Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle

AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Qualification Description

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.
This is a comprehensive course designed for those looking to become skilled heavy commercial vehicle technicians. It equips students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to diagnose, repair, and service various systems and components of heavy vehicles and equipment. This includes engines, transmissions, cooling systems, steering and suspension, electrical circuits, hydraulic and air braking systems, and diesel fuel injection systems. With strong industry demand and steady job openings projected, completing this qualification opens the door to becoming a qualified tradesperson in this field.

Mode of Delivery

Face to Face (20 hours per week) with expected independent study of approximately 4 hours per week.

Sample Timetable:

Delivery Site/s

Main Campus:

Automotive Workshop:

Course Duration

This qualification will be delivered over 94 weeks, including 73 weeks of training and assessment and up to 21 weeks of holidays.

Note that supplementary classes will be scheduled, and attendance required, should additional classes be required to allow for classes missed as a result of public holidays, or other interruptions, and/or for students who require further training and/or reassessment or additional support.

Job Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this program, you may be able to apply for the following positions in the Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Industry:

Learning Pathways

You may enrol in the following qualification/s upon the completion of this program to further enhance your knowledge and skills:

AUR31520 - Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology
AUR31820 - Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology
AUR40216 – Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
AUR40820 – Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling
AUR40520 - Certificate IV in Vehicle Loss Assessing
AUR40116 - Certificate IV in Automotive Management

Units of Competency

Completion of total number of 36 units are required for the award of the AUR31120 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Core units: 22 units
Elective units: 14 units, of which:

1 unit must be from one of the Specialist Elective Groups A or B listed in the AUR31120 qualification.
of the remaining 13 units required to make up the elective unit total:
- up to 13 may be from the Specialist Elective Groups and/or the general elective units listed in the AUR31120 qualification
- up to 6 may be from a Certificate II qualification or above in the AUR Training Package or another endorsed Training Package or accredited course

Elective units chosen must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the overall integrity of the AQF alignment, not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification, and contribute to a valid vocational outcome.

Unit Code & Title	Core / Elective
AURAEA002 Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace	Core
AURASA102 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace	Core
AURETR112 Test and repair basic electrical circuits	Core
AURETR122 Diagnose and repair vehicle dynamic control systems	Core
AURETR124 Diagnose and repair compression ignition engine management systems	Core
AURETR125 Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles	Core
AURETR130 Diagnose and repair starting systems	Core
AURHTB101 Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle air braking systems	Core
AURHTD102 Diagnose and repair heavy commercial vehicle steering systems	Core
AURHTD103 Diagnose and repair heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems	Core
AURHTE102 Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle compression ignition engines	Core
AURHTQ103 Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle drive shafts	Core
AURHTZ101 Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle emission control systems	Core
AURTTA006 Inspect and service hydraulic systems	Core
AURTTA104 Carry out servicing operations	Core
AURTTA118 Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies	Core
AURTTC103 Diagnose and repair cooling systems	Core
AURTTF102 Inspect and service diesel fuel injection systems	Core
AURTTF105 Diagnose and repair engine forced-induction systems	Core
AURTTK102 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace	Core
AURTTQ001 Inspect and service final drive assemblies	Core
AURETR129 Diagnose and repair charging systems	Core
AURHTX103 Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle automatic transmissions	Elective
AURAFA103 Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace	Elective
AURAMA001 Work effectively with others in an automotive workplace	Elective
AURETR120 Diagnose and repair network electronic control systems	Elective
AURETR132 Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems	Elective
AURETR143 Diagnose and repair electronic body management systems	Elective
AURETR144 Diagnose and repair integrated engine and transmission management systems	Elective
AURHTB002 Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle hydraulic and air over hydraulic braking systems	Elective
AURHTB107 Diagnose and repair heavy commercial vehicle electronic braking systems	Elective
AURHTD104 Carry out heavy vehicle wheel alignment operations	Elective
AURHTE001 Remove and install heavy vehicle engine assemblies	Elective
AURTTA105 Select and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives	Elective
AURTTB101 Inspect and service braking systems	Elective
AURTTK001 Use and maintain measuring equipment in an automotive workplace	Elective

Pre-requisites

There are no prerequisites for entry in the qualification or any units of competency within the qualification.

Entry Requirements - Overseas Students

Although the training package does not stipulate any entry requirements for this training product.

MechTech has the following entry requirements in place for overseas students:

be at least 18 years of age.
participate in a Pre-enrolment Review to determine the suitability of the course and additional support needs.
undertake MechTech’s ACSF Level 3 LLND assessment.
must have access to a portable device (laptop, iPad or similar) to access E-books and MindTap
must provide evidence of English Language proficiency as stated under the English Language requirements below.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

For intending overseas students, MechTech adheres to the current applicable student visa legislative instruments on English language requirements for student visas as they apply from time to time. All overseas students must demonstrate ‘Proficient English’ levels in accordance with the applicable legislative instrument.

The current applicable legislative instrument is:
LIN 25/090: Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025

Typically, applicants are required to provide results from an approved English language test (e.g. IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.) meeting or exceeding the minimum scores as specified by the legislative instrument and MechTech’s entry criteria. Where a student is exempt from providing external English test evidence under the visa instrument (as listed below), MechTech may assess your English proficiency through an alternate method where required. In such cases, the Dynamic Placement Test (Clarity English) is used to objectively measure your language proficiency and ensure it is sufficient for course participation. This additional step is to uphold academic standards and student support obligations, even if you are visa-exempt from testing. MechTech must be confident in your English ability to progress in your training.

You must have completed the English language test within two (2) years of the application date.

The table below shows the English language test providers, including information on English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and the minimum overall band scores you must achieve to meet the Student visa English language requirement, which will also be used as the English Language proficiency requirement for entry into this course by MechTech in addition to its ACSF level LLND Test.

Required English Language test scores

Item	Test Name	Minimum test score	Minimum test score: if principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS; or if a standard foundation program; or an extended foundation program; or an eligible pathway program	Minimum test score: if principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS
1	C1 Advanced	Overall band score of 161	Not accepted for purposes of subclass 500.213(1) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations.	Not accepted for purposes of subclass 500.213(1) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations.
2	CELPIP General	Overall band score of 7	Overall band score of 6	Overall band score of 5
3	IELTS Academic	Average band score of 6.0	Average band score of 5.5	Average band score of 5.0
4	IELTS General Training	Average band score of 6.0	Average band score of 5.5	Average band score of 5.0
5	LANGUAGECERT Academic	Overall band score of 61	Overall band score of 54	Overall band score of 46
6	MET	Overall band score of 53	Overall band score of 49	Overall band score of 44
7	OET	Overall band score of 1210	Overall band score of 1090	Overall band score of 1020
8	PTE Academic	Overall band score of 47	Overall band score of 39	Overall band score of 31
9	TOEFL iBT	Total band score of 67	Total band score of 51	Total band score of 37

English Language test requirements do not apply to the following:

(a) if you are a citizen of, and who holds a valid passport issued by, one or more of the following countries:

(b) if you are enrolled in one of the following courses, where that is the only course of study that you will be enrolled in for the purposes of your Subclass 500 (Student) visa application:

(d) if in the 2 years before applying for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa, you have successfully completed:

(e) if you have successfully completed a minimum of 5 years of study in English undertaken in one or more of the following countries;

Conditions of Entry

For overseas students, it is a condition of entry that, prior to commencement, you must provide evidence of having an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500).

Entry Requirements – Domestic Students

Although the training package does not stipulate any entry requirements for this training product, MechTech has the following entry requirements in place for Domestic students:

be at least 18 years of age.
participate in a Pre-enrolment Review to determine the suitability of the course and additional support needs.
undertake MechTech’s ACSF Level 5 LLND assessment.
must have access to a portable device (laptop, iPad or similar) with access to Microsoft Word and Excel or
similar.

must not be on a Student Visa (subclass 500)

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of a heavy vehicle mechanic can be very demanding, and it is expected that the prospective learners will have a reasonable level of fitness to perform the following tasks:

Constant hand function (fine and gross) and lifting waist to overhead and carrying up to 2kg
Frequent standing, forward reaching, overhead reaching and static neck postures;
Frequent lifting from floor to overhead and carrying from 2kg to 15kg;
Frequent pushing and pulling;

You are required to discuss your capabilities in the above areas and any concerns you have during the Pre-enrolment Review.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Although the following are available at the workshop, students are encouraged to bring their own PPE for hygiene and safety purposes:

Safety glasses
Safety gloves
Reflective vests

Students must bring their own:

Protective Clothing (Mechanic overalls)
Safety boots

Entry will be prohibited without protective clothing and safety boots.

