Certificate III in Prepress Graphic Design Production

About this course

Do you enjoy creative work and want to be part of the printing or graphic arts industry? This course teaches you how to prepare artwork and layouts for printing. You will learn how to work with images, text, and design software to get files ready for print.

You will learn how to:

design and prepare layouts for print
edit and combine images and text
use colour and typography effectively
create digital files for printing and online use
work safely and follow quality standards
communicate clearly in a team environment.

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

prepress operator
graphic design assistant
digital print technician
print production worker.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

This course can be done as an apprenticeship. You’ll get practical skills and experience in a specific trade or profession. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To do an apprenticeship you’ll need an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice.

To get started:
- search for advertised apprenticeship opportunities and apply
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as an apprenticeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Core units

Unit title	Unit code
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices	BSBSUS201
Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry	ICPKNW3220
Inspect quality against required standards in a production environment	ICPSUP2160
Maintain a safe work environment	ICPSUP2600
Communicate in the workplace	ICPSUP2620

Elective units

Unit title	Unit code
Make a presentation	BSBCMM401
Deliver and monitor a service to customers	BSBCUS301
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms	BSBDES302
Contribute to workplace innovation	BSBINN201
Use basic drawing techniques	CUAACD101
Develop drawing skills to communicate ideas	CUAACD201
Integrate colour theory and design processes	CUAACD401
Create 2D digital animations	CUAANM301
Maintain interactive content	CUADIG201
Apply scripting language in authoring	CUADIG404
Use typography techniques	CUAGRD302
Access and use the internet	ICPDMT2630
Create and test interactive storage devices	ICPDMT2960
Capture digital images	ICPDMT3210
Edit digital images	ICPDMT3220
Manipulate and incorporate audio into multimedia presentations	ICPDMT3440
Incorporate video into multimedia presentations	ICPDMT3460
Produce and manage basic digital print	ICPPRN2820
Use colour management systems	ICPPRN284
Prepare for personalised digital printing	ICPPRN3830
Set up and produce basic digital print	ICPPRN3840
Apply software applications to digital production	ICPPRN3850
Use colour management for production	ICPPRN3870
Preflight and import complex images for digital devices	ICPPRN3880
Manage digital files	ICPPRN3890
Generate proofs for digital production	ICPPRN3900
Set up and use complex colour management for production	ICPPRN4950
Work with digital information	ICPPRN4970
Develop basic design concepts	ICPPRP2110
Select and apply type	ICPPRP2210
Produce pages using a page layout application	ICPPRP224
Produce graphics using graphics applications	ICPPRP2250
Output images	ICPPRP2520
Proof images	ICPPRP2600
Produce relief plates	ICPPRP2660
Produce offset lithographic plates	ICPPRP2670
Produce flexographic photopolymer plates	ICPPRP2680
Produce PDF files for online and screen display	ICPPRP2840
Scan images for reproduction	ICPPRP2860
Transfer digital files	ICPPRP2970
Develop detailed design concepts	ICPPRP3110
Produce typographic images	ICPPRP3210
Digitise images for reproduction	ICPPRP3220
Create pages using page layout applications	ICPPRP3240
Create graphics using graphics applications	ICPPRP3250
Electronically combine complex images	ICPPRP333
Prepare imposition format for printing processes	ICPPRP3340
Operate databases for digital printing	ICPPRP3850
Undertake digital proofing	ICPPRP386
Generate high-end PDF files	ICPPRP3960
Undertake a complex design brief	ICPPRP411
Compose and evaluate typography	ICPPRP4210
Digitise complex images for reproduction	ICPPRP422
Apply colour to design briefs	ICPPRP4230
Manage colour	ICPPRP4300
Generate complex imposition	ICPPRP4350
Prepare film for basic screen printing	ICPSCP2820
Prepare film for complex screen printing	ICPSCP3830
Provide basic instruction for a task	ICPSUP271
Undertake basic production scheduling	ICPSUP351
Create a common gateway interface script	ICTNWK414
Apply web authoring tool to convert client data for websites	ICTWEB410
Use development software and ICT tools to build a basic website	ICTWEB418
Ensure website content meets technical protocols and standards	ICTWEB421
Create a markup language document to specification	ICTWEB429
Develop complex cascading style sheets	ICTWEB506
Analyse information and assign meta tags	ICTWEB510
Deliver customer service	MSMPMC326
Use structured problem-solving tools	MSMSUP390
Apply competitive systems and practices	MSS402001
Sustain process improvements	MSS402002
Manage the impact of change on own work	MSS402010
Apply 5S procedures	MSS402040
Undertake root cause analysis	MSS402080
Apply cost factors to work practices	MSS402082

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Chadstone
Delivery modes: Part time on-campus
- Visit Holmesglen Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Melbourne
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Spectra Training for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider