Certificate III in Hospitality
One qualification, six different career paths. Whether you want to pour cocktails, run the floor in a fine-dining room, pull espresso shots, or check guests into a beachfront resort, this is the course that gets you there.
Six paths through the same qualification
The Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622) is the standard qualification for a working hospitality career, recognised right across Australia. It teaches you how to deliver great service, work in a team, and operate confidently in any hospitality venue, from cafes and bistros to bars, fine-dining restaurants, and resort hotels.
What makes our version different: instead of locking you into one generic course, we run six different stream specialisations. The 6 core units stay the same. The 9 elective units change, so you can tailor the course to the venue you actually want to work in. Want to be a barista? Pick the Cafe stream. Working behind the bar? Pick Bar & Mixology. Running the floor at a wedding venue? Dining Service.
You'll complete 15 nationally recognised units total. Every stream sets you up for entry-level hospitality roles immediately, and pathways straight into Cert IV Hospitality, Cert IV Travel and Tourism, or the Diploma of Hospitality Management afterwards.
Six different specialisations, one Cert III
Pick the stream that matches the venue or career you're aiming at. Click any stream to see its 9 elective units and total nominal hours. Not sure yet? You can change your mind right up until enrolment.
15 nationally recognised units
Every Cert III in Hospitality has the same 6 core units. The 9 electives are what make your stream unique, designed around the venue you actually want to work in.
9 Elective Units (varies by stream)
Click a tab to see the elective units for each stream. Packaging rules: 1 unit from Group A, 6 units from Group B, plus 2 more units from Group B, Group C, or elsewhere.
Bar & Mixology stream
For aspiring bartenders, mixologists, and anyone who wants to work the stick at clubs, cocktail bars, and trendy lounges.
Dining Service stream
For aspiring waitstaff, sommeliers, and anyone aiming at fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and exclusive event venues.
Kitchen Operations stream
For kitchen hands and prep cooks. Builds practical hands-on skills in food prep, kitchen safety, and basic culinary techniques. A natural lead-in to Cert III Commercial Cookery.
Cafe Operations stream
For aspiring baristas and cafe operators. Build core barista skills, casual food and beverage service, and the customer-facing rhythm of a busy cafe.
Resort & Motel stream
For housekeeping, front desk, and porter staff at resorts, hotels, and motels. The qualification employers look for in accommodation hospitality.
Bistro stream
The hospitality all-rounder for pubs, bistros, and clubs. A blend of bar operations, casual food and beverage service, and customer-facing skills. Pull beers and run plates with equal confidence.
Compare all electives across streams
Every elective unit, every stream, in one view. Sky-blue ticks show which units are part of each stream's electives.
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Bar | Dining | Kitchen | Cafe | Resort | Bistro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A (food safety) | |||||||
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety | ||||||
| Group B (stream-specific) | |||||||
| SIRXCEG008 | Manage disrespectful, aggressive or abusive customers | ||||||
| SITHFAB021 | Provide responsible service of alcohol | ||||||
| SITHFAB022 | Clean and tidy bar areas | ||||||
| SITHFAB023 | Operate a bar | ||||||
| SITHFAB024 | Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages | ||||||
| SITHFAB025 | Prepare and serve espresso coffee | ||||||
| SITHFAB027 | Serve food and beverage | ||||||
| SITHFAB030 | Prepare and serve cocktails | ||||||
| SITHFAB031 | Provide advice on beers, spirits and liqueurs | ||||||
| SITHFAB032 | Provide advice on Australian wines | ||||||
| SITHFAB033 | Provide advice on imported wines | ||||||
| SITHFAB034 | Provide table service of food and beverage | ||||||
| SITHFAB035 | Provide silver service | ||||||
| SITHFAB036 | Provide advice on food | ||||||
| SITHFAB037 | Provide advice on food and beverage matching | ||||||
| SITHCCC024 | Prepare and present simple dishes | ||||||
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs | ||||||
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads | ||||||
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment | ||||||
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices | ||||||
| SITHACS009 | Clean premises and equipment | ||||||
| SITHACS010 | Provide housekeeping services to guests | ||||||
| SITHACS013 | Provide porter services | ||||||
| SITHACS016 | Provide accommodation reception services | ||||||
| CPPCLO3100 | Maintain cleaning storage areas | ||||||
| CPPCLO3111 | Clean rooms, furniture and fittings | ||||||
| SIRXPDK001 | Advise on products and services | ||||||
| SIRXSLS001 | Sell to the retail customer | ||||||
| Group C (sustainability / stock) | |||||||
| BSBSUS211 | Participate in sustainable work practices | ||||||
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock | ||||||
How you'll study
Delivery, duration, entry requirements, assessment, and work placement at a glance.