Study periods and Holiday periods

2026	Start Date	Finish Date	Weeks
Term 1	05 January	15 March	10
Holidays	16 March	05 April	3
Term 2	06 April	14 June	10
Holidays	15 June	05 July	3
Term 3	06 July	13 September	10
Holidays	14 September	04 October	3
Term 4	05 October	13 December	10
Holidays	14 December	03 January	3

Delivery Arrangements

Each student will be provided with their individual training and assessment plan outlining their timetable.
Required Textbooks: Cengage

Heavy Duty Truck Systems 7e
Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Engines, Fuel Computerised Management Systems 6e
Automotive Technology, 7th Edition

Each student will be provided with access to the above textbooks (e-books) and Cengage’s Mindtap to support you with your self-study and provide you with the learning materials for this course. This is included in your course fees.
You will be provided with your own apprentice toolkit which you will be required to bring to all practical classes which is also included in your course fees.
You must buy your own overalls and safety boots and bring them to each practical class. You will be provided with a timetable that will identify the days you will be attending workshop-based training and assessment.

Student Support Services

MechTech requires all students to undertake an ACSF-level LLND assessment and a Pre-enrolment Review upon enrolment to determine the suitability of the course and identify any additional support needs that you may have. MechTech provides a range of additional support services as listed below, which will be offered to you as required and will be identified in your Training and Assessment plan:

Additional tutorials and mentoring sessions
Additional handouts
Additional practice time
Extensions for assessment submission
One-on-one time with the trainers
Specific computer and technology support
Referral to external support services as required
Reasonable adjustment

Further details about Student learning, support and well-being are included in our Student Handbook. We have a dedicated Student Support Officer available to support you during your time at MechTech. Their contact details will be provided to you during the orientation.

Assessment System

Units are assessed individually via a range of assessment methods: Written Assessment, Verbal Questioning and Practical Demonstrations observed directly by the assessor, including completion of workplace documentation such as Job Cards.

Credit Transfer

You may apply for credit transfer. If you have successfully completed unit/s that have identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications. If, upon successful application, you are granted Credit Transfer of the unit/s, you are not required to enrol or undertake the unit. This will appear on your Record of Results or Statement of Attainment.

No additional charges apply for the Credit Transfer application. Credit Transfers will be discussed with you, and you will be given the opportunity to apply for credit transfers during your Pre-enrolment Review.

Successful outcomes of your Credit Transfer application may reduce your course duration and will be reflected in your Training and Assessment plan.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

MechTech offers all students the opportunity to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). MechTech has a methodical RPL process, which is outlined in detail in the Student Handbook. ‘Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) means an assessment process that assesses the competency/s of an individual that may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual meets the requirements specified in the training package or VET accredited courses.

formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction and is linked to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, a certificate, diploma or university degree);
non-formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction, but does not lead to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, in-house professional development programs conducted by a business); and
informal learning refers to learning that results through experience of work-related, social, family, hobby or leisure activities (for example, the acquisition of interpersonal skills developed through several years as a sales representative).’

Students are encouraged to apply for RPL prior to or immediately after formal enrolment, but prior to the facilitated delivery of units, to ensure that you do not miss any class/workshop opportunities offered should you be unsuccessful in the RPL process. Students are given a Training and Assessment plan showing the units you need to complete and methods for undertaking learning and assessment in those units.

Fee Structure

Total Fees: $22,500

Tuition Fees: $1,500
Non-Tuition Fees: $750

RPL Fees

Application fees: $500
Refer to the Fees and Refunds policy in the student handbook or our website for further details.

Refer to the Fees and Refunds policy in the student handbook or on our website for further details.

How to apply?

Contact MechTech Institute to express your interest using any of the following methods, and one of our Enrolment Officers will take you from there.

You can find our student handbook on our website or get in touch, and we can send one to you.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your circumstances, please contact us.