RPL for Certificate III in Process Plant Operations

Certificate III in Process Plant Operations takes 21 units. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, each unit is assessed on evidence of work you have already done rather than on training you sit through.

What the assessment looks at

Every unit sets out what you must be able to do and what you must know. An assessor works through them one at a time, asking the same question each time: does this person's evidence show they can do this reliably, in a real workplace, recently enough to count?

You can read the full requirements for PMA30120 on the national training register. They are public, and worth a look before you spend anything — if the units describe work you have never done, RPL is not your route.

Evidence worth gathering before you start

• Photos of completed jobs, ideally showing a few stages of the same job, with their original dates intact.
• Job sheets, dockets, work orders or site diaries covering a spread of jobs.
• Supervisors, employers or clients who will confirm specifically what you did.
• Any licences or tickets you already hold.

How the guided process works

You work through the 21 units one at a time, talking about jobs you have actually done. You can speak rather than type. Add photos as you find them, and stop whenever you like — progress saves itself, and most people spread this over weeks while they dig out records. At the end you have an evidence portfolio your RTO's assessor can work through.

What this does not do

It does not assess you, and it cannot promise you PMA30120. An assessor at a registered training organisation makes that decision and may require further evidence or training. What a complete portfolio buys you is a fair assessment rather than a rejection over paperwork.

See what PMA30120 involves →

The 21 units you complete, chosen from these 176

You do not do all 176. Certificate III in Process Plant Operations is 5 core units, which everyone does, plus 16 chosen from the 171 electives below. Read both lists before you spend anything — it is the fastest way to tell whether RPL is your route. If most of this describes work you have done, you have a case to make. If whole sections describe work you have never touched, an assessor will say so, and doing the course is the honest answer.

Worth knowing: 15 of them have a prerequisite unit, so the order you gather evidence in matters.

Core units — everyone does these

• MSMENV272 — Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
• MSMSUP100 — Apply workplace context to own job
• MSMSUP102 — Communicate in the workplace
• MSMWHS110 — Follow emergency response procedures
• MSMWHS200 — Work safely

Electives — you choose from these

• HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid
• HLTAID013 — Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site
• HLTAID014 — Provide Advanced First Aid
• MEM07033 — Operate and monitor basic boiler
• MEM09002 — Interpret technical drawing
• MEM09003 — Prepare basic engineering drawing
• MEM11011 — Undertake manual handling
• MEM12023 — Perform engineering measurements
• MEM12024 — Perform computations
• MEM13015 — Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
• MEM16006 — Organise and communicate information
• MEM18011 — Shut down and isolate machines/equipment
• MSL952001 — Collect routine site samples
• MSL973013 — Perform basic tests
• MSMBLIC001 — Licence to operate a standard boiler
• MSMBLIC002 — Licence to operate an advanced boiler
• MSMOPS100 — Use equipment
• MSMOPS200 — Operate equipment
• MSMOPS212 — Use organisation computers or data systems
• MSMPER200 — Work in accordance with an issued permit
• MSMPER201 — Monitor and control work permits
• MSMPER202 — Observe permit work
• MSMPER205 — Enter confined space
• MSMPER300 — Issue work permits
• MSMPMC303 — Operate grinding equipment
• MSMPMC306 — Operate crushing equipment
• MSMSUP101 — Clean workplace or equipment
• MSMSUP106 — Work in a team
• MSMSUP200 — Achieve work outcomes
• MSMSUP210 — Process and record information
• MSMSUP240 — Undertake minor maintenance
• MSMSUP292 — Sample and test materials and product
• MSMSUP300 — Identify and apply process improvements
• MSMSUP303 — Identify equipment faults
• MSMSUP310 — Contribute to the development of workplace documentation
• MSMSUP330 — Develop and adjust a production schedule
• MSMSUP382 — Provide coaching/mentoring in the workplace
• MSMSUP383 — Facilitate a team
• MSMSUP390 — Use structured problem-solving tools
• MSMWHS100 — Follow WHS procedures
• MSMWHS201 — Conduct hazard analysis
• MSMWHS205 — Control minor incidents
• MSMWHS210 — Undertake first response to non-fire incidents
• MSMWHS212 — Undertake first response to fire incidents
• MSMWHS216 — Operate breathing apparatus
• MSMWHS217 — Gas test atmospheres
• MSMWHS218 — Control the risks of falls
• MSMWHS300 — Facilitate the implementation of WHS for a work group
• MSMWHS401 — Assess risk
• MSS402002 — Sustain process improvements
• MSS402040 — Apply 5S procedures
• MSS402050 — Monitor process capability
• MSS402080 — Undertake root cause analysis
• MSS402081 — Contribute to the application of a proactive maintenance strategy
• MSS402082 — Apply cost factors to work practices
• MSS402083 — Use planning software systems in operations
• PMAOMIR301 — Undertake initial rescue
• PMAOMIR302 — Respond to a helideck incident
• PMAOMIR306 — Operate control panel during an emergency
• PMAOMIR322 — Manage incident response information
• PMAOMIR323 — Manage communication systems during an incident
• PMAOMIR346 — Assess and secure an incident site
• PMAOPS101 — Read dials and indicators
• PMAOPS105 — Select and prepare materials
• PMAOPS201 — Operate fluid flow equipment
• PMAOPS202 — Operate fluid mixing equipment
• PMAOPS204 — Select and use utilities and services
• PMAOPS205 — Operate heat exchangers
• PMAOPS208 — Operate chemical separation equipment
• PMAOPS210 — Operate solids handling equipment
• PMAOPS213 — Package product/material
• PMAOPS216 — Operate local control system
• PMAOPS217 — Operate wet milling equipment
• PMAOPS220 — Monitor chemical reactions in the process
• PMAOPS221 — Operate and monitor prime movers
• PMAOPS222 — Operate and monitor pumping systems and equipment
• PMAOPS223 — Operate and monitor valve systems
• PMAOPS224 — Provide fluids for utilities and support
• PMAOPS230 — Monitor, operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipment
• PMAOPS231 — Control gas odourisation
• PMAOPS232 — Operate filtration equipment
• PMAOPS233 — Monitor wells and gathering systems
• PMAOPS234 — Monitor and operate low pressure compressors
• PMAOPS236 — Monitor continuous process plant
• PMAOPS240 — Store fluids in bulk
• PMAOPS241 — Operate Joule-Thomson effect device
• PMAOPS246 — Operate separation equipment
• PMAOPS247 — Operate powered separation equipment
• PMAOPS260 — Conduct screening operations
• PMAOPS261 — Operate bulk solids loading equipment
• PMAOPS262 — Operate digestion equipment
• PMAOPS280 — Interpret process plant schematics
• PMAOPS306 — Operate and troubleshoot production unit
• PMAOPS309 — Operate solids handling/storage facility
• PMAOPS310 — Operate and troubleshoot distillation system
• PMAOPS311 — Operate and troubleshoot reactors and reaction equipment