Delivery Mode
Training is delivered through face-to-face learning, practical hospitality training, workplace-based learning and independent study.
Training Location
Training takes place at approved ABHT training venues and hospitality workplaces.
Course Duration
Course duration varies depending on your training pathway, previous experience and individual progress.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled training sessions and actively participate in practical learning activities.
Practical Training
You'll develop practical hospitality skills in a real hospitality environment while completing workplace-based assessments under industry conditions.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. Students must complete a pre-enrolment LLN assessment and have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to participate in training and assessment.
Assessment
Assessment includes written questions, practical tasks, observations, workplace evidence and practical demonstrations. RPL and Credit Transfer are available for eligible students.
Work Placement
Students enrolled as trainees complete practical training and assessment in their workplace with their employer. Students who are not employed may be required to complete a work placement in an approved hospitality venue, with ABHT able to assist in arranging a suitable placement where required.
Where this qualification takes you
Graduates of this course will receive the nationally recognised SIT30622 - Certificate III in Hospitality and may pursue the following entry-level careers. These roles often serve as a stepping stone for further advancement in hospitality. Your specific stream specialisation may lean you toward some of these more than others.
Food & Beverage Attendant
Working in restaurants, cafes, and hotels serving customers, taking orders, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Front Desk Receptionist
Greet guests, handle check-ins and check-outs, manage reservations, and provide general customer assistance.
Functions & Events Assistant
Assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of events at hotels, function venues, and event spaces.
Barista
Skilled in preparing and serving a variety of coffee beverages in coffee shops and specialty cafes.
Waiter / Waitress
Focus on table service in restaurants, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for every customer at the table.
Housekeeping Attendant
Advance from cleaning guest rooms to supervising teams, eventually progressing to housekeeping management.
Take your career to the next level
Use your Certificate III in Hospitality as a stepping stone to higher education. Graduates are eligible to enrol in any of these next-level VET qualifications.
Pick the path that suits how you actually live
We deliver Cert III Hospitality in three flexible formats. All lead to the same nationally recognised qualification.
Four ways to fund your Cert III in Hospitality
Whether you're an apprentice, a school student, or paying privately, there's a funding pathway that works for you. Final amounts depend on your chosen stream and concession status; we'll confirm the exact figures during your enrolment call.
Career Start Apprenticeship / Traineeship
Available if you're employed as an apprentice or trainee in hospitality. Charged at the unit-of-competency hourly rate.
Career Start General Training
For direct enrolment without a training contract. Charged per unit of competency. The cheapest non-apprenticeship option.
School-Based Traineeship
For high school students still enrolled at school. Combine your final school years with paid hospitality work and a nationally recognised qualification.
QLD School-Based TraineeshipsFee for Service
If you're not eligible for government funding, pay the full course fee directly. Same nationally recognised outcome. Payment plans available.
