Automotive Technician

Turn your hands-on automotive experience into a recognised trade qualification so you can legally work as an automotive technician in Western Australia. If you’ve been working as a mechanic or automotive technician, you may already qualify for a WA trade licence. A quick skills check can show what you’re eligible for and what documents you need. No cost, no pressure, and clear advice on your next steps.
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Start Your Journey to a Automotive technician Licence

Automotive work in Western Australia is regulated to make sure vehicles are repaired and serviced safely and to standard. Without the correct trade qualification, you may be limited to supervised roles or unable to carry out certain mechanical work on your own. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows experienced automotive technicians to gain a formal qualification based on the skills they already use on the job. We guide you from skills assessment through to licence-ready status so you can work with confidence.

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All qualifications are nationally recognised and issued by our partner RTOs.

Why Get Your Automotive technician Trade Licensed in Western Australia?

Work legally and safely
Access higher-paying jobs
Get experience officially recognised
Take on your own work
Qualify for trade insurance
Start or grow your business
Build trust and credibility
Work across Australia
Secure a long-term career

How to Get a Western Australia Automotive technician Trade Licence

1

Initial Consultation

Tell us about your trade background, total years of experience, any completed certificates, and the licence you want to apply for in Western Australia.

Tell us about your trade, how many years of experience you have, any certifications you already have, and confirm that you work in Western Australia.

We will conduct a complimentary skills check to determine the licence you require in Western Australia, the specific qualifications or unit codes required, and whether your expertise qualifies for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Following the check, we will outline the recommended pathway and next steps.

Free Skills Check: Do you have the required certificate for your licence?

If you already have the required certificate

  • We confirm your certificate is correct for your licence.
  • We refer you to our partner trade licensing advisor, Trade Licence Solutions, to prepare your trade licence application for submission to the licensing authority.
  • If you do not prefer to use our partners for your trade licence application, you can apply for it directly with the trade licence authority in your state.

If you don’t have the required licence certificate

  • We assist you with the RPL process for obtaining the necessary qualifications to meet your trade licence requirements.
  • An evidence list is provided to fulfil the qualifications necessary for obtaining your licence.
  • We map your work experience to the qualification.
2

Build A Portfolio of Experience

Your dedicated RPL It Australia account manager helps you prepare a clear portfolio of evidence — resume, job history, photos of work, reference letters, certificates, and more.

What your portfolio may include: • Resume with industry experience & job roles • Employment contracts & job descriptions • Reference letters from employers, managers, and colleagues • Professional trade memberships • Photos or videos demonstrating your work • Competency conversations (with your assessor) • Previously attended training & workshops • Prior study and transcripts • Business plans or business reports During the initial consultation, we'll confirm which pathway you'll follow and provide a tailored evidence checklist so you gather only what's needed.

3

Evidence Review and RTO Assessment

We submit your portfolio to a partnered RTO for final assessment. The RTO may follow up with you directly if any additional evidence or a brief interview is needed.

After assessing your evidence portfolio, the RTO will issue you a nationally recognised qualification.

4

You're Ready to Be Licensed!

Once your qualification is issued, you are ready to apply directly with Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety for your trade licence.

You can either apply yourself or have our partner Trade Licence Solutions prepare and lodge the application on your behalf. When the licensing authority approves the application, you'll receive your trade licence and can legally work in Western Australia.

What Could I Provide as Evidence of My Work Experience?

To support your experience, consider providing any of the following evidence:

  • Resume with industry experience & job roles
  • Employment contracts, job descriptions
  • Reference letters from employers, managers, and colleagues
  • Professional trade memberships
  • Photos or videos of completed work
  • Licences, tickets, or certifications already held
  • Training records or course completions
  • Logbooks or job diaries
  • Photos demonstrating your work
  • 2-minute video demonstration of your work
  • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Common Questions About RPL

Why should I get a WA trade licence?
Trade licensing regulates industries across Australia, including Western Australia. A trade licence ensures that professionals are qualified to do business safely and efficiently. You can demonstrate your reliability and experience to clients by obtaining a licence and registering with a state regulatory authority.
Can I work in a trade without a WA licence?
If you want to work in the trade, you do need a Western Australian licence. You need a different licence in each state, even if you already have one from another state. For most trades, it is required by law for safety and quality reasons, and there are harsh penalties for noncompliance.
Who is eligible to obtain a trade licence?
You can get a licence in Australia based on where you want to live and work. The cost of getting a trade licence depends on the state and the industry. You can learn about the eligibility requirements for each sector and trade by following the links on this page.
How much does the licence cost?
The cost of obtaining a trade licence depends on factors such as the state, the licence type, and any additional training or tests required. For more information, it is advisable to consult an RPL it consultant or a partner trade licence adviser.
Will previous experience count towards getting my licence?
Yes, having experience is a big part of getting a licence. RPL looks at your job experience, skills, and knowledge to see whether you can get your certification faster. RPL it Australia can help you with this by connecting you with your personal RPL it specialist and a trusted trade licence adviser who can review your portfolio and determine whether you need more training.
How long does the RPL process take?
The RPL process can be completed in as little as a few weeks, typically ranging from two weeks to a month after you’ve submitted all your evidence. The timeline largely depends on how quickly you gather the required evidence, as discussed with your assessor. Once your proof is submitted, we forward it to our partner registered training organisation (RTO) for assessment, and you’ll usually receive an answer within a few days. If you’re having difficulty gathering evidence, we can assist by conducting interviews and observations to speed up the process.
Do I need a licence to work as an automotive technician in WA?
In many mechanical and repair roles, the answer is yes. To work unsupervised or run your jobs, you usually need the correct trade qualification and, in some cases, a licence approved by WA authorities.
Can my workshop experience count towards a qualification?
Yes. RPL it can assess experience in servicing, diagnostics, engine work, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems. You will need evidence such as job records, references, and photos of your work.
How long does the RPL process usually take?
Timeframes depend on how quickly you provide evidence and complete the assessment. Many technicians complete the process in a few months, after which individuals can move directly into applying for a licence or higher-level jobs.

Ready to Get Certified as a Automotive technician in Western Australia?

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