Qualification Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:50 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Certificate III in Process Plant Operations

Certificate III in Process Plant Operations

Qualification
National Code:
PMA30116
State Code:
BAM8
TGA Status:
Replaced
DTWD Status:
Transition (Replaced)
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Field of Education
0303 - Process And Resources Engineering
Original TGA Release Date
02/06/2016
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Stream of Study
Initial Vocational (3100 - 3600)
VET Act Classifier
B
Nominal Hours
690
Duration
2 Semesters
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
02/06/2016
VET Act Conditions
This pathway is available through an apprenticeship training contract only.
Releases
Release Version Release Date TGA Status DTWD Status
1.00 02/06/2016 Current Approved
Description

The PMA30116 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations is a technical qualification for advanced operators and operations technicians who use production equipment to directly produce product. 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.

Other non-technical Certificate III qualifications are available for production support employees at this level, such as MSM30116 Certificate III in Process Manufacturing.

Schedule
Packaging Rules
To be awarded the PMA30116 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations competency must be achieved in twenty-one (21) units of competency:
- five (5) core units of competency
- sixteen (16) elective units of competency, chosen as specified below:
- a minimum of two (2) units of competency 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: Four (4) 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.

Note: Where prerequisite units are identified they must be counted in the total number of units required for achievement of the qualification.
1. Core Units

All five (5) units must be completed.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
AWC36 MSMSUP100 Apply workplace context to own job 26 Unit of competency
AWC20 MSMSUP102 Communicate in the workplace 26 Unit of competency
AWC06 MSMWHS110 Follow emergency response procedures 26 Unit of competency
AWC13 MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices 20 Unit of competency
AWC15 MSMWHS200 Work safely 26 Unit of competency
2. Group A - Technical Electives

At least two (2) units may be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
AXN07 PMAOPS319 Adjust batch 40 Unit of competency
AXN00 PMAOPS330 Communicate and monitor pipeline activities 40 Unit of competency
AXN06 PMAOPS320 Conduct artificial lift 20 Unit of competency
AXM96 PMAOPS335 Conduct pipeline pigging 20 Unit of competency
AXN02 PMAOPS325 Generate electrical power 30 Unit of competency
AWC69 MSMBLIC001 Licence to operate a standard boiler 40 Unit of competency
WE300 UEPOPL001A Licence to operate a steam turbine 54 Unit of competency
AWC34 MSMBLIC002 Licence to operate an advanced boiler 60 Unit of competency
AXM94 PMAOPS350 Match and adjust colour 40 Unit of competency
W7080 FDFPHGMP3A Monitor the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice procedures 80 Unit of competency
D1933 NWP357B Monitor, operate and control reverse osmosis and nano-filtration processes 20 Unit of competency
AXM87 PMAOPS390 Operate a biochemical process 40 Unit of competency
AXM91 PMAOPS362 Operate a blast furnace 35 Unit of competency
AXN16 PMAOPS301 Operate a distillation unit 40 Unit of competency
AXN03 PMAOPS324 Operate a gas turbine 50 Unit of competency
AXM93 PMAOPS360 Operate a metalliferous kiln/furnace 35 Unit of competency
AXN17 PMAOPS300 Operate a production unit 40 Unit of competency
AXM92 PMAOPS361 Operate a smelting furnace 35 Unit of competency
AXM90 PMAOPS364 Operate an electrochemical process 35 Unit of competency
AXN13 PMAOPS304 Operate and monitor compressor systems and equipment 30 Unit of competency
AXN04 PMAOPS323 Operate and monitor heating furnace 40 Unit of competency
AXM95 PMAOPS340 Operate cryogenic processes 40 Unit of competency
AXM98 PMAOPS327 Operate fixed bed adsorption unit 40 Unit of competency
AXN14 PMAOPS303 Operate furnaces to induce reaction 40 Unit of competency
AXN01 PMAOPS326 Operate gas absorption unit 40 Unit of competency
AXM99 PMAOPS329 Operate liquid extraction unit 40 Unit of competency
AXN70 PMAOMIR305 Operate panel during an emergency 45 Unit of competency
AXM89 PMAOPS365 Operate pelletising equipment 25 Unit of competency
AXN12 PMAOPS305 Operate process control systems 60 Unit of competency
AXN15 PMAOPS302 Operate reactors and reaction equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXM88 PMAOPS366 Operate sintering equipment 25 Unit of competency
AXN09 PMAOPS309 Operate solids handling/storage facility 40 Unit of competency
AXM97 PMAOPS333 Operate wells and gathering systems 40 Unit of competency
AXN10 PMAOPS308 Organise storage and logistics of general materials 20 Unit of competency
W5554 MEM18011C Shut down and isolate machines/equipment 18 Unit of competency
AXN11 PMAOPS307 Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility 50 Unit of competency
AXN08 PMAOPS312 Undertake ship loading/unloading operations 40 Unit of competency
AXN05 PMAOPS321 Undertake well management 40 Unit of competency
3. Group B - Support Electives

