This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the trade qualified role of a person installing, testing, maintaining, routine service and repairing a range of fire protection systems.
Occupational titles could include:
- Fire sprinkler fitter tradesperson
- Fire sprinkler fitter.
This qualification includes units of competency common to other qualifications in the plumbing industry as well as specialist fire protection units and can provide a pathway to further learning and work in the fire protection industry.
The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.
Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
This is a licenced occupation. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may vary between states and territories. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Carry out interactive workplace communication | Core |
| Carry out levelling | Core |
| Carry out WHS requirements | Core |
| Conduct annual routine service of complex water-based fire-suppression systems | Core |
| Conduct basic functional testing of water-based fire-suppression systems | Core |
| Conduct functional water flow testing | Core |
| Connect static storage tanks for fixed fire protection systems | Core |
| Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment | Core |
| Design fire sprinkler systems using pre-calculated charts and tables | Core |
| Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems | Core |
| Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping | Core |
| Fabricate and install steel pressure piping | Core |
| Fit off sprinkler heads, controls and ancillary equipment | Core |
| Handle and store plumbing materials | Core |
| Inspect and test control and indicating equipment | Core |
| Inspect and test fire pumpsets | Core |
| Inspect, test and maintain gaseous fire-suppression systems | Core |
| Install control valve assemblies, actuating devices and local alarms | Core |
| Install distribution and range pipes | Core |
| Install fixed fire pumpsets | Core |
| Install property service | Core |
| Install residential life safety sprinkler systems | Core |
| Install special hazard systems | Core |
| Prevent ozone depleting substance and synthetic greenhouse gas emissions | Core |
| Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials | Core |
| Test and maintain automatic fire sprinklers | Core |
| Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations | Core |
| Test the integrity of water-based fire protection systems using pressure | Core |
| Use plumbing hand and power tools | Core |
| Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment | Core |
| Weld using metal arc welding equipment | Core |
| Work effectively in the plumbing services sector | Core |
| Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | Elective |
| Carry out load slinging of off-site materials | Elective |
| Carry out simple concreting and rendering | Elective |
| Conduct preventive maintenance on fixed fire pumpsets | Elective |
| Cut and join sheet metal | Elective |
| Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | Elective |
| Flash penetrations through roofs and walls | Elective |
| Install acoustic and thermal environmental protection systems | Elective |
| Install portable fire equipment | Elective |
| Install water pipe systems | Elective |
| Install water pumpsets | Elective |
| Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres | Elective |
| Operate personnel and materials hoists | Elective |
| Participate in workplace safety arrangements | Elective |
| Prepare simple drawings | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Weld polymer pipes using fusion method | Elective |
| Work safely at heights | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Fire Protection sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Fire Protection Equipment Technician
ANZSCO 399918
Fire Protection Equipment Technicians install, test and maintain fire protection equipment and systems such as extinguishers, hoses, reels, hydrants, fire blankets, exit lighting, fire and smoke doors, gaseous fire suppression systems, passive fire and smoke containment systems and foam generating equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Fire Protection
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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FIT TRAINING FOR BUSINESS (RTO code 22101)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Axiom Compliance Learning (RTO code 40918)
Contact this provider
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Firefox Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 45700)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.