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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 3 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is not available for online applications. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as an apprenticeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who pain, refresh, repair and maintain painted surfaces on a range of automotive vehicles, recreational vehicles and other vehicles in the automotive industry.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina |
| Duration | 3 years * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face Simulated workplace Workplace * Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | January 11, 2027 - December 10, 2027 * Apprentices will receive an individual call-up notification letter. |
| Attendance | Block delivery Stage 1 - 4 x 1 week blocks Stage 2 - 4 x 1 week blocks Stage 3 - 4 x 1 week blocks Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:20 pm |
Career opportunities
After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
- 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)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including AUR40720 Certificate IV in Automotive Body Repair Technology.
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $4,384.50 |
| Full Fee | $20,301.90 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa 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
Course information flyer(s)
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 training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
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 training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- 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 (complete all 12) | ||
| AURTTK102 | Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace (unnamed) | 20 |
| AURVTN104 | Remove, replace and align bolt-on vehicle body panels and components (unnamed) | 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 (unnamed) | 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 (unnamed) | 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 (unnamed) | 30 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 450 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1110 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
To gain entry into AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology, candidates require:
- To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT.
- Understanding of basic computer skills, to navigate online learning materials and assessments.
Required Resources
Students will need to wear work clothing suited to the automotive industry such as:
- Steel cap boots
- Safety glasses
- Protective clothing
- Respirator
Students are issued with learning materials and handouts relevant to each unit during their scheduled block.
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
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.
Location and study mode
Locations: Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Automotive and Mobile Plant |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
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 TAFE and undergraduate.
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