Approved examiner qualifications and experience

When you apply to become an approved examiner, you must provide evidence that you have the required qualification/s and/or experience for the vehicle inspection types you are applying for.

If you don't have the qualifications and experience we've listed, you can consider recognition of prior learning. Also find out more about recognition of overseas qualifications.

Requirements for each vehicle type

For each vehicle inspection type you are applying for, you must provide a copy of at least one qualification. The table below lists the qualification and experience you need for each vehicle inspection type.

If your qualification has been issued under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), you must provide a statement of attainment or academic transcript with your qualification.

Safety Certificate – Motorbikes (MC and CM)
Motorbikes, motortrikes and mopeds

You must successfully complete one of the following:

• an apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic
• Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology issued under the AQF or equivalent trade certificate
• an interstate motorcycle mechanic certificate equivalent to any of the above
• Australian Recognised Trade Certificate as a Motorcycle Mechanic issued under the Tradesperson’s Rights Regulation Act 1946 (Commonwealth)

OR

Skilled Worker Program Application Result Letter (previously known as a Migration Skills Assessment Outcome Letter) with a successful result in the occupation of Motorcycle Mechanic (unit group 321213), your overseas motorcycle mechanic trade qualification and your statement of attainment or academic transcript

OR

Same qualification requirements as light vehicle (LV) and provide evidence in writing of 12 months continuous verifiable industry work experience within Australia for repairing and maintaining motorcycles since the completion of your motor mechanic qualification.

Safety Certificate – Light Vehicles (LV)
Cars or light commercial vehicles up to and including 4.5t gross vehicle mass (GVM)

You must successfully complete one of the following:

• an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic
• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology issued under the Australian Qualification Framework or equivalent trade certificate
• Tradesman's Certificate as a motor mechanic issued by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Council (NSW)
• an interstate motor mechanic certificate equivalent to any of the above

OR

Skilled Worker Program Application Result Letter (previously known as a Migration Skills Assessment Outcome Letter) with a successful result in the occupation of Motor Mechanic (General) (unit group 321211), your overseas automotive light vehicle mechanic trade qualification and a statement of attainment or academic transcript

OR

Australian Recognised Trade Certificate as a motor mechanic issued under the Tradesperson’s Rights Regulation Act 1946 (Commonwealth)

OR

Same qualification requirements as heavy vehicle (HV) and evidence in writing of 12 months continuous verifiable industry work experience repairing and maintaining light motor vehicles since the completion of your heavy vehicle motor mechanic qualification.

Certificate of Inspection – Light Vehicles COI (CL)
Light vehicles up to and including 4.5t GVM that require a Certificate of Inspection

The qualification requirements are the same as light vehicle (LV) AND you must hold light vehicle (LV) at the time of application or be approved for light vehicle (LV) as part of your CL application.

Safety Certificate – Light Trailers (LT)
Caravans and trailers over 0.75t aggregate trailer mass (ATM) up to and including 4.5t ATM.

The qualification requirements are the same as light vehicle (LV) and you need evidence in writing of 12-months continuous verifiable industry work experience within Australia for repairing and maintaining light trailers since the completion of your light vehicle motor mechanic qualification

OR

Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31015) issued under the Australian Qualification Framework

OR

Statement of Attainment or Academic Transcript issued by a Registered Training Organisation issued under the Australian Qualification Framework with the following units of competency (or equivalent):

• AURASA002 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
• AURTTA017 Carry out vehicle safety inspections
• AURLTJ003 Remove, inspect and refit light vehicle wheel and tyre assemblies
• AURTTD004 Inspect and service suspension systems
• AURTTB001 Inspect and service braking systems
• AURETR012 Test and repair basic electrical circuits
• AURTTY001 Repair vehicle chassis, frame and associated components

AND evidence in writing of 12 months continuous verifiable industry work experience within Australia repairing and maintaining light trailers after the successful completion of the above units of competency or your light vehicle motor mechanic qualification

OR

Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Commercial Trailer Technology issued under the Australian Qualification Framework or equivalent trade certificate AND evidence in writing of 12 months continuous verifiable industry work experience within Australia repairing and maintaining light trailers after the successful completion of Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Commercial Trailer Technology.

Certificate of Inspection – Heavy Vehicle (HV)
Vehicles over 4.5t up to and including 16.0t GVM and unregistered vehicles over 16t GVM.

Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (specialising in heavy vehicle road transport) issued under the Australian Qualification Framework or equivalent trade certificate

OR

Skilled Worker Program Application Result Letter (previously known as a Migration Skills Assessment Outcome Letter) with a successful result in the occupation of Diesel Motor Mechanic (unit group 321212) with specialisation in Automotive Heavy Mechanic, your overseas Automotive Heavy Mechanic qualification and a statement of attainment or academic transcript

OR

Same qualification requirements as light vehicle (LV) AND provide evidence in writing of 12 months continuous verifiable industry work experience within Australia for repairing and maintaining heavy motor vehicles since the completion of your light vehicle motor mechanic qualification.

