Automotive courses
15 automotive qualifications in Australia, compared side by side: cost, duration, providers and where each one leads.
- Qualifications
- 15
on this page
- Providers
- 519
across all qualifications
- Median pay
- $59,800–$84,300
across roles in this field
- Employment growth*
- +5%
1 of 3 roles in shortage
Which of these is right for you?
We don't recommend one provider over another, but four things usually decide which qualification is the right one to start with.
- How much time can you give it?
- A certificate usually runs months, not years, and gets you working sooner. A degree is a multi-year commitment, but it's the only route into a registered profession like pharmacist.
- Do you want to study online, on campus, or both?
- Check each qualification's study modes below. Some are online only, some require placements or on-campus units even in a mostly online course.
- What's your entry point?
- If you're starting from school leaver or career change with no background in the field, the lowest rung on the ladder is usually the realistic start, not the top qualification.
- Which role are you aiming for?
- Some roles need one specific qualification. Others accept several. The roles section below says which qualification on this page actually gets you there.
The automotive qualifications
15 qualifications in this field. Each links through to cost, duration and the providers that teach it.
Certificates and diplomas
Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
17 providersView qualification →Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology
11 providersThis qualification gets you ready for entry level work on vehicle bodies in the automotive repair industry, where most jobs start with stripping, prepping and helping more experienced tradespeople.
Certificate IIView qualification →Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
35 providersThis is a hands-on starting point for work in an automotive workshop, built around the routine servicing that keeps cars and light vehicles on the road.
Certificate IIMechanic's AssistantView qualification →Certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology
21 providersThis entry-level qualification prepares you to work on tyres in automotive retail, service and repair businesses, fitting, balancing and repairing them under supervision.
Certificate IITyre FitterView qualification →Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
77 providersThis is an entry-level course for people who want to start working with vehicles and machinery but have no trade experience yet.
Certificate IIView qualification →Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
24 providersThis qualification prepares you to work as an automotive body repair technician, the person who inspects a damaged vehicle and puts its body, frame and chassis back to manufacturer specifications.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology
20 providersThis qualification prepares you to work safely on battery electric vehicles, including the high voltage systems that set them apart from petrol and diesel cars.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
63 providersThis qualification trains you to work as an automotive electrician, the person who tracks down and fixes the electrical faults that stop a vehicle starting, charging or lighting up.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
18 providersThis qualification teaches you to paint and refinish vehicles, from stripping and preparing panels through to the final polish.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Automotive Sales
21 providersThis qualification prepares you to work in sales across the automotive industry, whether that is on a dealership showroom floor, at a parts counter or in a service reception area.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology
3 providersThis qualification trains you to make and repair the trim inside cars, boats and other vehicles: seats, carpet, headlinings, door panels and upholstery.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
46 providersThis qualification prepares you to service and repair heavy commercial vehicles, the trucks, buses and similar machines that earn their keep on the road.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
145 providersThis course trains you to service and repair cars and other light vehicles, from routine maintenance through to tracking down faults that are hard to find.
Certificate IIIMotor MechanicView qualification →Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology
5 providersMarine mechanical technology is about keeping boats running, from outboard and inboard engines through to the wiring, instruments and controls on board.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
13 providersYou learn to keep motorcycles running: servicing and repairing engines, sorting out brakes, suspension and steering, replacing clutches and transmissions, and tracing faults through the electrical, charging and starting systems.
Certificate IIIView qualification →
What automotive study leads to
The 3 roles where a automotive qualification is a recognised route in, which qualification on this page it is, and what else you need.
Mechanic's Assistant
The direct route is the Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology. Automotive servicing support duties; this is not a qualified motor mechanic or licensed-trade route.
Median salary for the role
$59,800
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Indicative estimate, not yet verified against official Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS data, Estimate.
Tyre Fitter
The direct route is the Certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology. Tyre-servicing duties within the qualification's training and workplace safety scope.
Median salary for the role
$59,800
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Indicative estimate, not yet verified against official Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS data, Estimate.
Motor Mechanic
The direct route is the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology. Complete recognised light-vehicle trade training and the required workplace or apprenticeship arrangements; check local motor-repair licensing requirements. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median salary for the role
$84,300
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.