Up to fourteen (14) units may be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
AXO10 MSMSUP301 Apply HACCP to the workplace 30 Unit of competency
AXN65 PMAOMIR346 Assess and secure an incident site 30 Unit of competency
AXM19 PMAWHS312 Command the operation of survival craft 40 Unit of competency
AWY81 TAEASS301 Contribute to assessment 10 Unit of competency
AXO06 MSMSUP310 Contribute to the development of workplace documentation 30 Unit of competency
AXM36 PMASUP346 Control corrosion 40 Unit of competency
AXO05 MSMSUP330 Develop and adjust a production schedule 30 Unit of competency
AWC21 MSMSUP383 Facilitate a team 20 Unit of competency
AXN68 PMAOMIR317 Facilitate search and rescue operations 40 Unit of competency
AXN82 MSMWHS300 Facilitate the implementation of WHS for a work group 40 Unit of competency
AXO09 MSMSUP300 Identify and apply process improvements 40 Unit of competency
AXO08 MSMSUP303 Identify equipment faults 26 Unit of competency
AXM16 PMAWHS310 Investigate incidents 30 Unit of competency
AXO16 MSMPER300 Issue work permits 20 Unit of competency
AXM14 PMAWHS311 Lead emergency teams 20 Unit of competency
AXO07 MSMSUP309 Maintain and organise workplace records 26 Unit of competency
AXN71 PMAOMIR321 Manage communication systems during an incident 30 Unit of competency
AXN67 PMAOMIR320 Manage incident response information 40 Unit of competency
AXM38 PMASUP344 Monitor and control repairs and modifications on operational pipe 40 Unit of competency
AXM39 PMASUP343 Monitor and maintain cathodic protection systems 20 Unit of competency
AXM40 PMASUP342 Monitor and maintain electrical systems 40 Unit of competency
AXM41 PMASUP341 Monitor and maintain instrument and control systems 40 Unit of competency
AXM37 PMASUP345 Monitor vibration 60 Unit of competency
AXM42 PMASUP311 Operate communications hub 40 Unit of competency
AXM43 PMASUP305 Operate offshore cranes 80 Unit of competency
AWO23 MSL973001 Perform basic tests 80 Unit of competency
W5419 MEM09003B Prepare basic engineering drawing 72 Unit of competency
AXM17 PMAWHS320 Provide advanced first aid response 20 Unit of competency
AXO04 MSMSUP382 Provide coaching/mentoring in the workplace 40 Unit of competency
WG732 HLTAID003 Provide first aid 20 Unit of competency
AXM18 PMAWHS321 Provide first aid response in remote and/or isolated area 25 Unit of competency
AWY86 TAEDEL301 Provide work skill instruction 40 Unit of competency
AXN69 PMAOMIR302 Respond to a helideck incident 30 Unit of competency
AXM35 PMASUP347 Undertake corrosion inspection on process plant 40 Unit of competency
AXN73 PMAOMIR301 Undertake initial rescue 60 Unit of competency
AWC19 MSMSUP390 Use structured problem-solving tools 40 Unit of competency
AWV87 PSPGEN015 Work effectively with diversity 20 Unit of competency
4. Group C - Other Electives

