A Guide To The Auto Mechanic Certification Process In Australia

 

If you want to know how to get an auto mechanic certification, you need to understand that there are different factors to take into account. Becoming a certified auto mechanic is a steady process. 

Here at South Sydney College, our trainers are all fully qualified. All the students go through our certification process and establish themselves as professional auto mechanics.

Pursuing courses in colleges, such as electronics and mathematics, starts by learning how to become a mechanic. To get the auto mechanic certification, you’ll need a Certificate III or Certificate IV in Automotive Studies to train in areas from motor mechanics to engine reconditioning and in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.

 

Mechanic Definition

 

A mechanic is a certified worker who operates cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles. An auto mechanic will perform different types of repairs, installations, inspections, and maintenance work on these vehicles. 

They are trained in bolting, welding, brazing, soldering, and managing a variety of tools and machinery. A heavyweight mechanic works with heavy vehicles, such as tractors, and a lightweight mechanic works with smaller vehicles, like cars.

 

Responsibilities of an Auto Mechanic

 

A trained and certified mechanic will have the ability to fix any vehicle in any condition. Here are the details.

An auto mechanic should be able to replace or repair mechanical parts within the vehicle, referring to the car manual if needed. A Car Repair can range from repairing the air conditioning and fixing broken lights to having the engine and parts resolved. 

They will also perform maintenance and service work. This includes both minor and major car service work where parts are also inspected. The systems of the car are cleaned, fluids are replaced, and each system is properly checked. 

Moreover, they will undergo minor trim and minor body repairs that can be carried out by a certified mechanic. Then they will perform engine management and fuel injection areas. This can mean repairing, diagnosing issues, or replacing specific parts within these systems. 

In some cases, auto mechanics will have to work on the electrical systems of the car to repair or replace them. The electrical components include the lights, ignition, and electronic fuel injection for the instrumentation. 

Complete car inspections where all parts and systems of the car are correctly inspected. Inspections look for any defects, issues, or errors that could be present and could negatively influence the drive.

 

How many years will it take to become a certified auto mechanic?

 

Becoming an auto mechanic requires training, qualifications, and work experience. To acquire auto mechanic certification in the automotive industry, you’ll need to complete all the necessary requirements to ensure a person is qualified. 

Deciding on what specific mechanic will influence how long or how to become a mechanic will be. Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology introduces a person to the basics of mechanical work. This course often lasts for 18 weeks and you will learn a wide range of skills. 

This includes light engines, heavy vehicles, electrical systems, motor mechanics, and more. Often, this degree is what is used to project onto another course that will specialize more in the mechanical field. 

For a lightweight mechanic, which is the average mechanic, to work on cars and motorcycles, a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology is needed. This course runs over 2 years and is needed to know how to perform automotive repairs and other tasks on light vehicles. 

The course can also be completed with an apprenticeship and will be over 3 years long. An apprenticeship is needed as it provides a real-life experience which is crucial to be fully qualified. 

Most run for over 3 to 4 years to ensure the individual can work independently on the vehicle. After the apprenticeship is finished, gaining the certification is the final step to becoming a fully qualified mechanic.

 

Certificate III In Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

 

This course is designed for international students who want to start and develop a career in the Australian automotive industry. This includes the retail, service, and repair industries for light vehicles. 

This will teach you the core knowledge and skills needed to succeed, including diagnosing mechanical repairs needed with the use of specialized tools and equipment. 

When you complete this course, you will be on the pathway toward higher Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications to become a diagnostic technician.

 

Your possible learnings from Certificate III

 

You will study topics related to information and communications technology and go through case studies as they apply to different Australian industries. There will be immersive, hands-on practical work, using critical IT problem-solving skills, research, consultation, and collaboration with diverse teams. 

 

Here are the sample course units for you to look into.  

 

• AURAEA002 Follow environmental and sustainability best practices in an automotive workplace. 
• AURTTK001 Use and maintain measuring equipment in an automotive workplace. 
• AURTTK102 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace. 
• AURETR132 Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems.
• AURETR112 Test and repair basic electrical circuits.
• AURASA102 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace. 
• AURTTA104 Carry out servicing operations. 
• AURTTA017 Carry out vehicle safety inspections. 
• AURLTB103 Diagnose and repair light vehicle hydraulic braking systems.

 

Entry Qualification for Certificate III

 

To get auto mechanic certification III you will need to meet these requirements.

– Must be at least 16 years old. 

– Must demonstrate satisfactory completion of studies in the applicant’s home country equivalent to an Australian Year 10 qualification. 

– Must submit accredited English test results from the past 2 years (ex: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE, or OET). 

– Must hold a current student visa (SSC will assist you with the visa application)

 

Certificate IV in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

 

This course is designed for international students who want to advance their careers in the Australian automotive industry and develop essential mechanical skills. 

This certificate will teach you the core knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the automotive industry, including the use of light vehicle tools and specialized equipment. 

When you complete this course, you will be qualified for the Diploma qualifications on the way to becoming a Diagnostic Technician.

 

Your possible learning from Certificate IV

 

You will study information and communications technology topics and case studies as they apply to different Australian industries. There will be immersive, hands-on practical work, using critical IT problem-solving skills, research, consultation, and collaboration with diverse teams.

Here are a few sample course units for you to look into:

 

• AURTTA021 Diagnose complex system faults.
• AURETR037 Diagnose complex faults in light vehicle safety systems. 
• AURLTB104 Diagnose complex faults in light vehicle braking systems.
• AURLTD109 Diagnose complex faults in light vehicle steering and suspension systems.
• AURLTE104 Diagnose complex faults in light vehicle petrol engines. 
• AURLTE105 Diagnose complex faults in light vehicle diesel engines.
• AURLTX104 Diagnose complex faults in light vehicle automatic transmission and driveline systems. 
• AURTTA125 Diagnose complex faults in vehicle integrated stability control systems. 
• AURTTR101 Diagnose complex faults in engine management systems.

 

Entry Qualification for Certificate IV

 

To get auto mechanic certification IV, you will need to meet these requirements.

– Must be at least 16 years old.

– Must demonstrate satisfactory completion of studies in the applicant’s home country equivalent to an Australian Year 10 qualification.

– Must submit accredited English test results from the past 2 years (ex: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE, or OET). 

– Must hold a current student visa (SSC will assist you with the visa application)

 

Conclusion

Again, to get the auto mechanic certification, you need to have the will and be patient. South Sydney College has many graduates who are dominating the Australian automotive industry. Our Certificate III and Certificate IV will guide you with everything you need to grow your career in the automotive industry.