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 role of individuals who are developing a broad range of technical and conceptual design skills and who take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning. Practice at this level is underpinned by the design process and introductory theory and history for a range of design contexts.
The outcomes of this qualification apply to those working in design roles across different work environments. The job roles that relate to this qualification may include Design Assistant, Junior Graphic Design Assistant and Junior Interior Design or Decorator Assistant. It also provides a pathway to other junior design assistant roles.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations
Qualification
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Units of competency in qualification
Some individual units of competency may have their own licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Users must check individual units of competency for licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements relevant to that unit.
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Financial help
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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
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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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.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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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 |
|---|---|
| Apply work health and safety practices | Core |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms | Core |
| Explore the use of colour | Core |
| Follow a design process | Core |
| Produce creative work | Core |
| Produce drawings to communicate ideas | Core |
| Source and apply design industry knowledge | Core |
| Author interactive sequences | Elective |
| Capture images using drone technology | Elective |
| Capture photographic images | Elective |
| Create 3D digital models | Elective |
| Create electronic presentations | Elective |
| Create graphics using graphics applications | Elective |
| Create pages using page layout applications | Elective |
| Create visual design components | Elective |
| Design and produce business documents | Elective |
| Develop glassworking skills | Elective |
| Digitise images for reproduction | Elective |
| Evaluate the nature of design in a specific industry context | Elective |
| Experiment with techniques to produce calligraphy | Elective |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | Elective |
| Generate high-end PDF files | Elective |
| Implement copyright arrangements | Elective |
| Maintain interactive content | Elective |
| Make scale models | Elective |
| Participate in collaborative creative projects | Elective |
| Plan a career in the creative arts industry | Elective |
| Prepare files for print | Elective |
| Prepare video assets | Elective |
| Process photo images | Elective |
| Produce and prepare photo images | Elective |
| Produce computer images for screen printing | Elective |
| Produce computer-aided drawings | Elective |
| Produce glasswork | Elective |
| Produce pages using a page layout application | Elective |
| Produce PDF files for online and screen display | Elective |
| Produce technical drawings | Elective |
| Select and apply type | Elective |
| Source and apply information on the history and theory of design | Elective |
| Use advanced features of applications | Elective |
| Use typography techniques | Elective |
| Work effectively in the creative arts industry | Elective |
| Write content for a range of media | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Painter (Visual Arts)
ANZSCO 211411
Painters (Visual Arts) conceive and create visual art forms, such as pictures, abstract designs and similar compositions, to communicate impressions and ideas.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Potter and Ceramic Artist
ANZSCO 211412
Potters or Ceramic Artists conceive and create functional or artistic articles by moulding clay, glass and other fusible materials using hand-building and wheel techniques.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Sculptor
ANZSCO 211413
Sculptors conceive and create three-dimensional forms to communicate impressions and ideas by carving or modelling materials, such as wood, stone, clay and metal, or assembling found and manufactured materials.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Other Visual Arts or Crafts Professional
ANZSCO 211499
Other Visual Arts or Crafts Professionals include jobs like Leadlighter, Multimedia Artist, Quilter, and Textile Artist.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Graphic Designer
ANZSCO 232411
Design imagery and documents that fulfill a commercial or communication need.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
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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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Australian Institute of Advanced Studies (RTO code 40730)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Australian Institute of Fashion Design Pty Ltd (RTO code 31301)
Contact this provider
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Australian Pacific College (RTO code 90396)
Contact this provider
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Rosewood State High School (RTO code 30347)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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The Academy of Interactive Entertainment Ltd (RTO code 88021)
Contact this provider
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The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane (RTO code 30527)
Contact this provider
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WHITEHOUSE INSTITUTE OF DESIGN, AUSTRALIA (RTO code 91319)
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.