Will this get me a job on a mine?

It is the qualification the register aligns to entry-level operator roles, but hiring is a site decision and most operations also require inductions, medicals and specific tickets. RII20220 is the recognised starting qualification, not a guarantee.

What is the difference between RII20120 and RII20220?

RII20120 is a general pathway qualification across the whole resources and infrastructure industry. RII20220 is specific to surface extraction - open cut coal, metalliferous mines and quarries.

Can I go straight to Certificate III?

There are no entry requirements on RII30120, so yes. RII20220 exists for people with no site experience; if you already have some, ask providers whether Certificate III is the better start.

What are the entry requirements?

None. The national register records entry requirements for RII20220 as "Nil", though individual providers may set their own.

What does it cost and how long does it take?

Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register.

RII20220 Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations

Choose an RTO

63 providers can deliver RII20220. Availability, fees and start dates are set by each provider.

Enrol through Four Legs

Featured

MinRes Training Institute

RTO 40727

Deliver and assess · National

View course and enrol

About this qualification

RII20220 is the way in. The register describes “entry-level operators in open cut coal or metalliferous mines or quarries, who perform a prescribed range of tasks involving known routines and procedures, and take some responsibility for the quality of work outcomes”.

Nine units in total — four core and five electives. The cores are sustainable work practices, communicating in the workplace, conducting local risk control and working safely under WHS policies. That is the baseline every site expects before you touch anything.

It is a genuine qualification rather than an induction, and it articulates directly into RII30120 at Certificate III. If you are choosing between a short course and this, the difference is that RII20220 counts on the national register.

Roles it maps to

Roles described on the national register for RII20220.

Entry-level Operator Trades Assistant Quarry Hand Mine Worker

Where it sits

RII20220 is the entry rung on the surface extraction ladder.

Certificate II · you are hereRII20220 Surface Extraction Operations
Certificate IIIRII30120 Surface Extraction Operations
Certificate IVRII40120 Surface Extraction Operations
DiplomaRII50120 Surface Operations Management

What it covers

4Core units

5Elective units

At least one elective must come from Group A, at least two from Group B, no more than two from Group C, and no more than two from elsewhere in this or any other currently endorsed training package.

The 4 core units, required by everyone:

BSBSUS211 Participate in sustainable work practices
RIICOM201E Communicate in the workplace
RIIRIS201E Conduct local risk control
RIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures

For a full list of elective units, visit training.gov.au →

Frequently asked questions

Will this get me a job on a mine?: It is the qualification the register aligns to entry-level operator roles, but hiring is a site decision and most operations also require inductions, medicals and specific tickets. RII20220 is the recognised starting qualification, not a guarantee.
What is the difference between RII20120 and RII20220?: RII20120 is a general pathway qualification across the whole resources and infrastructure industry. RII20220 is specific to surface extraction — open cut coal, metalliferous mines and quarries.
Can I go straight to Certificate III?: There are no entry requirements on RII30120, so yes. RII20220 exists for people with no site experience; if you already have some, ask providers whether Certificate III is the better start.
What are the entry requirements?: None. The national register records entry requirements for RII20220 as “Nil”, though individual providers may set their own.
What does it cost and how long does it take?: Both are set by each provider and are not published on the national register.

Other registered providers

Filtered by where each provider is based, not where they can deliver.

QLD

MinRes Training InstituteRTO 40727

Deliver and assess · National
WA

North Metropolitan TAFERTO 52786

Deliver and assess · WA
WA

South Regional TAFERTO 52790

Deliver and assess · WA
WA

Central Regional TAFERTO 52789

Deliver and assess · WA
QLD

Halo Nation TrainingRTO 32485

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Civil SafetyRTO 32381

Deliver and assess · National
NSW

Joblink PlusRTO 91434

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

PM2RTO 41304

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Martyr Training ServicesRTO 31279

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Training Professionals Pty LtdRTO 31955

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Tectra AustraliaRTO 40889

Deliver and assess · National
TAS

RTV ConsultancyRTO 90674

Deliver and assess · National
Find more providers

12 of 63 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →

More in Resources and Infrastructure

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