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AUR30320

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Complete this practical course to become a qualified automotive electrician. This course is for anyone who wants to become a qualified technician and continue their career in the automotive industry.

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Starts anytime View all intakes

Course overview

Become a qualified automotive electrician with this course. This qualification is for anyone who wants to learn how to service, diagnose and repair electrical systems and components in vehicles in the automotive electrical service and repair industry.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, automotive electrical skills are in demand with employers finding it hard to fill vacancies for qualified automotive electricians. Queensland has the largest share of workers in this industry with stable future growth predicted over the next five years.

In this course you will gain the underpinning skills and knowledge required to service, diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems and components. You will learn how to diagnose faults and install and repair electrical systems in vehicles including lighting and wiring, ignition, instruments and warning systems. Our industry-expert teachers will also show you how to apply your knowledge of both petrol and diesel engine operation.

Successful completion of this qualification will allow you to apply for recognition as a qualified automotive electrical tradesperson.

What can I do?

  • Automotive Electricians
  • Automotive Electrical Technician

Course outcome:

AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Trade skills assessment and gap training program

If you can demonstrate substantial competency in this qualification, you may be able to access funding for recognition of prior learning and gap training through the Trade Skills and Assessment Gap Training (TSAGT) program. TAFE Queensland is a proud recipient of funding from the Queensland Government, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) for this program. Only eligible participants may receive funding for eligible courses. Learn more about eligibility criteria.

Free apprenticeships for under 25s

The Queensland government is supporting young Queenslanders up to the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications. Learn more>

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 11 elective units from the list below.  

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURAEA002
    Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
    UNIT CODE :
    AURAEA002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to follow environmental and sustainability best practices, including complying with established workplace procedures and environmental regulations as well as following sustainability practices that may reduce the environmental impact of work practices and outputs. It applies to those working in the automotive industry. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURASA102
    Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
    UNIT CODE :
    AURASA102
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and follow safety and emergency procedures in an automotive workplace.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETK002
    Use and maintain electrical test equipment in an automotive workplace
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETK002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to select, use and maintain electrical test equipment used in an automotive workplace for the purpose of identifying, diagnosing and rectifying electrical and electronic faults in vehicles or machinery. It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The electrical systems and components include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, motorcycles, mobile plant machinery or outdoor power equipment. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use and maintain electrical test equipment in an automotive workplace

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR006
    Solder electrical wiring and circuits
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to solder electrical components, electrical circuits and system wiring. It involves preparing for the task, preparing components, circuits and wiring for soldering, carrying out soldering, and completing workplace processes and documentation. It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The electrical wiring and circuits include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Solder electrical wiring and circuits

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR007
    Apply knowledge of automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR007
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to apply knowledge of electrical principles during the testing and repair of basic electrical circuits in vehicles, vessels and machinery. It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The electrical circuits and wiring systems include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply knowledge of automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR009
    Install vehicle lighting and wiring systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR009
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to install vehicle, vessel or machinery low voltage (LV) direct current (DC) lighting and wiring systems that are not an integral part of vehicle or machinery controller area network databus (CAN-bus) topography. It involves preparing for the task, installing and testing the operation of lighting and wiring systems, and completing workplace processes and documentation. It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. LV lighting and wiring systems include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install vehicle lighting and wiring systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR010
    Repair wiring harnesses and looms
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR010
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to test an existing wiring harness and loom, remove, fabricate and fit the new wiring harness and loom, and then test its operation. It involves preparing for the task, performing the work, and completing workplace processes and documentation. It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The wiring harnesses and looms include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Repair wiring harnesses and looms

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR027
    Install ancillary electronic systems and components
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR027
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes required to install and test ancillary electronic systems and components in vehicles or machinery. It involves preparing for the task, installing and testing the operation of the systems and components, and completing workplace processes and documentation. These electronic systems and components may require programming following installation to enable them to communicate with the vehicle or machinery controller area network data bus (CAN-bus or LIN-bus) topography.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install ancillary electronic systems and components

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR112
    Test and repair basic electrical circuits
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR112
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect, test and repair basic electrical circuits in vehicle and machinery electrical systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Test and repair basic electrical circuits

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR123
    Diagnose and repair spark ignition engine management systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR123
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair faults in the spark ignition engine management systems of vehicles, vessels or machinery.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair spark ignition engine management systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR124
    Diagnose and repair compression ignition engine management systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR124
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair faults in the compression ignition engine management systems of vehicles, vessels or machinery.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair compression ignition engine management systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR125
    Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR125
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to test, charge, replace, retest and secure a range of automotive batteries, including vehicle or machinery jump-starting procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR128
    Diagnose and repair instruments and warning systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR128
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair instruments and warning systems. The systems used vary based on the work context.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair instruments and warning systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR129
    Diagnose and repair charging systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR129
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair charging systems. The systems used vary based on the work context.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair charging systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR130
    Diagnose and repair starting systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR130
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair starting systems. The systems used vary based on the work context.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair starting systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR131
    Diagnose and repair ignition systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR131
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair faults in the ignition systems of vehicles, vessels or machinery.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair ignition systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR132
    Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR132
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems. The systems used vary based on the work context
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR135
    Apply knowledge of petrol and diesel engine operation
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR135
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply knowledge of petrol and diesel engine components and systems, as well as of the principles of engine operation, during the testing and repair of basic electrical circuits in vehicles, vessels and machinery.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply knowledge of petrol and diesel engine operation

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURETR143
    Diagnose and repair electronic body management systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AURETR143
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair electronic body management systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and repair electronic body management systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURTTA118
    Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies
    UNIT CODE :
    AURTTA118
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and carry out a diagnostic testing strategy on vehicles, vessels or machinery.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies

  • UNIT CODE
  • AURTTE104
    Inspect and service engines
    UNIT CODE :
    AURTTE104
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect and service engines.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Inspect and service engines

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Acacia Ridge
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Ipswich
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Ashmore
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Warwick
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Toowoomba
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Bundaberg
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Mount Isa
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Cairns
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Townsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320)
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

Resources required

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes.
This includes the use of:

  • clear safety glasses to AS 1336 or 1337
  • protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
  • mechanic gloves
  • ear plugs or muffs
  • You should also wear 100% cotton drill industry-standard protective clothing

If you fail to meet these minimum standards of dress, you will not be permitted entry into practical classes.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You are also required to have access to and bring personal stationary, a USB, and a calculator.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more