SIR30216
Certificate III in Retail
Develop essential skills in customer service, sales, stock management, and point of sale operations to succeed in retail stores and service environments.

This qualification provides the skills needed to deliver quality customer service, sales and store operations in retail environments. Learners build capability in engaging customers, resolving difficulties, managing stock, operating point-of-sale systems and working safely. Retail staff use well-developed skills, product knowledge and judgement to meet organisational expectations while working with some independence under limited supervision.
Who This Course Is For
- Individuals working in or seeking careers in retail stores and service environments
- Staff who engage directly with customers and support daily store operations
- People wanting practical skills in sales, service, merchandising and basic financial transactions
- Retail workers aiming to strengthen product knowledge and customer relationship skills
- Learners seeking a nationally recognised qualification to support retail career progression
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Engage customers, assist with difficulties and build relationships and loyalty
- Operate POS and process financial transactions in line with store procedures
- Receive, handle and manage retail stock, including merchandising and food products where relevant
- Apply workplace safety, security and service environment requirements
- Work effectively in teams and service environments to meet organisational standards
Course Snapshot
Qualification
Certificate III in Retail
Duration
9-12 Months
Funding
State funding availability in WA

This qualification comprises 13 units of competency, including 8 core units and 5 elective units, selected to align with workplace requirements and industry standards for individuals who work in the retail sector.
Core Units
Elective Units (can be tailored)
Entry Requirements
Participants will need an appropriate level of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to engage effectively with this course. Upon enquiry, SWC will discuss LLND skills with participants to help determine any support that may be beneficial before training begins.
If undertaking this course as a Traineeship, participants are required to be employed on a regular basis in work that is relevant to the qualification being undertaken.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) if you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. These options can reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. For more information, please refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy on our Support page.
Course Commencement
This course offers flexible start dates with rolling enrolments throughout the year.
Course Duration
Typically, 9-12 months, delivered flexibly via our workplace-based training model with self-paced learning, primarily on the job.
Course Delivery
This qualification is delivered in the workplace, with all training and assessment completed in real work environments. Learners are supported by an experienced workplace supervisor/mentor and receive an SWC Learning Guide and Resources to help gather workplace-specific evidence.
Training includes:
- One on one Trainer/Assessor sessions every 4-6 weeks
- Self-directed learning using SWC resources and workplace policies and procedures
- Regular support via email and phone
- Real time practice of skills in the workplace setting
The program is self-paced and competency-based, with most learners completing in 9–12 months. Ongoing enrolments available.
Assessment
You will be required to complete both knowledge based and practical assessments completed during work hours. These may include:
- Workplace observation
- Oral and written questioning
- Portfolio evidence
- Third party supervisor reports
- Simulated tasks (if required)
All assessment tools meet training package and compliance requirements.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) qualification.
Jobs & Skills (WA)
Eligible learners and employers in Western Australia may be able to access government subsidised training through the WA Jobs and Skills program. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Fee for Service
If government funding is not available or eligibility criteria are not met, this course can be undertaken on a fee-for-service basis. Please refer to our price list for current course fees and up-to-date pricing.
Fee-for-Service Price List