If you have an Engineering Trade (Maintenance – Diesel Fitting)

An Engineering Trade (Maintenance – Diesel Fitting) or equivalent may not be considered an acceptable qualification for HV type inspections. To assess this qualification, we will assess the modules completed and any evidence in writing of verifiable industry work experience in Australia repairing and maintaining heavy motor vehicles since the completion of your qualification.

Certificate of Inspection – Heavy Trailer (HT)
Caravans and trailers over 4.5t ATM up to and including 10t ATM and unregistered trailers over 10t ATM.

Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Commercial Trailer Technology issued under the AQF or equivalent trade certificate.

OR

Same qualification requirements as light vehicle (LV) or heavy vehicle (HV) AND provide evidence in writing of 12 months continuous verifiable industry work experience within Australia for repairing and maintaining heavy trailers since the completion of your light or heavy vehicle motor mechanic qualification.

Industry experience

Depending on your qualifications and the vehicle inspection types you are applying for, you may be required to provide proof of your industry experience.

Proof of your industry experience may include:

• a reference letter from your current or previous employers stating you have 12 months continuous industry work experience within Australia. Your industry experience must be obtained after completing your trade qualification and be relevant to repairing and maintaining the vehicles of the inspection types you are applying for. Your employer’s reference letter must include:
• your employer's contact details and be signed and dated by them
• the period of time you worked for them
• their occupation, qualifications, and experience
• their relationship to you
• their approved examiner accreditation number (if they are one)
• a statement that they have witnessed the work carried out by you that is relevant to repairing and maintaining the vehicle inspection types you are applying for
• anything else they consider relevant to your application.
• a statement or statutory declaration declaring you are self-employed and have 12-months continuous work experience within Australia. Your industry experience must be obtained after completing your trade qualification and be relevant to repairing and maintaining vehicles of the inspection types you are applying for. You must also provide 6 tax invoices issued during the 12-month period to verify your statement or declaration. The 6 tax invoices need to show that you have repaired and maintained vehicles of the inspection types you are applying for. It must also provide details of the:
• vehicle registration numbers or make and model of the vehicles
• dates the work was carried out
• details of the work carried out and who carried out the work.

Recognition of prior learning

If your qualification is not listed above for the vehicle types you're applying for, you may consider recognition of prior learning (RPL).

RPL assesses the skills and knowledge you have gained through your work and life experiences. Your skills will be assessed by an RPL assessor against industry standards.

The benefits of RPL include:

• your skills are formally acknowledged with a nationally recognised qualification
• you don’t have to study something you can already do
• you may be able to fast-track the completion of your qualification.

For more information about RPL contact the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) on 1300 369 935 or visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au.

Overseas qualifications

If your qualification was issued overseas and you migrated to Australia under the General Skilled Migration Program, you must include with your application a copy of your:

• overseas qualification and academic transcript/statement of attainment
• Skilled Worker Program Application Result Letter, which was previously known as a Migration Skills Assessment Outcome Letter. Your letter must confirm that your trade qualification has been assessed for an occupation relevant to the vehicle inspection types you are applying for.

If you did not migrate under the General Skilled Migration Program, you may have your overseas qualification assessed by a skills assessment service provider.

For information about recognition of overseas qualifications, please contact:

• DESBT on 1300 369 935 or visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au. DESBT may be able to assess your overseas qualification and advise of further options you may wish to consider to have your qualification/s recognised.
• Trade Recognition Australia on 1300 360 992 or visit www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au.

AIS training

You must complete the AIS core module and the inspection modules for the vehicle inspection types that you are applying for before your application can be approved.

If you are unsure whether you meet the suitability or eligibility requirements for your application to be approved, you can submit your application for assessment before you undertake your training.

The training has been developed to ensure new and existing AIS scheme members are trained to a consistent high standard appropriate for their roles and responsibilities under the scheme. It is not recognised for any other purpose.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion as evidence of completion of each module. 

Read more about training requirements for new applicants.

Application and decision-making process

An application to become an approved examiner accreditation can be granted, refused, or cancelled. We will notify you in writing of the outcome of your application. If we require further information you will be contacted by email or phone. If your application is approved, we will provide you with an approved examiner document. If we refuse your application, we will provide you with an information notice with reasons why your application has been refused and your appeal options.

Contact us

Email:	[email protected]
Phone:	13 23 80 (ask for AIS Administrator)
Post:	AIS Administrator Approved Inspection Station Scheme Department of Transport and Main Roads PO Box 673 FORTITUDE VALLEY  QLD  4006