Qualification Overview: CPC32320 Certificate III in Stonemasonry
The Certificate III in Stonemasonry (CPC32320) is the official trade benchmark qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) required to gain contractor registration, trade cards, and supervisor credentials across Australian state construction registries.
This qualification applies to stonemasons who cut, shape, dress, construct, and restore natural stone structures such as architectural facades, retaining walls, arches, staircases, and heritage monuments. If you have spent years working as an unaccredited stonemason, subcontractor, or gained your trade qualifications overseas, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) evaluates your hands-on building evidence without forcing you back into classroom apprenticeships.
Packaging Rules: 29 Required Units of Competency
To be awarded the full trade testamur for CPC32320, a candidate must demonstrate competence in 29 units of competency (comprising 22 core units plus 7 elective units). These units establish full trade authority across stone fixing, hand shaping, machine dressing, and high-risk silica safety controls.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in construction | CORE |
| CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures | CORE |
| CPCCCM2012 | Work safely at heights | CORE |
| CPCCST2001 | Prepare surfaces for stonework | CORE |
| CPCCST2002 | Identify and calculate stone materials | CORE |
| CPCCST2003 | Identify and select natural stone for construction | CORE |
| CPCCST2004 | Cut, dress and shape stone manually and mechanically | CORE |
| CPCCST2005 | Apply silica dust controls in stonework operations | CORE (Silica WHS) |
| CPCCST3001 | Lay natural stone walls, features, and retainers | CORE |
| CPCCST3002 | Fix stone wall cladding and architectural facades | CORE |
| CPCCST3003 | Fix and bed stone floor and stair paving | CORE |
| CPCCST3004 | Construct dry-stone walls and rubble features | CORE |
| CPCCST3005 | Repair and restore damaged natural stonework | ELECTIVE (Restoration) |
| CPCCST3006 | Erect and fix structural stone lintels and arches | ELECTIVE |
| CPCCCA3002 | Carry out setting out for construction projects | ELECTIVE |
Workplace Evidence Criteria for Stonemasons
Assessing RTOs require authenticated workplace documentation showing that your practical craftsmanship meets current Australian Standards (such as AS 3700 Masonry structures and Safe Work Australia silica mitigation rules).
Acceptable On-Site Evidence Includes:
- On-Site Photo & Video Evidence: Clear timestamped media showing you setting out, laying stone, mixing mortar, anchoring vertical stone ties, dressing natural stone, and operating cutting machinery with wet-suppression systems.
- Plans, Elevations & Job Orders: Architectural stone elevations, shop drawings, client quote specifications, or council building approvals.
- WHS & Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS): Signed SWMS verifying compliance with silica dust suppression, personal protective equipment (respirator P3 fit-tests), and manual handling.
- Business & Trade Proof: Invoices for natural sandstone/granite supply, subcontractor agreements, or detailed third-party reference letters on letterhead from licensed builders or masonry contractors.