonstrate those competencies through documented evidence rather than repeating trade training you have already mastered on the tools.
The CPC33020 is an AQF Level 3 qualification under the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package. It is the nationally recognised trade qualification for bricklayers, blocklayers and pavers in Australia and is required for trade licensing and contractor registration across most states and territories. It supersedes the previous CPC30111 qualification.
About the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Qualification Level
AQF Level 3 - Certificate III. The nationally recognised trade qualification for bricklayers, blocklayers and pavers in Australia. Current Release 5, last updated December 2024. Supersedes CPC30111.
Units of Competency
28 units total - 20 core units and 8 elective units. Electives span three specialist groups: Group A Traditional and Heritage Bricklaying, Group B Refractory Bricklaying and Group C Paving.
Industry Settings
Residential, industrial and commercial construction contexts in both existing and new builds. Covers standard bricklaying, heritage restoration, refractory bricklaying and paving work across Australia.
Career Pathway
Pathway to trade licensing, self-employment as a bricklaying or masonry contractor and progression to site supervisor and construction management roles via CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction.
Core Competency Units Assessed in RPL
- ✔ 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
- ✔ CPCCOM2001 - Read and interpret plans and specifications
- ✔ CPCCCM2008 - Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
- ✔ CPCCCM2012 - Work safely at heights
- ✔ CPCCWHS2001 - Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Official Qualification Reference
CPC33020 is published on the National Training Register as the current Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. Current Release 5, last updated 24 December 2024. Supersedes CPC30111.
View CPC33020 on training.gov.auThree Specialist Elective Streams
CPC33020 offers three specialist elective groups - Group A: Traditional and Heritage Bricklaying, Group B: Refractory Bricklaying and Group C: Paving. Your RPL elective units will be selected to best match your specific trade experience and specialisation.
Career Outcomes and Salary with CPC33020
The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying supports trade licensing, self-employment and progression to specialist masonry and construction roles across Australia.
Qualified Bricklayer
$75,000 - $100,000
Per year. Laying bricks and blocks for residential and commercial construction projects. CPC33020 is the mandatory trade qualification for bricklaying licensing across Australia and is required for employment on most commercial and government construction projects.
Bricklaying Contractor
$90,000 - $145,000
Per year. Operating as a self-employed bricklaying or masonry contractor. CPC33020 is required for contractor registration in most states and is the foundation qualification for running your own bricklaying business in Australia.
Heritage and Specialist Bricklayer
$85,000 - $130,000
Per year. Specialising in heritage restoration, refractory bricklaying or decorative masonry. High demand across Australia for skilled tradespeople who can work on heritage-listed buildings and specialist masonry projects requiring traditional techniques.
Salary ranges are indicative for Australia 2026. Actual remuneration varies by state, employer, sector and level of experience.
Who Can Apply for RPL - CPC33020?
RPL for the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying is suitable for experienced tradespeople who already apply core bricklaying and masonry skills in their day-to-day work but do not yet hold the formal CPC33020 qualification.
- ✅ Bricklayers with 2 or more years of hands-on experience laying bricks in residential or commercial construction
- ✅ Blocklayers with experience constructing masonry block walls and structural masonry systems
- ✅ Pavers with experience laying segmental paving, concrete pavers and associated base preparation work
- ✅ Heritage bricklayers with experience in heritage restoration, tuck pointing, repointing and traditional masonry techniques
- ✅ Refractory bricklayers with experience constructing fire brick walls, arches and refractory masonry systems
- ✅ Masonry tradespeople with experience in cavity brick, masonry veneer, arches, curved walls and structural masonry
- ✅ Overseas tradespeople with bricklaying or masonry experience seeking Australian trade recognition and licensing
Minimum Experience Requirement
To be eligible for RPL toward CPC33020, you should have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of practical experience in bricklaying or blocklaying work covering masonry wall construction, setting out, materials handling and WHS compliance. Your experience must demonstrate competency across the key trade areas of the qualification.
Right Pathway will assess your trade background during your free eligibility check and advise you honestly on whether RPL is the right pathway for you.
Holding the old CPC30111?
CPC33020 supersedes the previous CPC30111 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. If you hold CPC30111 or an older equivalent, it may still be accepted by some licensing authorities. If you need to upgrade to CPC33020, Right Pathway can assess your existing qualification and identify the most efficient RPL pathway. Check your eligibility here.
What Evidence Do You Need?
RPL is evidence-based. You need to demonstrate you already have the skills. Here is what typically counts as valid evidence for CPC33020:
- ✔ Employment records - payslips, contracts or letters confirming your bricklaying or masonry role and duration of experience
- ✔ Photos of completed work - dated photos showing brick walls, block walls, arches, cavity brick construction or paving you have laid
- ✔ Construction plans and specifications - drawings or specifications from masonry projects you have worked on
- ✔ Job sheets and work orders - completed job sheets or work orders documenting your bricklaying tasks and project locations
- ✔ Subcontractor invoices - invoices or purchase orders if you have worked as a bricklaying subcontractor
- ✔ White card and licences - current construction induction card, scaffolding ticket, working at heights certificate or any trade-related licences
- ✔ Referee letters - from builders, site supervisors or forepersons confirming your bricklaying skills and work history
- ✔ Material delivery records - delivery dockets or purchase records for bricks, blocks, mortar and associated masonry materials
- ✔ Prior qualifications - overseas trade certificates, partial Australian construction qualifications or apprenticeship records
What evidence do most bricklayers already have?
Most working bricklayers already have strong evidence from their day-to-day trade work. You do not need to create anything new - you just need to gather and organise what you already have.
- Payslips or employment records confirming your bricklaying role
- Photos of brick walls, block walls or masonry work you have completed
- Your white card and any trade-related licences or tickets
- A reference letter from your builder or site supervisor
- Subcontractor invoices if you work for yourself
Right Pathway helps you identify, organise and present your evidence in the format RTO assessors require for CPC33020.
Overseas Trade Experience
If you have worked as a bricklayer, blocklayer or masonry tradesperson overseas, your international trade experience can contribute to your RPL evidence portfolio for CPC33020. Right Pathway has supported tradespeople from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and across Asia in achieving Australian construction trade qualifications through RPL. Check your eligibility here.
How the RPL Process Works
Three clear steps - from enquiry to qualification.
Free Eligibility Check
Complete our free online eligibility assessment. We review your bricklaying and masonry trade history, the types of construction you have worked on and your years of experience against the CPC33020 unit requirements and tell you honestly if RPL is the right pathway for you.
Build Your Evidence Portfolio
Right Pathway guides you through gathering and organising your trade evidence. We provide templates, checklists and one-on-one support to ensure your portfolio meets the RTO assessor requirements for all 28 units of CPC33020 including masonry construction, setting out, scaffolding, working at heights and WHS competencies.
Assessment and Certification
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor from our partnered RTO in a real or closely simulated workplace environment as required by the industry. Once competency is confirmed across all units, you receive your official CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying - the nationally recognised trade qualification accepted for licensing and employment across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about RPL for CPC33020.
Ready to Get Your Bricklaying Trade Qualification?
Your bricklaying and masonry experience is valuable. Let Right Pathway help you turn it into the nationally recognised CPC33020 trade qualification you need for licensing and career progression.