Certificate II in Furniture Finishing

In this practical pre-apprenticeship course (external link) , you'll learn how to:

prepare surfaces mix and apply stains apply finishing material by hand and spray gun restore furnishing items operate a range of furniture finishing equipment cost furniture finishing jobs.

This course also covers workplace safety and environmentally sustainable work practices.

You’ll learn how to work safely with hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to gain employment as a furniture-finishing apprentice.

To be awarded MSF20213 Certificate II in Furniture Finishing, a student must complete a total of thirteen (13) units of competency, consisting of:

• eight (8) core units, and;
• five (5) elective units, of which:

• three (3) units must be selected from Group A, and;
• two (2) units may be selected from units not previously selected in Group A, or any units available in the MSF Furnishing Training Package, other endorsed training packages and accredited course (Group B). The units must be aligned at Certificate II or III level.

Electives must be industry relevant as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

Core units

• MSFFF2001 - Use furniture finishing sector hand and power tools
• MSFFF2003 - Remove surface coatings
• MSFGN2001 - Make measurements and calculations
• MSMENV272 - Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
• MSMSUP102 - Communicate in the workplace
• MSMSUP106 - Work in a team
• MSMWHS100 - Follow WHS procedures
• TLID2003 - Handle dangerous goods / hazardous substances

Elective units

Group A

• MSFFF2002 - Dismantle and reassemble furniture
• MSFFF2004 - Prepare surfaces for finishing
• MSFFF2005 - Maintain spray equipment and booth
• MSFFF2006 - Apply surface coatings by spray gun
• MSFFF2007 - Apply stains, fillers and bleach
• MSFFF2008 - Apply surface coatings by hand

Group B: Certificate II or III Level

• MSFFF3001 - Match and make up colours

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of finishing techniques for furniture and covers basic dismantling and assembly of furniture items for surface finishing involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes. It involves collaboration with others through members of a group or team.