Registering Interest

RPL Interest Registration

Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations

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

RII30220

You have spent years navigating the complexities of underground coal environments, applying technical discretion and judgment where it matters most. We are currently identifying Registered Training Organisation partners who share our commitment to respecting this high-risk expertise through a rigorous recognition process. By registering your interest, you help us prioritise this qualification for our guided evidence pathway.

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About This Qualification

This qualification reflects the role of skilled workers, including production operators, working in underground coal mines, who perform tasks involving a broad range of skilled applications in varied work contexts, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services and contingency measures.  

Qualification Code

RII30220

Training Package

RII — Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate III

Total Units

See training.gov.au

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of the following or equivalent: RIICOM201E Communicate in the workplaceRIIERR203E Escape from hazardous situation unaidedRIIERR205D Apply initial response first aidRIIGOV201E Comply with site work processes/proceduresRIIMCU217 Apply spontaneous combustion management measuresRIIMCU208E Conduct basic strata control operationsRIIMCU214E Conduct ventilation operationsRIIRIS201E Conduct local risk controlRIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures.

National Register

View on training.gov.au →

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:

Role	Responsibilities
Longwall Miner	Operating coal-cutting shearers and managing the conveyor systems that transport coal to the surface.
Continuous Mining Machine Operator	Controlling self-propelled excavators to extract coal and move it to shuttle cars or conveyors.
Bogger Operator	Using specialised underground vehicles to transport waste rock and ore to haulage points.
Inbye and Outbye Operator	Maintaining the critical supply lines and passages that ensure the mine remains safe and operational.
Underground Coal Miner	Assisting with the operation of excavation, loading, and transport equipment at the coalface.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

Most underground coal roles require specific site authorisations or statutory licences issued by state regulators. While this qualification is a key requirement for many of these roles, the final determination of licensing eligibility is made by the relevant state authority.

NSWNSW Resources Regulator

QLDResources Safety & Health Queensland

VICWorkSafe Victoria

WADepartment of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

SASafeWork SA

TASWorkSafe Tasmania

NTNT WorkSafe

ACTWorkSafe ACT

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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 RII30220

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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:

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Work History & Roles

✓Detailed resume and work history
✓Position descriptions from mine sites
✓Letters of service from current or past employers

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Operational Records

✓Equipment pre-start logs for boggers, dozers, or shearers
✓Daily shift reports and production logs
✓Ventilation or strata control monitoring records

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Safety & Risk Management

✓Completed JSEA, JHA, and Take-5 records
✓Risk assessment participation logs
✓Incident reports and toolbox talk minutes

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Technical Competency

✓Spontaneous combustion management plans
✓Site-specific authorisations and inductions
✓Photos or videos of you performing underground tasks

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Training & Certifications

✓Internal training records from the mine
✓Existing Statements of Attainment for RII units
✓First aid and emergency response certifications

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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.

Is the Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations currently available?▾

We are currently in the process of identifying RTO partners who offer this specific qualification. By registering your interest, we can notify you as soon as a partner is secured and the RPL pathway is open for enrolment.

Why should I register my interest for RII30220?▾

Registering interest allows us to gauge demand for this qualification. When we see a high number of experienced miners seeking recognition, it allows us to accelerate our partnership discussions with RTOs that specialise in the resources sector.

Is RPL the same as studying for a mining qualification?▾

No. Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that values your existing expertise. Instead of attending classes to learn new skills, you provide evidence that you already meet the national standards through your years of on-the-job experience.

What if I haven't completed the entry requirements for this qualification?▾

The Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations has specific prerequisites, such as communicating in the workplace and escaping from hazardous situations. If you have the experience but lack the paperwork, we can guide you through an RPL process for those units as well.

How does the RTO's assessor verify my underground experience?▾

The assessor will review your portfolio of evidence, which may include site logs and supervisor reports. They may also conduct a competency conversation or request a practical demonstration to ensure your skills meet the current RII training package standards.

Will my site-specific training count towards this qualification?▾

Yes, site-specific training is often excellent evidence. While it may not be a formal qualification on its own, the records of that training demonstrate that you have been assessed against specific safety and operational standards in a real-world environment.

Related Qualifications

Other qualifications in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package.

Advanced Diploma

Register Your Interest

We're establishing partnerships to offer RII30220 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.

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Priority Notification

Be the first to know when enrolments open for RII30220.

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Preliminary Review

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

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No Commitments

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

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