Key Takeaways:
- Build Skills Australia is leading major 2025 projects across the RII, CPC, and CPP training packages to modernise qualifications and improve safety.
- CPC training package projects focus on silica safety, hydrogen energy, insulation, migrant plumber licensing, and updating ‘Prepare to Work Safely’ units.
- CPP training package reviews are targeting property management courses such as pest management and pool/spa servicing to reflect new regulations and practices.
- RII training package projects centre on civil construction updates and utility locating, ensuring the resources and infrastructure industry training package meets modern standards.
- RTOs should prepare now by auditing their scope, planning for transitions, investing in updated construction training courses and resources, and upskilling trainers.
Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector is continually reshaped by industry demand, regulatory requirements, and evolving technologies. BuildSkills Australia is leading a series of projects across the CPC, CPP, and RII training packages to ensure that qualifications remain current, safe, and industry-aligned.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the upcoming projects, why they were initiated, and when they are expected to finish. We’ll also outline what your RTO should be doing now to prepare, including investing in high-quality construction training courses, property management courses, and resources from the resources and infrastructure industry training package.
Ongoing CPC Training Package Projects
Engineered Stone Review
The use of engineered stone is restricted / regulated from 1 July 2024 due to the high health risks linked to crystalline silica. When cut or polished, engineered stone releases fine dust that can cause life-threatening lung diseases such as silicosis.
To support this ban, BuildSkills Australia is reviewing training products related to crystalline silica. Several units are being revised to determine whether they should remain on or be updated within the national training register.
Affected training products include:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC20822 Certificate II in Prefabricated Concrete Element Installation |
| CPC32320 Certificate III in Stonemasonry |
| CPC41020 Certificate IV in Demolition |
This project is in the feedback phase.
Hydrogen Skill Needs in the Plumbing and Gas Industry
Hydrogen energy is becoming a key part of Australia’s transition to cleaner technologies, but there are currently no formally qualified technicians to install or maintain hydrogen systems. With commercial hydrogen projects already underway, there is an urgent need for plumbers and gasfitters who can work safely and competently with this new technology.
This project focuses on including products that cover hydrogen chemistry, safe storage and handling, installation and servicing of hydrogen systems, and the use of fuel cells and electrolysers. By addressing these gaps now, the project aims to prevent unsafe work practices and reduce the risk of a national skills shortage in the plumbing and gas sector.
Affected training products include:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing |
| CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services |
| Units of Competency: |
|---|
| CPCPGS3052 Maintain Type A gas appliance |
| CPCPGS3048 Install gas pressure control equipment |
| CPCPGS3049 Install gas appliance flues |
| CPCPGS3051 Purge consumer piping |
| CPCPGS3053 Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS3055 Install gas sub-meters |
| CPCPGS3056 Size and install consumer gas piping systems |
| CPCPGS3061 Install and commission Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS4023 Install, commission and service Type B gas appliances |
The project is in the feedback phase.
Insulation Installation and Inspection Training Product Development
The insulation industry currently lacks nationally recognised qualifications, leaving installers and inspectors without formal training pathways. While non-mandatory certifications exist, there are no consistent standards to ensure buildings are insulated effectively or that installations are properly inspected.
In response to industry requests, this project will create nationally recognised construction training courses for insulation workers. The focus will be on two key areas: safe and efficient installation of insulation, and the inspection of completed work to ensure it meets performance and compliance standards.
Affected training products include:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining |
| CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction |
| Units of Competency: |
|---|
| CPCCPB3014 Install bulk insulation and pliable membrane products |
| CPCCPB3027 Install ceiling insulation products |
This project is in the feedback phase.
Minimum Australian Context Gap Training for Migrant Plumbers
Migrant plumbers face an uneven pathway to licensing in Australia. Unlike electricians or refrigeration mechanics, there is no nationally recognised Minimum Australian Context Gap course, meaning skilled migrants must complete the full Certificate III in Plumbing to obtain a licence.
This project will explore the creation of a consistent national approach to recognise existing skills while addressing local regulatory and safety requirements. The goal is to streamline licensing for skilled migrant plumbers and support a fair, effective skills recognition process across Australia.
This project is in the feedback phase.
Implementation of ‘Prepare to Work Safely’ within CPC & CPP Qualifications
CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry was endorsed in 2021 and released on the National Training Register in 2022, replacing the older CPCCWHS1001. While most qualifications and skill sets have already transitioned, 24 qualifications and 15 skill sets still list the superseded unit.
This project ensures that CPC and CPP qualifications are updated to include the current version. It also addresses other outdated units of competency within the same qualifications and updates prerequisite references. For training products outside Build Skills Australia’s scope, the organisation is working with other Jobs and Skills Councils to achieve consistent changes across training packages.
Affected training products include:
| Qualifications: | Note: |
|---|---|
| CPC10126 Certificate I in Construction | Supersedes CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction |
| CPC30426 Certificate III in Demolition | Supersedes CPC30420 Certificate III in Demolition |
| CPC41020 Certificate IV in Demolition | Updated from Release 5 to 6 |
| CPP20125 Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | Supersedes CPP20121 Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services |
| CPP20326 Certificate II in Technical Security | Supersedes CPP20319 Certificate II in Technical Security |
| CPP30119 Certificate III in Urban Pest Management | Updated from Release 3 to 4 |
| CPP30225 Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | Supersedes CPP30221 Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services |
| CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting | Updated from Release 1 to 2 |
| CPP41125 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability | Supersedes CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability |
| CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design | Updated from Release 2 to 3 |
| NWP20122 Certificate II in Water Industry Operations | Updated from Release 1 to 2 |
| NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations | Updated from Release 1 to 2 |
| NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations | Updated from Release 2 to 3 |
| NWP50125 Diploma of Water Industry Operations | Supersedes NWP50118 Diploma of Water Industry Operations |
| Units of Competency: | Changes: |
|---|---|
| CPCCDE3028 Remove non-friable asbestos | Supersedes CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos |
| CPCCDE3029 Remove friable asbestos | Supersedes CPCCDE3015 Remove friable asbestos |
| CPCCDE3016 Identify hazards on demolition sites and apply risk management strategies | Updated from Release 2 to 3 |
| CPCCDE4009 Supervise asbestos removal | Supersedes CPCCDE4008 Supervise asbestos removal |
This project has concluded, with updated training products posted on the National Training Register.
