HomeCoursesSurveying and planningCertificate III
Certificate III · national qualification
Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
You would learn to work as a surveying or spatial information services assistant, supporting a survey team with fieldwork, basic data collection, drafting and map production.
- How long it takes
- 1 to 2 years
- typical for this level
- Taught by
- 4 providers
- NSW, QLD, WA
Is this course right for you?
What the Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services asks of you, and what you might want to check first.
It helps to have
- an interest in working outdoors on construction and mine sites
- a careful approach to recording measurements and data
- comfort with numbers and simple calculations
- an interest in maps, plans and spatial information
Before you start
Each provider sets its own entry requirements, so check the ones you are considering.
Certificate III or Certificate IV?
The Certificate IV is a higher level. At Certificate III, you learn to work under supervision, collecting basic spatial data, providing field support, and doing simple drafting and map production.
See the courseWhere this course can take you
No job needs this course on its own, but it can help with the work below.
Jobs this course can help with
None of these jobs needs a set qualification.
Survey Assistant
Survey assistants work alongside surveyors in the field, measuring land and recording the data that becomes property boundaries, maps and construction plans.
Median pay$65,000 (estimate)
If you study further
Diploma of Surveying
Leads to work as a, median pay $87,400 (estimate).
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure.
Where you can study this course
There are 4 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
What students like
- Teachers are supportive and ready to help
- Staff are helpful and friendly
- Course content is practical and industry relevant
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Some find front desk staff less helpful
- Website for North Metropolitan TAFE (opens in a new tab)
North Metropolitan TAFE
16 campuses, WA
4.1from 903 Google reviews
What students like
- Lecturers are helpful and knowledgeable
- Courses provide strong practical skills
- Website for TAFE International Western Australia (opens in a new tab)
TAFE International Western Australia
TAFE International Western Australia, WA
3.6from 93 Google reviews
What students like
- Staff are friendly, patient and helpful
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Communication can be inconsistent
- Website for Srdita (opens in a new tab)
Srdita
Scientific Research Development Institute of Technology Australia, QLD
5.0from 1 Google reviews
What you’ll learn
11 units: 6 that everyone takes and 5 you choose.
- Construction site safety
- Collecting surveying data
- Producing basic maps
- Drafting survey plans
- Survey measurements and calculations
- Surveying software basics
See all 6 core units
Core units
Everyone completes these. Select a unit to see what it covers.
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Questions to ask before you enrol
Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
- What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
- Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?
Questions people ask
Who is this qualification for?
It prepares you to work as a surveying or spatial information services assistant, supporting a survey team with fieldwork, basic data collection, drafting and map production. You would work under supervision.
Do I need experience or other qualifications first?
Entry requirements are set by each provider, so check with the provider you choose.
How is it different from Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services?
The Certificate IV is a higher level. At Certificate III, you learn to work under supervision, collecting basic spatial data, providing field support, and doing simple drafting and map production.