Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 2:27 AM AWST
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Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
PMA30108
W516
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.00 | 26/07/2012 | Current | Approved |
Description
The Certificate III in Process Plant Operations has been developed as a technical qualification for use in the Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining Training Package (PMA08).
Job roles/employment outcomes
The Certificate III in Process Plant Operation is intended for advanced operators and operations technicians who use production equipment to directly produce products. At this level, operators/technicians would undertake more advanced operations, typically of integrated plant units in accordance with the operating procedures, and would apply their knowledge to anticipate problems. They would be expected to solve a range of foreseen and unforeseen problems, using product and process knowledge to develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution, or a solution recorded in the procedures.
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing MSA30107 is available for production support employees at this level and should be used where the job requirements do not allow for the development of competency in sufficient technical units of competency. The Certificate III in Competitive Manufacturing MCM30104 is available for employees at this level where the job requires sophisticated manufacturing practice skills rather than technical skills.
Application
This qualification is typically used to develop employees performing an advanced operational role that includes an ability to work independently and conduct technical problem solving according to the needs of the work in the chemical, hydrocarbons or refining sectors.
Operators may specialise in one of the following areas:
fine chemicals
heavy chemicals
petrochemicals
polymer manufacture
hydrocarbon extraction
hydrocarbon transmission
hydrocarbon processing/refining
minerals processing/refining
metals smelting/processing
other related areas.
Specialisations must be reflected by the selection of units identified for specialised streams.
Training programs for this qualification are suitable to be undertaken as part of a formal training contract with an employer under an Australian Traineeship or Apprenticeship arrangement.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
To be awarded the Certificate III in Process Plant Operations competency must be achieved in twenty one (21) units choses as specified in the Training Package.- five (5) core units of competency
- sixteen (16) elective units of competency as specified below.
Select sixteen (16) units as specified below:
- A minimum of two (2) from Group A
- The remainder may be chosen from Groups A, B and C (with a maximum of twelve (12)
from Group C) to bring the total number of electives to sixteen (16).
Note that up to four (4) of the elective units can be chosen from other qualifications in this
Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, as specified in
Groups B and C.
1. Core Units
Select all five (5) units from this list.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W8279 | MSAPMSUP100A | Apply workplace procedures | 26 | Unit of competency |
| W8281 | MSAPMSUP102A | Communicate in the workplace | 26 | Unit of competency |
| W8248 | MSAPMOHS110A | Follow emergency response procedures | 26 | Unit of competency |
| D3655 | MSAENV272B | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 20 | Unit of competency |
| W8249 | MSAPMOHS200A | Work safely | 26 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Units
Select sixteen (16) units as specified below:
- A minimum of two (2) from Group A
- The remainder may be chosen from Groups A, B and C (with a maximum of twelve (12)
from Group C) to bring the total number of electives to sixteen (16).
Note that up to four (4) of the elective units can be chosen from other qualifications in this
Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, as specified in
Groups B and C.
3. Group B Units
Select sixteen (16) units as specified below:
- A minimum of two (2) from Group A
- The remainder may be chosen from Groups A, B and C (with a maximum of twelve (12)
from Group C) to bring the total number of electives to sixteen (16).
Note that up to four (4) of the elective units can be chosen from other qualifications in this
Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, as specified in
Groups B and C.
4. Group C Units
Select sixteen (16) units as specified below:
- A minimum of two (2) from Group A
- The remainder may be chosen from Groups A, B and C (with a maximum of twelve (12)
from Group C) to bring the total number of electives to sixteen (16).
Note that up to four (4) of the elective units can be chosen from other qualifications in this
Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, as specified in
Groups B and C.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C650 | PMA30102 | Certificate III in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J572 | PMA30113 | Certificate III in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
VET Info Notes
1. This qualification is the copyright of Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
2. Further information on this qualification is contained in the training Package available from Australian Training Products Ltd., Tel: (03) 9655 0600 or Email: sales@atpl.net.au
3. This qualification was entered on to the STARS by the METS CSSN 16/12/08
Entry Requirements
Not applicable.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships