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 provide advice and practical assistance on the finishing and furnishing of existing interior spaces. They may work in retail, consulting and building businesses as interior decorators or colour consultants. Individuals in this role are typically involved in:
- working with clients and other building and design professionals and suppliers
- research and analysis of the client’s goals and requirements
- planning, designing and arranging space
- interior styling
- specifying finishes and furnishings
- selection of colours
- specifications and purchasing.
Decorators use a broad range of specialised and technical knowledge and skills, and they research and compare information from diverse sources to develop decoration solutions. They also use well-developed communication skills, and may provide some leadership and guidance to others.
There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification. However, depending on the jurisdiction, licensing or regulatory requirements may apply to the use of some units in this qualification. Local regulations should be checked for details.
Work may require access to construction sites and require construction induction training and certification covered by the unit CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. Local regulations should also be checked for requirements.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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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.
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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:
6 months – 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 |
|---|---|
| Decorate residential interiors | Core |
| Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces | Core |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms | Core |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | Core |
| Produce drawings to communicate ideas | Core |
| Produce technical drawings | Core |
| Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements | Core |
| Advise customers on interior decoration products | Elective |
| Articulate, present and debate ideas | Elective |
| Collaborate in creative processes | Elective |
| Coordinate business operational plans | Elective |
| Create visual design components | Elective |
| Design and install merchandise signage | Elective |
| Design and install visual merchandising displays | Elective |
| Design residential interior lighting | Elective |
| Design soft furnishing solutions for interior spaces | Elective |
| Develop and extend design skills and practice | Elective |
| Develop and refine illustrative work | Elective |
| Develop visual merchandising creative concepts | Elective |
| Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures | Elective |
| Explore the use of colour | Elective |
| Generate design solutions | Elective |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Implement visual merchandising concepts | Elective |
| Investigate construction methods for Class 1 and 10 buildings | Elective |
| Measure up and calculate fabric quantities for window coverings | Elective |
| Plan and organise display lighting | Elective |
| Prepare materials and finishes boards for client presentation | Elective |
| Produce and prepare photo images | Elective |
| Produce computer-aided drawings | Elective |
| Research and apply techniques in spatial design | Elective |
| Research and recommend furniture and accessories | Elective |
| Research interior decoration and design influences | Elective |
| Source and apply information on the history and theory of design | Elective |
| Use business software applications | Elective |
| Work safely | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Interior Designer
ANZSCO 232511
Interior Designers plan, design, detail and supervise the construction of commercial, industrial, retail and residential building interiors to produce an environment tailored to a purpose, with particular emphasis on space creation, space planning, and factors that enhance living and working environments.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Architectural Draftsperson
ANZSCO 312111
Prepare drawings and plans that precisely communicate the concepts of an architect.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Interior Decorator
ANZSCO 399912
Interior Decorators plan the interior design of commercial or residential premises and arrange for decorating work to be done.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
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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CODER ACADEMY AUSTRALIA (RTO code 90511)
Contact this provider
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Open Colleges (RTO code 90796)
Contact this provider
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School of Colour and Design (RTO code 91439)
Contact this provider
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TAFE SA (RTO code 41026)
Contact this provider
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TECTRA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 40889)
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.