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Certificate II · national qualification

Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

This is an entry-level course for people who want to start working with vehicles and machinery but have no trade experience yet.

Compare 25 providers
How long it takes
6 to 12 months
typical for this level
What it costs
From $640
Subsidised at TAFE Queensland, full fee up to $5,607
How you can study
Online or on campus
Taught by
25 providers
Every state and territory

Is this course right for you?

What the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation asks of you, and what you might want to check first.

It helps to have

  • an interest in how vehicles and machinery work
  • a careful approach to safe work practices
  • good communication skills for the workplace
  • a willingness to get hands-on with tools and equipment

Before you start

The qualification has no set entry requirements, but each provider can add its own.

What it costs

Subsidised place

From $640

at TAFE Queensland. Whether you get a subsidised place depends on your state, residency, age and earlier study.

Paying the full fee

$4,077 to $5,607

across the TAFEs listed below. Private providers set their own fees.

  • Chisholm InstituteVIC

    Subsidised
    $1,985
    Concession
    $397
    Full fee
    $5,607

  • GOTAFEVIC

    Subsidised
    $1,296
    Concession
    $259
    Full fee
    $5,493

  • The GordonVIC

    Subsidised
    $1,719
    Concession
    $344
    Full fee
    $4,077

  • TAFE QueenslandQLD

    Subsidised
    $640
    Concession
    $240
    Full fee
    $4,165

Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, read 20 September 2026. Private providers set their own fees.

Where you can study this course

There are 25 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.

What you’ll learn

12 units: 7 that everyone takes and 5 you choose.

  • Identifying mechanical components
  • Identifying electrical systems
  • Basic inspections and maintenance
  • Minor body repairs
  • Safe work practices
  • Using and maintaining tools
See all 7 core units

Core units

Everyone completes these. Select a unit to see what it covers.

  • Loading the details for AURAEA002…

Questions to ask before you enrol

Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.

  1. When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
  2. What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
  3. Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
  4. Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?

Related courses

The national training register, training.gov.au. TAFE course pages, read 20 September 2026. Google reviews. Pay and shortage status from Jobs and Skills Australia.