This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
Develop hands-on electrical skills for vehicles. Learn wiring, diagnostics and maintenance on the job.
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who service, diagnose and repair electrical systems and components in vehicles in the automotive electrical service and repair industry.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply knowledge of automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems | Core |
| Apply knowledge of petrol and diesel engine operation | Core |
| Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies | Core |
| Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair charging systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair compression ignition engine management systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair electronic body management systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair ignition systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair instruments and warning systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair spark ignition engine management systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair starting systems | Core |
| Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Inspect and service engines | Core |
| Install ancillary electronic systems and components | Core |
| Install vehicle lighting and wiring systems | Core |
| Repair wiring harnesses and looms | Core |
| Solder electrical wiring and circuits | Core |
| Test and repair basic electrical circuits | Core |
| Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles | Core |
| Use and maintain electrical test equipment in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Apply knowledge of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) | Elective |
| Assist with maintaining workplace safety | Elective |
| Carry out advanced gas metal arc welding on vehicle body sections | Elective |
| Carry out manual metal arc welding on components | Elective |
| Carry out oxyacetylene brazing of components | Elective |
| Carry out oxyacetylene welding, thermal heating and cutting | Elective |
| Carry out servicing operations | Elective |
| Carry out soft soldering techniques | Elective |
| Carry out tungsten inert gas welding | Elective |
| Carry out vehicle safety inspections | Elective |
| Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace | Elective |
| Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles | Elective |
| Depower and reinitialise hybrid electric vehicles | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and components in vehicles | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC components | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair cooling systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair electric braking systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair electronically controlled steering systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair electronically controlled suspension systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair exhaust systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle emission control systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair integrated engine and transmission management systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair light vehicle engines | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair light vehicle hydraulic braking systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair light vehicle mechanical fuel injection systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair light vehicle steering systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair light vehicle suspension systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair network electronic control systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair vehicle dynamic control systems | Elective |
| Diagnose complex system faults | Elective |
| Diagnose, remove and replace heavy electric vehicle rechargeable energy storage systems | Elective |
| Diagnose, repair and replace heavy vehicle electronic management, monitoring and tracking systems | Elective |
| Estimate and quote automotive mechanical and electrical repairs | Elective |
| Inspect and maintain battery electric vehicles | Elective |
| Inspect and maintain hydrogen fuel cell system | Elective |
| Inspect and service braking systems | Elective |
| Inspect and service petrol fuel systems | Elective |
| Inspect damaged vehicle systems and recommend repairs | Elective |
| Inspect, service and repair AC electric motor drive systems | Elective |
| Inspect, service and repair DC electric motor drive systems | Elective |
| Inspect, test and service batteries | Elective |
| Inspect, test and service charging systems | Elective |
| Inspect, test and service starting systems | Elective |
| Install air conditioning systems | Elective |
| Install automotive security systems and components | Elective |
| Install basic ancillary electrical systems and components | Elective |
| Install marine electrical systems and components | Elective |
| Overhaul air conditioning and HVAC system compressors | Elective |
| Overhaul charging system alternators | Elective |
| Overhaul starting system motors | Elective |
| Promote innovation in team environments | Elective |
| Provide technical guidance | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Read and apply vehicle wiring schematics and drawings | Elective |
| Recover vehicle refrigerants | Elective |
| Remove and install light vehicle engine assemblies | Elective |
| Remove and replace automotive and marine interior trim components | Elective |
| Remove and replace electrical units and assemblies | Elective |
| Remove and replace vehicle supplementary restraint systems | Elective |
| Remove, refit and operate electrical components following body repair activities | Elective |
| Remove, replace and program electrical and electronic units and assemblies | Elective |
| Retrofit automotive air conditioning and HVAC systems | Elective |
| Scan and calibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) | Elective |
| Select and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives | Elective |
| Service air conditioning and HVAC systems | Elective |
| Test and service electric outdoor power equipment | Elective |
| Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace | Elective |
| Work safely with hydrogen in the automotive industry | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Automotive Electrician
ANZSCO 321111
Automotive Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Motor Mechanic (General)
ANZSCO 321211
Service and repair vehicles and their parts and systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Diesel Motor Mechanic
ANZSCO 321212
Diesel Motor Mechanics maintain, test and repair diesel motors and the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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CQUniversity Australia (RTO code 40939)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Allora College (RTO code 41249)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Australian Trade Training College (RTO code 31399)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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International Automotive Training for Mechanics (RTO code 32369)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Komatsu Training Academy (RTO code 90996)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Major Training Group (RTO code 6139)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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MTA Institute (RTO code 31529)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Oceania College of Technology (RTO code 40995)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Quality Automotive Training (RTO code 6194)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Work Skills (RTO code 31384)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Advanced Training Academy Pty Ltd (RTO code 45935)
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Alliance College (RTO code 0137)
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APEX AUSTRALIA VOCATIONAL EDUCATION (RTO code 91606)
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APT Specialist Hydraulics and Training (RTO code 91637)
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Aspen College (RTO code 45482)
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ATLAS COLLEGE (RTO code 45885)
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Australian Skills Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 32519)
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AUSTRALIAN SOVEREIGN COLLEGE PTY LTD (RTO code 45680)
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AUSWIDE COLLEGE (RTO code 45893)
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Axxis Training (RTO code 41392)
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Career Options Training Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 40733)
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CW EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD (RTO code 46261)
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Education Training & Employment Australia (RTO code 5089)
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Gold Coast Trades College (RTO code 31175)
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Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers Inc (RTO code 90409)
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Intech Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (RTO code 30100)
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Invicta Technical College (RTO code 41495)
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ISMT (RTO code 45032)
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Macallan College (RTO code 41030)
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MARS INSTITUTE PTY LTD (RTO code 45911)
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Mechanical Institute of Training and Technology Pty Ltd (RTO code 41577)
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Northampton College Pty Ltd (RTO code 46566)
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Outsource Institute (AUS) (RTO code 31560)
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Pacific College Pty Ltd (RTO code 91151)
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POLYTECHNIC VICTORIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45780)
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Skills Institute Australia (RTO code 32473)
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Skyline International College (RTO code 45233)
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SuniTAFE (RTO code 4693)
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Swann College (RTO code 45046)
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TAE COLLEGE AUSTRALIA (RTO code 40747)
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THE MTA GROUP TRAINING SCHEMME INC (RTO code 2293)
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Trade Skills Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 45637)
Contact this provider
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Training Professionals Pty Ltd (RTO code 31955)
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Trinity Institute (Australia) (RTO code 41310)
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VETASSESS (RTO code 21097)
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WARATAH POLYTECHNIC PTY LTD (RTO code 45881)
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How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.