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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

AUR31120

Your years of mechanical expertise in the heavy vehicle sector deserve formal recognition. We help experienced technicians turn their practical skills in engine diagnostics and repairs into a nationally recognised qualification. Start your journey today with a free skills review to see how your experience measures up.

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★★★★★5.0 · Based on 61 reviews across all qualifications

About This Qualification

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who perform a broad range of tasks on a variety of heavy commercial vehicles in the automotive service and repair sector. 

Qualification Code

AUR31120

Training Package

AUR — Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate III

Total Units

36 (22 core + 14 elective)

Entry Requirements

No

RPL It Status: Available

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
Heavy Commercial Vehicle TechnicianOverhauling, testing, and repairing mechanical components of heavy rigid and combination vehicles.
Fleet Maintenance MechanicConducting routine servicing and preventative maintenance for transport and logistics fleets.
Diesel Engine SpecialistFocusing on the diagnosis and repair of high-capacity compression ignition engine systems.

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds AUR31120 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review✅
Evidence gathering guidance✅
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Ready to get recognised?

Start with a free skills review to see if your experience aligns with this qualification.

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Receive a free preliminary review of your experience

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Nationally recognised qualification issued by our partner RTO

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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:

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A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

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Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

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Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

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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

  • ✓A detailed CV outlining your experience in heavy commercial workshops
  • ✓Employer references verifying your technical competency and time on the tools
  • ✓Position descriptions detailing your responsibilities with heavy vehicle fleets
🔧

Diagnostics & Electrical

  • ✓Records of diagnostic test strategies for engine management systems
  • ✓Documentation of testing and repairing basic electrical and charging circuits
  • ✓Reports on battery replacement and jump-start procedures for heavy vehicles
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Heavy Braking & Systems

  • ✓Service logs for heavy vehicle air braking and dynamic control systems
  • ✓Repair records for heavy vehicle steering and suspension components
  • ✓Evidence of inspecting and servicing drive shafts and final drive assemblies
🔥

Engine & Emissions

  • ✓Maintenance records for heavy vehicle compression ignition engines
  • ✓Service reports for diesel fuel injection and forced-induction systems
  • ✓Documentation of diagnosing and repairing vehicle emission control systems
🛡️

Safety & Workplace

  • ✓Completed Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and safety logs
  • ✓Evidence of following environmental and sustainability best practices
  • ✓Logs detailing the maintenance of workshop tools and hydraulic equipment
❓

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

Talk to us

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.

How do I get started with RPL for this qualification?▾
The process begins with a free skills review to assess your eligibility. Once confirmed, you will gather evidence of your mechanical experience, which is then formally assessed by our RTO partners to grant your qualification.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?▾
Yes, a qualification obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning is identical to one earned through traditional study. It is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and held in the same regard by employers.
How long does the process typically take?▾
Most candidates complete the RPL process within 4 to 6 weeks after their evidence portfolio has been submitted for assessment. The timeframe depends on how quickly you can compile your work history and documentation.
What type of evidence do I need to provide?▾
Evidence can include workplace photos and videos of you performing mechanical tasks, employment references, trade certificates, job cards, and detailed work logs showing your experience with heavy rigid or combination trucks.
Does this RPL cover specialised engine and transmission work?▾
Yes, this qualification focuses on the overhaul, testing, and repair of mechanical systems including engines, brakes, transmissions, and suspensions specifically for heavy commercial vehicles.
Can I apply if my experience is across different truck brands?▾
Absolutely. Broad experience across various heavy vehicle makes and models is highly valued and demonstrates the comprehensive mechanical knowledge required for this Certificate III.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?▾
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?▾
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?▾
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?▾
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?▾
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?▾
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

Related Qualifications

Other qualifications in the Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package.

Certificate I

Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation

AUR10120

Certificate II

Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting

AUR22021

Certificate II

Certificate II in Automotive Administration

AUR20126

Certificate II

Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology

AUR20220

Certificate II

Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology

AUR20920

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