• PMAOPS313 — Operate and troubleshoot furnaces to induce reaction
• PMAOPS314 — Operate and troubleshoot compressor systems
• PMAOPS315 — Operate and troubleshoot process control systems
• PMAOPS316 — Organise storage and logistics of general materials
• PMAOPS317 — Undertake ship transfer operations
• PMAOPS318 — Conduct artificial lift
• PMAOPS319 — Adjust batch
• PMAOPS322 — Undertake well management
• PMAOPS328 — Operate and troubleshoot heating furnace
• PMAOPS331 — Operate and troubleshoot gas turbine system
• PMAOPS332 — Generate electrical power
• PMAOPS334 — Operate and troubleshoot gas absorption system
• PMAOPS336 — Operate and troubleshoot fixed-bed adsorption system
• PMAOPS338 — Communicate and monitor pipeline activities
• PMAOPS339 — Operate and troubleshoot wells and gathering systems
• PMAOPS341 — Operate and troubleshoot cryogenic processes
• PMAOPS342 — Conduct pipeline pigging
• PMAOPS343 — Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility
• PMAOPS344 — Operate and troubleshoot flare systems
• PMAOPS345 — Operate and troubleshoot gas treatment process
• PMAOPS346 — Operate and troubleshoot liquefaction process
• PMAOPS347 — Create and conduct isolations in the workplace
• PMAOPS348 — Operate safety, protection and shutdown systems
• PMAOPS349 — Operate and troubleshoot hydraulic systems
• PMAOPS351 — Operate and troubleshoot turret swivel systems
• PMAOPS352 — Operate and troubleshoot instrument and plant air systems
• PMAOPS353 — Operate and troubleshoot heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
• PMAOPS354 — Operate and troubleshoot inert gas generation systems
• PMAOPS355 — Operate and troubleshoot fuel systems
• PMAOPS356 — Operate and troubleshoot water treatment systems
• PMAOPS357 — Operate and troubleshoot produced water and water injection systems
• PMAOPS358 — Process design fundamentals
• PMAOPS359 — Operate and troubleshoot process measurement and control systems
• PMAOPS363 — Operate and troubleshoot export systems
• PMAOPS367 — Operate and troubleshoot cooling water systems
• PMAOPS368 — Operate and troubleshoot heating medium/hot oil systems
• PMAOPS369 — Operate and troubleshoot drain and vent systems
• PMAOPS370 — Operate and troubleshoot condensate stabilisation systems
• PMAOPS390 — Operate a biochemical process
• PMAOPS405 — Operate complex control systems
• PMAOPS411 — Manage plant shutdown and restart
• PMASMELT260 — Form carbon anodes
• PMASMELT261 — Bake carbon anodes
• PMASMELT262 — Clean and strip anode rods
• PMASMELT263 — Spray carbon anodes
• PMASMELT264 — Start up reduction cells
• PMASMELT265 — Operate reduction cells
• PMASMELT266 — Deliver molten metal
• PMASMELT267 — Cast ingots
• PMASMELT268 — Operate vertical direct casting process
• PMASMELT269 — Operate cell tending equipment
• PMASMELT270 — Supply product from reduction cells
• PMASUP236 — Operate vehicles in the field
• PMASUP241 — Maintain pipeline easements
• PMASUP244 — Prepare and isolate plant
• PMASUP245 — Break and make flanged joints using hand tools
• PMASUP246 — Disconnect and reconnect non-flared tube fitting joints
• PMASUP305 — Operate offshore cranes
• PMASUP311 — Operate communications hub
• PMASUP345 — Monitor vibration
• PMASUP348 — Monitor and maintain cathodic protection systems
• PMASUP349 — Monitor and control repairs and modifications on operational pipe
• PMAWHS211 — Prepare equipment for emergency response
• PMAWHS213 — Undertake fire control and emergency rescue
• PMAWHS310 — Investigate incidents
• PMAWHS311 — Lead emergency teams
• PSPGEN015 — Work effectively with diversity
• RIIPBE203D — Conduct precipitation operations
• RIIPBE301D — Conduct calcinations activities
• RIIPBE308D — Conduct thickening and clarifying process
• RIIRIS201E — Conduct local risk control
• TAEASS301 — Contribute to assessment
• TAEDEL301 — Provide work skill instruction
• TLID2010 — Operate a forklift
• UEPOPL001 — Licence to operate a steam turbine

Each unit breaks down further into elements and performance criteria — the specific things you have to be able to show. The guide works through them one unit at a time and asks about jobs you have actually done, rather than making you read the register yourself.

More RPL in engineering and manufacturing

Every qualification in this industry, which of them have a guide ready, and what assessors here accept as evidence: RPL in engineering and manufacturing.

When you are ready, see what PMA30120 costs and what the guide asks you for, or read what counts as evidence and how RPL compares with doing the course.