Up to twelve (12) units may be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
AWC30 MSMSUP200 Achieve work outcomes 52 Unit of competency
WD503 MSS402040A Apply 5S procedures 30 Unit of competency
WD501 MSS402030A Apply cost factors to work practices 35 Unit of competency
D4676 FDFPH2001A Apply Good Manufacturing Practice procedures 54 Unit of competency
AXM24 PMAWHS215 Apply offshore facility abandonment and sea survival procedures and practices 20 Unit of competency
WD506 MSS402051A Apply quality standards 30 Unit of competency
AXM61 PMASMELT261 Bake carbon anodes 30 Unit of competency
AXM45 PMASUP245 Break and make flanged joints using hand tools 25 Unit of competency
AXM55 PMASMELT267 Cast ingots 40 Unit of competency
AXM60 PMASMELT262 Clean and strip anode rods 30 Unit of competency
AWC33 MSMSUP101 Clean workplace or equipment 26 Unit of competency
AWO36 MSL952001 Collect routine site samples 20 Unit of competency
AXN86 MSMWHS201 Conduct hazard analysis 20 Unit of competency
AXN24 PMAOPS260 Conduct screening operations 25 Unit of competency
WD512 MSS402081A Contribute to the application of a proactive maintenance strategy 30 Unit of competency
AXN72 PMAOMIR210 Control evacuation to muster point 20 Unit of competency
AXN35 PMAOPS231 Control gas odourisation 10 Unit of competency
AWC14 MSMWHS205 Control minor incidents 26 Unit of competency
AXN78 MSMWHS218 Control the risks of falls 20 Unit of competency
AXM56 PMASMELT266 Deliver molten metal 30 Unit of competency
AXM44 PMASUP246 Disconnect and reconnect non-flared tube fitting joints 25 Unit of competency
AXO17 MSMPER205 Enter confined space 30 Unit of competency
AXN85 MSMWHS100 Follow WHS procedures 26 Unit of competency
D4675 FDFPH1001A Follow work procedures to maintain Good Manufacturing Practice 40 Unit of competency
AXM62 PMASMELT260 Form carbon anodes 40 Unit of competency
AXN80 MSMWHS217 Gas test atmospheres 30 Unit of competency
AWC26 MSMSUP273 Handle goods 30 Unit of competency
AXO38 MSMENV172 Identify and minimise environmental hazards 20 Unit of competency
AXN19 PMAOPS280 Interpret process plant schematics 20 Unit of competency
WD502 MSS402031A Interpret product costs in terms of customer requirements 30 Unit of competency
W5418 MEM09002B Interpret technical drawing 36 Unit of competency
AXM20 PMAWHS221 Maintain first aid resources and records 10 Unit of competency
AXM51 PMASUP241 Maintain pipeline easements 20 Unit of competency
AWC25 MSMSUP280 Manage conflict at work 20 Unit of competency
AXO20 MSMPER201 Monitor and control work permits 20 Unit of competency
AXM47 PMASUP243 Monitor and maintain pipeline coatings 20 Unit of competency
AXN37 PMAOPS226 Monitor and operate flare systems 26 Unit of competency
AXN32 PMAOPS234 Monitor and operate low pressure compressors 20 Unit of competency
AXN42 PMAOPS220 Monitor chemical reactions in the process 30 Unit of competency
AXN31 PMAOPS236 Monitor continuous process plant 35 Unit of competency
AXM48 PMASUP242 Monitor pipeline civil works 20 Unit of competency
WD505 MSS402050A Monitor process capability 30 Unit of competency
AXN33 PMAOPS233 Monitor wells and gathering systems 30 Unit of competency
AXN36 PMAOPS230 Monitor, operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXN28 PMAOPS242 Moor ships for transfer of bulk processed particulates or fluids 25 Unit of competency
WA987 PMC562070B Move materials 40 Unit of competency
AXO18 MSMPER202 Observe permit work 20 Unit of competency
AXN18 PMAOPS290 Operate a biotreater 30 Unit of competency
AVJ74 TLID2010 Operate a forklift 40 Unit of competency
WE342 UEPOPS319B Operate and monitor gas production plant 27 Unit of competency
AXN41 PMAOPS221 Operate and monitor prime movers 40 Unit of competency
AXN40 PMAOPS222 Operate and monitor pumping systems and equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXN39 PMAOPS223 Operate and monitor valve systems 20 Unit of competency
W5547 MEM16005A Operate as a team member to conduct manufacturing, engineering or related activities 18 Unit of competency
AXN81 MSMWHS216 Operate breathing apparatus 20 Unit of competency
AXN23 PMAOPS261 Operate bulk solids loading equipment 25 Unit of competency
AXM53 PMASMELT269 Operate cell tending equipment 30 Unit of competency
AXN48 PMAOPS208 Operate chemical separation equipment 20 Unit of competency