Formwork Falsework Training Product Review
In many states and territories, workers in formwork and falsework are required to complete the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry. However, industry stakeholders have questioned whether this qualification adequately prepares learners for the specialised skills needed in formwork and falsework roles.
In response, Build Skills Australia is reviewing both current and previously deleted training products to assess whether changes are needed. The aim is to ensure qualifications align with real workplace requirements, and industry feedback will play a key role in shaping the outcome.
Affected training products include:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry |
This project is in the feedback phase.
Ongoing CPP Training Package Projects
Urban Pest Management Review
The pest control industry has seen significant changes in practices and regulatory requirements, leaving existing qualifications out of step with current needs. Both the CPP30119 Certificate III and CPP41619 Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management no longer fully reflect the skills and knowledge required in the field.
This project will review and revise these property management courses and their associated units of competency. The goal is to deliver updated, fit-for-purpose training that produces capable, industry-ready Urban Pest Management Technicians.
The review has commenced for this project, with completion expected in mid-2026.
CPP Swimming Pool and Spa Review
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns that the CPP31218 Certificate III and CPP41319 Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service no longer reflect the skills and pathways needed for today’s workforce. Issues include outdated or deleted units of competency, declining completion rates in the Certificate IV, and gaps in the Certificate III that leave technicians underprepared for both commercial and domestic service work.
This project will review and revise both qualifications to create updated training that meets industry requirements and provides stronger vocational outcomes. The aim is to deliver future-focused qualifications that prepare technicians with the skills needed for a changing sector.
Review is underway for this project, with updated qualifications expected by the first half of 2026.
Ongoing RII Training Package Projects
Civil Construction Review
The civil construction sector is evolving with new technologies and modern work practices, prompting a review of 29 units of competency across core and elective streams. These updates affect several RII qualifications, and superseded imported units within these qualifications will also be updated, ensuring they remain current and relevant.
This project is being delivered in collaboration with the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA), as the resources and infrastructure industry training package is shared between the two JSCs. While BuildSkills is leading the civil construction focus, AUSMASA is overseeing units tied to the mining sector. Together, they will review six shared civil construction units, alongside additional co-responsibility units, to make sure training outcomes meet the needs of both industries.
Affected training products include:
| Old Qualifications: | New Qualifications: |
|---|---|
| RII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction | RII30926 Certificate III in Civil Construction |
| RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations | RII30826 Certificate III in Civil Construction |
| RII40720 Certificate IV in Civil Construction | RII40720 Certificate IV in Civil Construction (Release 3) |
The project has concluded, and all updated training products have been published on training.gov.au by September 2026.
Utility Locating Unit Review
Safe excavation depends on workers being able to identify and protect underground services such as power, water, gas, and telecommunications. Without proper training, mistakes can cause serious safety incidents, environmental damage, and costly delays.
This project will review RIICCM202E Identify, locate and protect underground services and consider new training products. The focus is twofold: to strengthen the skills of dedicated utility locators and to ensure any tradesperson who needs to ‘break the ground’ has the knowledge to do so safely.
The project is in its initial phase, and completion is projected by mid-2026.
Next Steps for RTOs
Transition periods are always a challenge for training providers. To prepare effectively for these updates, RTOs should:
- Audit your current scope to identify which CPC, CPP, and RII qualifications you deliver.
- Plan for transition timelines so you can adjust delivery as soon as updates are released.
- Invest in updated training resources that reflect the newest compliance requirements and industry standards.
- Prepare trainers and assessors with professional development on new skill areas like hydrogen and utility locating.
- Communicate with industry partners to ensure your training continues to meet employer expectations.
- Secure high-quality materials early to avoid last-minute resource gaps when superseded qualifications are removed.
Read our detailed guide to navigating ASQA transitions and building transition plans for when training packages change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do RTOs typically get to transition when a training package is updated?
ASQA usually sets a 12- to 24-month transition period, though the timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the training package update.
What role do industry employers play in shaping new training package projects?
Employers provide direct feedback to Jobs and Skills Councils, influencing updates in the resources and infrastructure industry training package and other sectors to ensure graduates are workforce-ready.
Are property management courses under the CPP training package mandatory for licensing?
Yes, certain property management courses form part of licensing pathways in real estate and urban pest management, meaning updates will directly affect industry compliance.
How do training.gov.au listings help RTOs manage changes to CPC, CPP, and RII qualifications?
The training.gov.au website provides official release dates, teach-out timelines, and unit mapping so RTOs can track exactly when superseded qualifications must be phased out.
What financial risks do RTOs face if they delay updating to new training packages?
Delays can mean lost enrolments in construction training courses or property management courses if students require the updated version for licensing or job readiness.
Conclusion
BuildSkills Australia’s 2025 projects for the RII, CPP, and CPC training packages signal important shifts for the VET sector. By preparing early, investing in reliable resources, and equipping trainers with the right tools, RTOs can turn compliance challenges into opportunities. Staying proactive ensures that your learners graduate with industry-relevant skills and your organisation remains competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
