Retail courses
Want to work in retail? You can start with a Certificate III that takes under a year, or train to run a store with a Certificate IV in retail management. Here's what each course leads to, how long it takes and what it costs.
- Quickest way to start
- 4 months
- Certificate III, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $880
- subsidised Certificate II, TAFE NSW
- What the jobs pay
- $64,500 to $84,200
- median pay across 2 jobs
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate III in Retail
Work as a retail assistant
Serve customers, handle difficult situations, keep the shop floor secure and safe, and help supervise other staff.
Median pay$64,500
- How long it takes
- 4 to 6 months full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $1,450 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $6,910 full fee
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
Certificate IV in Retail Management
Run a store or a department
Lead a frontline team, read the store's financials, manage staffing and build a customer service culture.
Median pay$84,200
- How long it takes
- Typically 6 to 24 months
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate II | Certificate III | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $880 | $4,600 | $1,450 | $6,910 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate II
- $880 subsidised
- $4,600 full fee
- Certificate III
- $1,450 subsidised
- $6,910 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other certificates and diplomas
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
- Retail AssistantWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$64,500
- Store ManagerWhat you needCertificate IVMedian pay$84,200
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.