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Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic

This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an engineering tradesperson - mechanical specialising in diesel fitting and plant mechanics within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed for apprentices in the above trade. This qualification must be undertaken through a Training Contract or through formal trade recognition assessment processes. The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of trade work including manufacturing, assembly and commissioning of mobile and stationary plant, servicing, diagnosis and rectification of faults, condition monitoring, and preventative maintenance. This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to trade work as a fixed and/or mobile plant mechanic. Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate’s performance in a functioning workplace where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. However, in some jurisdictions units in this qualification may require a license or relate to regulatory requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competence.

Important:RPL it Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation. RPL it does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Qualification overview
MEM31419
LevelAQF 3Certificate III
Units9663 core, 33 elective
PackageMEMManufacturing and Engineering
Timeframe
Typically 4 to 6 weeksAfter evidence is submitted to the RTO. Individual timelines vary.
Fees
Personalised quote before you commitIncludes the total fee and payment terms. Any gap training cost is confirmed in writing before you agree to it. 50% of the fee is the RPL it service fee and is non-refundable.Refund and withdrawal policy
A carpenter marking timber framing on a building site, a chef plating a dish in a commercial kitchen, and an aged care worker helping a resident with her walking frame
Recognition of Prior Learning

What is an RPL qualification?

Recognition of Prior Learning assesses skills you already have against a nationally recognised qualification. Demonstrate competency, and you receive the same nationally recognised qualification, issued by a registered training organisation (RTO), as someone who completed the full course.

Who is eligible for RPL?

  • You have years of experience in your field
  • You learned the work on the job, through mentoring or on your own
  • You need the qualification for licensing, promotion or migration
  • You hold overseas qualifications you want recognised in Australia
An RPL it team member sorting an electrician's job photos and reference letter into his evidence folder at a ute tailgate on a building site

How RPL works in four steps

  1. Free Skills Review

    Tell us about your work experience. We’ll match it to valid qualifications.

  2. Build your portfolio

    Your account manager helps you gather your required evidence for your RTO.

  3. RTO assessment

    Your evidence portfolio is submitted to our partner RTO. A qualified assessor evaluates your competency.

  4. Get your qualification

    Once assessed as competent, the RTO issues your nationally recognised qualification.

Career Outcomes

Explore Roles Associated with this Qualification

If your current or past work looks like one of these roles, this qualification may suit you.

  • 01

    Plant Mechanic

    Diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining heavy mobile and stationary machinery across mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

  • 02

    Diesel Fitter

    Specialising in the service, overhaul, and fault-finding of high-capacity diesel engines and associated fuel systems.

  • 03

    Mobile Plant Technician

    Providing field-based maintenance and emergency repairs for earthmoving, agricultural, and industrial mobile equipment.

Evidence Checklist

What Suitable Evidence Can Support Your Evidence Portfolio?

Your consultant can help you identify relevant workplace records. The delivering RTO decides whether the evidence is sufficient and current.

Work History & Roles
  • A comprehensive resume or CV detailing your engineering trade experience
  • Position descriptions from current or previous employers in the plant mechanic sector
  • Letters of service or employment references confirming your technical roles

Technical Documentation
  • Service reports and maintenance logs for mobile or stationary plant
  • Diagnostic checklists for hydraulic, electronic, or diesel engine systems
  • Completed job cards or work orders detailing specific repairs and fault-finding

Safety & Compliance
  • JSA/SWMS records for heavy plant repairs and high-risk maintenance tasks
  • Site induction records and hot work permits for engineering environments
  • Records of safe manual handling and workshop safety participation

Photos & Videos
  • Images of engine rebuilds or component replacements in progress
  • Videos demonstrating fault-finding or diagnostics on mobile plant equipment
  • Photos of correctly assembled engineering components and work areas

Technical Planning
  • Interpreted technical drawings or schematics used for repairs
  • Work plans for complex assembly or commissioning tasks
  • Records of engineering measurements and computations performed on the job

Qualfication comparison

RPL and Traditional Study

Two routes to the same qualification, assessed against the same RTO competency standards.

RPL PathwaySupported by RPL it, assessed by the RTO
Traditional StudyDelivered and assessed by the RTO
Starting point
Your existing, current workplace skills and evidence
A planned course of learning and assessment
How competency is shown
Workplace evidence mapped to the qualification requirements
Learning activities, assignments, practical work, and assessment
Assessment decision
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
If gaps are identified
Additional evidence or targeted gap training may be required
Learning and assessment continue through the course structure
Qualification outcome
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met

RPL it Australia reviews

What our clients say

Selected Google reviews. Individual experiences vary. Every applicant is assessed against the same requirements, and some require gap training or additional evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Recognition of Prior Learning, your experience, and your next step.

Got more questions?
How long does the RPL process take?

Most candidates who submit a complete evidence portfolio receive their qualification within 4 to 6 weeks from RTO assessment. The total timeline depends on evidence readiness. Strong documentation can help the process move quickly, while evidence gaps or gap training may take longer.

Is an RPL qualification the same as one from TAFE?

Yes. An RPL qualification is issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework, the same framework that governs qualifications from TAFE colleges and all other Registered Training Organisations. It carries the same national recognition. Licensing requirements vary, so check with the relevant authority.

How much does RPL cost?

RPL costs vary by qualification level, complexity, and number of units. Because RPL assesses what you already know rather than teaching new content, it is typically less expensive than full enrolment. Contact our team for a tailored quote. Payment plans are interest-free with no establishment fee, and the instalment schedule and any extension fee that could apply are set out in your quote.

What evidence do I need for RPL?

Evidence can include your resume, reference letters from employers, photos or videos of your work, previous qualifications and certificates, job descriptions, and any other documentation that demonstrates your skills and knowledge. The RTO tells you exactly what evidence it needs for your specific qualification, and your RPL it consultant helps you put it together.

Can I get credit for units I have already completed?

Yes, if you hold a qualification or Statement of Attainment that includes units equivalent to units in this qualification. This is called credit transfer. The delivering RTO checks your AQF certification documents or authenticated VET transcript. Where a unit is equivalent and your certification is authenticated, the RTO must grant credit for it. It can refuse only on limited grounds, for example where a licensing or regulatory requirement calls for reassessment.

Delivering RTO · 1 partner RTOs

Assessed and issued by a partner RTO

Your delivering RTO is confirmed before enrolment. Check any RTO’s registration on training.gov.au.