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Certificate III in Drilling Operations

This qualification is not yet available through RPL It. Register your interest to be notified when it becomes available.

RII31820

You have spent years operating complex rigs and managing site safety in demanding environments across Australia's resources sector. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to offer a streamlined recognition pathway for your expertise. Register your interest today to be notified as soon as this qualification becomes available for formal assessment.

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About This Qualification

This qualification reflects the role of individuals such as drillers who perform tasks involving 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 and/or contingency measures.  

Qualification Code

RII31820

Training Package

RII — Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate III

Total Units

13 (8 core + 5 elective)

Entry Requirements

Nil

RPL It Status: Not yet available — Registering interest

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Mineral Exploration DrillerDirecting site activities to investigate mineral reserves and supervising assistant teams in remote locations.
Water Well DrillerAccessing groundwater supplies for domestic, agricultural, or commercial use through precise site drilling.
Directional DrillerUtilising steerable drills and no-dig techniques to install utility piping while monitoring electronic guidance equipment.
Blast Hole DrillerCreating precise holes for explosive placement in quarries, mines, or civil construction projects.

Ready to level up?

Join our priority list to get notified the moment we open enrolments with our partner RTOs.

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Get notified when RPL is available for RII31820

Receive a preliminary review of your experience

No commitment or obligation required

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

🏗️

Work History & Roles

  • Detailed CV or work history
  • Current and past position descriptions
  • Letters of employment from drilling contractors
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Operational Records

  • Daily drilling logs and rig reports
  • Equipment pre-start and maintenance checklists
  • Site setup and decommissioning records
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Safety & Risk Management

  • Completed JSEA, SWMS, and risk assessments
  • Toolbox talk minutes and safety meeting records
  • Incident or emergency response reports
⚙️

Technical Evidence

  • Borehole completion or development reports
  • Sample logs or directional drilling plots
  • Photos or videos of rig operation and maintenance

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

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This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

Is the Certificate III in Drilling Operations currently available?
We are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver this specific qualification. While not immediately available for enrolment, we are actively preparing the pathway.
Why should I register my interest now?
Registering your interest ensures you are the first to know when we secure an RTO partner. It also allows us to begin an informal review of your experience so you are well-positioned for the evidence-gathering phase.
Is RPL the same as completing a training course?
No. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment-only pathway. It is designed for experienced drillers who already possess the skills and only need to demonstrate them to a qualified assessor to earn the formal qualification.
What drilling sectors are covered by this qualification?
This qualification is versatile, covering sectors including mineral exploration, water well, environmental, geotechnical, and trenchless technology drilling.
Will my previous safety training count towards the qualification?
Yes, evidence of maintaining workplace safety and applying risk management processes is a core component of the assessment. Your existing safety records are vital pieces of evidence.

Register Your Interest

We're establishing partnerships to offer RII31820 through RPL. Tell us about your background — we'll let you know when it's available and whether RPL is likely to suit your experience.

Priority Notification

Be the first to know when enrolments open for RII31820.

Preliminary Review

Receive free guidance on whether RPL could suit your career background.

No Commitments

Registering is obligation-free and takes less than 2 minutes.

Your Experience

No commitment. We'll only notify you when this qualification becomes available.

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Be the first to know when RII31820 becomes available through RPL.

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