Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 3 years full-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who paint, refinish, repair and maintain painted surfaces on a range of automotive vehicles, recreational vehicles and other vehicles in the automotive industry.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Automotive Service and Repair include:
>Vehicle spray painter
>Vehicle refinishing technician - Heavy vehicle and Industry
>Vehicle refinishing technician
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include, but are not limited to AUR40720 Certificate IV in Automotive Body Repair Technology or other relevant qualifications.
Fees
2023 course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place is $3,885.00, and for students who are not eligible is $22,200.00.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of a Veteran's Affairs payment
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Northern Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities - Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses"
What will I study?
To achieve AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology a total of thirty (30) units of competency must be completed comprising eighteen (18) Core and twelve (12) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1110.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
Core units of competency | ||
AURAEA002 | Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace | 25 |
AURAFA108 | Interpret and apply automotive repair instructions | 20 |
AURASA102 | Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace | 20 |
AURVTP002 | Mask vehicle panels and components | 20 |
AURVTP006 | Apply refinishing primers to vehicle surfaces | 30 |
AURVTP019 | Prepare and paint plastic and composite vehicle surfaces | 20 |
AURVTP020 | De-nib, buff and polish vehicle painted surfaces | 20 |
AURVTP101 | Remove paint from vehicle painted surfaces | 20 |
AURVTP103 | Prepare vehicle spray painting equipment for use | 40 |
AURVTP104 | Apply basic colour matching techniques using vehicle paint codes | 30 |
AURVTP110 | Prepare and operate vehicle paint drying equipment | 30 |
AURVTP113 | Prepare vehicle substrates for refinishing | 70 |
AURVTP114 | Colour match multi-layer and clear over base two-pack paints on vehicles and components | 60 |
AURVTP115 | Match direct gloss solid paint colour on vehicles or components | 40 |
AURVTP117 | Rectify and touch up vehicle paint faults using clear over base two-pack systems | 80 |
AURVTP123 | Apply clear over base two-pack refinishing materials to vehicle body components | 45 |
AURVTP124 | Apply clear over base multi-layer and pearl refinishing materials to vehicle body components | 45 |
AURVTP125 | Apply water-based refinishing materials to vehicle bodies and substrates | 45 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 660 | |
Elective units of competency (Select 12) | ||
AURTTK102 | Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace | 20 |
AURVTN104 | Remove, replace and align bolt-on vehicle body panels and components | 90 |
AURVTN005 | Remove and replace adhesive attached components on vehicles | 15 |
AURVTN017 | Repair vehicle thermoplastic body panels and components | 30 |
AURVTN116 | Repair vehicle body panels using filler | 35 |
AURVTN132 | Inspect vehicle damage and determine repair procedures | 40 |
AURVTN135 | Apply original equipment manufacturer repair procedures during vehicle repairs | 20 |
AURVTP005 | Apply rust prevention and sound deadening materials to vehicle body components | 20 |
AURVTP026 | Apply airbrush techniques to vehicle body panels | 40 |
AURVTP107 | Touch up minor vehicle paintwork damage | 30 |
AURVTP118 | Rectify vehicle multi-layer and pearl paint faults using two-pack systems | 80 |
AURVTS104 | Repair vehicle composite materials components | 30 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 450 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1110 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To gain entry into AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology candidates require:
- A registered NT apprenticeship
Students will also need to wear work clothing suited to the automotive industry such as:
- Steel cap boots
- Safety glasses
- Protective clothing
Students will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of language, literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge to undertake a course at this level.
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the AUR Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package.
VET for secondary schools
VET for Secondary Students (VSS)
Select VSS for more detail about this program.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations:Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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