WA916 PMC552008B Operate crushing equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXN25 PMAOPS262 Operate digestion equipment 25 Unit of competency
AWC16 MSMOPS200 Operate equipment 40 Unit of competency
WA910 PMC552002C Operate equipment to blend/mix materials 30 Unit of competency
AXN34 PMAOPS232 Operate filtration equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXN52 PMAOPS201 Operate fluid flow equipment 60 Unit of competency
AXN50 PMAOPS202 Operate fluid mixing equipment 20 Unit of competency
WA911 PMC552003C Operate grinding equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXN49 PMAOPS205 Operate heat exchangers 40 Unit of competency
AXN29 PMAOPS241 Operate Joule-Thomson effect device 20 Unit of competency
AXN22 PMAOPS263 Operate leaching equipment 25 Unit of competency
AXN44 PMAOPS216 Operate local control system 40 Unit of competency
AXN20 PMAOPS265 Operate magnetic/electrical separation equipment 25 Unit of competency
AXN46 PMAOPS211 Operate manufacturing extrusion systems 30 Unit of competency
W5284 MEM04001B Operate melting furnaces 36 Unit of competency
AXN26 PMAOPS247 Operate powered separation equipment 15 Unit of competency
AXM57 PMASMELT265 Operate reduction cells 60 Unit of competency
AXN27 PMAOPS246 Operate separation equipment 15 Unit of competency
AXN47 PMAOPS210 Operate solids handling equipment 20 Unit of competency
AXN21 PMAOPS264 Operate solvent extraction equipment 25 Unit of competency
AXM50 PMASUP236 Operate vehicles in the field 20 Unit of competency
AXM54 PMASMELT268 Operate vertical direct casting process 60 Unit of competency
AXN43 PMAOPS217 Operate wet milling equipment 40 Unit of competency
AXO14 MSMSUP204 Pack products or materials 26 Unit of competency
AXN45 PMAOPS213 Package product/material 20 Unit of competency
AWC23 MSMSUP291 Participate in continuous improvement 26 Unit of competency
W5294 MEM05012C Perform routine manual metal arc welding 18 Unit of competency
AWC67 MSMOPS102 Perform tasks to support production 30 Unit of competency
AXM46 PMASUP244 Prepare and isolate plant 30 Unit of competency
AXM23 PMAWHS211 Prepare equipment for emergency response 20 Unit of competency
AWC28 MSMSUP210 Process and record information 13 Unit of competency
AXN38 PMAOPS224 Provide fluids for utilities and support 30 Unit of competency
AXN54 PMAOPS101 Read dials and indicators 15 Unit of competency
AXO11 MSMSUP292 Sample and test materials and product 40 Unit of competency
AXN53 PMAOPS105 Select and prepare materials 15 Unit of competency
AXN51 PMAOPS204 Select and use utilities and services 40 Unit of competency
AXM59 PMASMELT263 Spray carbon anodes 40 Unit of competency
AXM58 PMASMELT264 Start up reduction cells 60 Unit of competency
AXN30 PMAOPS240 Store fluids in bulk 30 Unit of competency
AXM52 PMASMELT270 Supply product from reduction cells 30 Unit of competency
WD497 MSS402002A Sustain process improvements 40 Unit of competency
AXO13 MSMSUP205 Transfer loads 26 Unit of competency
AXM49 PMASUP237 Undertake crane, dogging and load transfer operations 40 Unit of competency
AXM22 PMAWHS213 Undertake fire control and emergency rescue 15 Unit of competency
AXN83 MSMWHS212 Undertake first response to fire incidents 26 Unit of competency
AXN84 MSMWHS210 Undertake first response to non-fire incidents 26 Unit of competency
AXM26 PMAWHS214 Undertake helicopter safety and escape 30 Unit of competency
W5466 MEM11011B Undertake manual handling 18 Unit of competency
AWC09 MSMSUP240 Undertake minor maintenance 26 Unit of competency
WD511 MSS402080A Undertake root cause analysis 30 Unit of competency
AXO37 MSMOPS100 Use equipment 30 Unit of competency
AWC66 MSMOPS212 Use organisation computers or data systems 26 Unit of competency
WD509 MSS402060A Use planning software systems in operations 30 Unit of competency
AWC31 MSMSUP106 Work in a team 26 Unit of competency
AWC65 MSMPER200 Work in accordance with an issued permit 20 Unit of competency
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
J572 PMA30113 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations Qualification
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BGB2 PMA30120 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations Qualification
No information
Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships
(TR08320) PROCESS PLANT OPERATIONS (LEVEL 3) Traineeship

(AP02510) PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN (OPERATIONS) Apprenticeship