Career Start Apprenticeship / Traineeship totals by stream
Apprenticeship and Traineeship pricing is charged per nominal hour, so your total student contribution depends on which stream you choose. The other three funding pathways (General Training, School-Based, Fee for Service) are the same total regardless of stream.
| Stream | Nominal Hours | Non-concessional ($1.60/hr) | Concessional ($1.12/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar & Mixology | 347 hrs | $555.20 | $388.64 |
| Dining Service | 447 hrs | $715.20 | $500.64 |
| Kitchen Operations | 305 hrs | $488.00 | $341.60 |
| Cafe Operations | 387 hrs | $619.20 | $433.44 |
| Resort & Motel | 271 hrs | $433.60 | $303.52 |
| Bistro | 447 hrs | $715.20 | $500.64 |
Payment plan structure
If your course is over $1,500, we make payment manageable with a $1,500 deposit at enrolment, followed by a simple payment plan via Ezidebit direct debit.
Important course documents
Read the official ABHT fee schedule and refund policy before enrolling.
From form to first day: how it works
No mystery, no surprises. Here's exactly what happens after you register your interest.
Register your interest
Fill in our expression of interest form, or call (07) 3117 9722 if you'd rather chat.
Eligibility check
We'll check whether you're eligible for government-funded training and help you pick the right stream specialisation.
Enrolment call
We'll discuss your training plan, confirm course costs, and arrange your deposit and payment plan.
Enrolment Induction
Attend an enrolment induction where we'll guide you through the enrolment process, answer your questions, and get you ready to start.
Let's get you started
Register your interest now and we'll be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Register Your Interest NowThe businesses we work with
The Surf Club Mooloolaba
Beach House
Aussie World
Beach Bar
Coolum Beach Bar
Cotton Tree Beach Bar
Meals on Wheels Queensland
Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club
Kings Beach Bar
Maroochy RSL
The Dock at the Wharf
Sandstone Point Hotel
Psari Restaurant
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
See Restaurant
The Creek
Spicers Clovelly EstateCommon questions
If you're wondering about something else, just ring or message us. We answer real questions from real humans.
Pick the stream that matches the venue you want to work in. Cocktail bars and clubs? Bar & Mixology. Restaurants with table service? Dining Service. Working in a busy kitchen? Kitchen Operations. Cafes and coffee shops? Cafe. Hotels and resorts? Resort & Motel. Pubs and bistros? Bistro. Still not sure? Give us a call and we'll help you figure it out based on your goals and any current employment.
The 6 core units are the same across every stream, so you can switch streams during your enrolment without losing progress on those. The 9 elective units do change, so any electives you've started for one stream may not carry across. Talk to us early if you're thinking about a switch and we'll work out the best path forward.
No formal entry requirements. You'll need to be able to study in English and complete a workplace component during the course, so access to a hospitality venue at some point is needed. If you're already working in one, that's perfect. If not, we can help connect you with employer partners through our Career Connections network.
It depends on which funding pathway you qualify for. School-Based Traineeships are completely free. Career Start General Training is $15 (or $10.50 concessional). Career Start Apprenticeship/Traineeship is charged at $1.60 per nominal hour (so the total varies by stream and works out between roughly $433 and $715). If none of those apply, Fee for Service is $3,450 with a $1,500 deposit and Ezidebit payment plan. We'll work out the exact figure for your situation during your enrolment call.
Cert III is the standard qualification employers look for in any hospitality role. Common entry-level positions include food and beverage attendant, front desk receptionist, functions and events assistant, barista, waiter/waitress, and housekeeping attendant. Your specific stream specialisation will lean you toward some more than others (the Cafe stream is great for barista work, the Resort stream is great for housekeeping/front desk).
The standard duration is 12 months. Most students complete in that timeframe while working in industry. The pace is flexible: study faster if you can, take a bit longer if you need to. Just let your trainer know what fits your schedule.
Both. Our training is delivered nationally via our online platform, and we also deliver face-to-face in workplaces across Metro and SE QLD. Many students do a combination of online learning and in-person workplace assessment. The qualification is the same either way.
Ready to enrol?
Pick your stream, register your interest, and our team will be in touch within 1–2 business days. Or skip the form and just pick up the phone, we'd love to hear from you.