Skip to content
careertips

HomeCoursesManufacturing and process operationsCertificate III in Process Plant Operations

Certificate III in Process Plant Operations

This qualification is for people who run production equipment in processing plants, such as refineries, mills, chemical works and food manufacturing sites.

  • Study mode: Online, on campus and workplace based
  • Course code: PMA30120

Where you can study this course

Where
Study mode

  • Charles Darwin University

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    12 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students often praise the facilities and campus, while some value student support and course content. Some found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on trainers and teaching, with communication also a concern.

  • TAFE Gippsland

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    11 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

  • TAFE Queensland

    Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    30 campuses
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    On campus with some online
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

    What students say

    Many students rate the facilities and campus highly. Some found course content and organisation and admin frustrating, while opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching.

  • Central Queensland University

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    18 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    A number of students praise the student support and campus facilities, while many found the organisation and admin frustrating and some had trouble with the enrolment process. Opinions are mixed on student support.

  • Chisholm Institute

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    7 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students rate the trainers and teaching highly, along with student support and course content. Some students found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on student support.

  • South Metropolitan TAFE

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    14 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students often rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on both teaching and campus facilities. Some also found student support frustrating to access.

  • South Regional TAFE

    Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    Bunbury
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    Traineeship - workplace - south 32
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

  • TAFE International Western Australia

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    TAFE International Western Australia
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Many students value the student support they receive, though a number found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on communication.

Last reviewed 20 September 2026.

Set your location

Enter your postcode to see the providers closest to you first.

We use your postcode to sort providers by distance and to understand where people are looking to study. See our privacy policy.

Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Nil

  • Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:

  • an interest in how production processes work
  • a careful approach to following written procedures
  • good communication skills for working with a team
  • a willingness to respond calmly in emergencies

What will you learn?

You learn to operate integrated plant units to the written procedures, keep an eye on the process so you can see problems coming, and work out what to do when a fault is not covered by the manual. Safety runs through all of it: working safely, following emergency procedures and reducing the waste and energy a plant uses. There are no entry requirements, so it suits both new starters and experienced operators who want their skills recognised.

  • Working safely on plant
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Understanding your plant and process
  • Communicating with your crew
  • Solving process problems
  • Cutting waste and energy use

Units of competency (5 core)

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

  • Loading the details for MSMENV272…

Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).