Why do two people with RII30120 have different skills?

Because ten of the thirteen units are electives. The three core units are the only guaranteed common ground. Two operators can both hold RII30120 and have almost entirely different tickets behind it, which is why the elective list matters more than the code.

Which electives should I ask for?

The ones that match the plant and the commodity you want to work on. Providers package RII30120 differently for coal, metalliferous and quarrying, and for different plant. Ask any provider for the exact elective list before enrolling.

Can I get RII30120 through RPL?

Often, yes. Recognition of prior learning assesses experience you already have against each unit rather than retraining you in it - common for operators who have been on site for years. Whether RPL is offered is decided by each provider.

What are the entry requirements?

None. The national register records entry requirements for RII30120 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.

RII30120 Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations

About this qualification

RII30120 is the production operator's qualification — the largest single qualification in surface mining. The register describes “a broad range of skilled applications in a varied work context, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services or contingency measures”.

Only three units are core: identifying environmental and heritage concerns, applying risk management processes, and working safely under WHS policies. The other ten are electives drawn from four groups, which is what makes this qualification so different from one site to the next — a haul truck operator and a drill and blast offsider can both hold RII30120 and share only three units.

One of those three carries statutory weight. RIIRIS301E Apply risk management processes is named by RSHQ among the competencies for a Site Senior Executive on a mine employing more than 10 persons.

With 155 providers holding it, the useful question is not who delivers RII30120 but which electives they package. Ask that before you enrol.

Roles it maps to

Roles described on the national register for RII30120.

Production Operator Haul Truck Operator Open Cut Operator Quarry Operator

Where it sits

RII30120 is the operator rung on the surface extraction ladder.

Certificate IIRII20220 Surface Extraction Operations
Certificate III · you are hereRII30120 Surface Extraction Operations
Certificate IVRII40120 Surface Extraction Operations
DiplomaRII50120 Surface Operations Management

What it covers

3Core units

10Elective units

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

The 3 core units, required by everyone:

RIIENV201E Identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns
RIIRIS301E Apply risk management processes named by RSHQ among Site Senior Executive competencies
RIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures

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

Frequently asked questions

Why do two people with RII30120 have different skills?: Because ten of the thirteen units are electives. The three core units are the only guaranteed common ground. Two operators can both hold RII30120 and have almost entirely different tickets behind it, which is why the elective list matters more than the code.
Which electives should I ask for?: The ones that match the plant and the commodity you want to work on. Providers package RII30120 differently for coal, metalliferous and quarrying, and for different plant. Ask any provider for the exact elective list before enrolling.
Can I get RII30120 through RPL?: Often, yes. Recognition of prior learning assesses experience you already have against each unit rather than retraining you in it — common for operators who have been on site for years. Whether RPL is offered is decided by each provider.
What are the entry requirements?: None. The national register records entry requirements for RII30120 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
QLD

AshtrailRTO 6139

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Australasian Drilling InstituteRTO 31440

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Academy of Career TrainingRTO 30657

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

ACTA GroupRTO 45370

Deliver and assess · NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, SA
QLD

Ashton LeeRTO 41096

Deliver and assess · NSW, QLD, VIC, WA
WA

Assured Consulting AustraliaRTO 52924

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

AB Quality HomesRTO 31589

Deliver and assess · QLD
QLD

Astra Group ServicesRTO 31544

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Ascent Training SolutionsRTO 32108

Deliver and assess · National
QLD

Advanced Heavy Vehicle Driver TrainingRTO 31359

Deliver and assess · QLD
QLD

Affordable Industry TrainingRTO 31660

Deliver and assess · QLD
Find more providers

12 of 119 providers shown — search the register for the rest
training.gov.au →

More in Resources and Infrastructure

Other qualifications in the RII training package, nearest level first.

Was this information useful?

Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations

Choose an RTO

Enrol through Four Legs

MinRes Training Institute