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
This is a qualification for a person engaged in the management of rail traffic movements within a defined or control area.
It involves a broad range of skilled applications, applied in a wide variety of contexts, which may involve application of some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services or contingency measures. It may also include responsibility for coordinating the work of others.
Job roles
Job roles and titles vary across different rail networks. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Rail Operations - Yard Coordination - a person engaged in the management of rail traffic movements within a defined or local area, or in the rail yard or terminal environment:
- terminal coordinator
- yard coordinator.
Rail Operations - Signalling - a person engaged in the management of rail traffic movements within a control area:
- area controller
- signaller
- yard controller.
Please note: RTO to insert on the testamur, the specialist elective unit group selected from the group choice below.
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 not available for this course.
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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.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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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.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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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 fatigue management strategies | Core |
| Apply local incident response procedures | Core |
| Apply safety critical communications in the rail environment | Core |
| Apply safeworking rules and regulations to rail functions | Core |
| Process workplace documentation | Core |
| Safely access the rail corridor | Core |
| Apply accident-emergency procedures | Elective |
| Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements | Elective |
| Apply awareness of railway fundamentals | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of rail operation fundamentals in yards or sidings | Elective |
| Apply quality procedures | Elective |
| Clip points and apply rail safety equipment | Elective |
| Close down rail traffic from autonomous operations | Elective |
| Conduct full train examination | Elective |
| Conduct pre-movement checks on rolling stock | Elective |
| Conduct track protection assessment | Elective |
| Conduct train roll-by inspection | Elective |
| Control and coordinate local rail traffic movement | Elective |
| Follow work health and safety procedures | Elective |
| Follow work health and safety, and environmental procedures in the rail industry | Elective |
| Lead a work team | Elective |
| Operate digital devices | Elective |
| Operate signal panel or equipment | Elective |
| Operate stand alone signalling/point control equipment | Elective |
| Organise marshalling and shunting operations | Elective |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Prepare train | Elective |
| Provide first-level rail rolling stock technical support remotely | Elective |
| Recognise the impact of human capabilities/limitations on human performance in a rail environment | Elective |
| Respond and rectify rail traffic autonomous operations | Elective |
| Set up rail traffic for autonomous operation | Elective |
| Shunt rolling stock | Elective |
| Support personal wellbeing in the workplace | Elective |
| Use electronic communication systems | Elective |
| Use mobile electronic track warning system | Elective |
| Work and communicate effectively with others | Elective |
| Work effectively with others in a team | Elective |
| Work in a socially diverse environment | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Rail Operations sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Railway Station Manager
ANZSCO 149412
Railway Station Managers manage the operations of railway stations.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)
ANZSCO 342315
Electronic Instrument Trades Workers (Special Class) install, modify, maintain and repair complex electronic instruments and control systems which involve a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic principles.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Railway Signal Operator
ANZSCO 712917
Railway Signal Operators control the movement of trains, and assemble and disassemble trains within a marshalling yard.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Train Controller
ANZSCO 712918
Train Controllers oversee the safe movement of trains using computerised train control signalling systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Rail Operations
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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Accell Pty Ltd (RTO code 32213)
Contact this provider
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Railtrain Pty Ltd (RTO code 52221)
Contact this provider
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THE INSTRUCTION COMPANY PTY LTD (RTO code 20928)
Contact this provider
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Training Ahead Aus (RTO code 45462)
Contact this provider
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Yakka Training (RTO code 41176)
Contact this provider
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.