Certificate III in Drilling Operations
RII31820
Trades & constructionCertificate IIINationally recognised
Level 3AQF level
13Units to complete
1 to 2 yearsAQF length guide
21Training providers
Mar 2026Latest release
Source: training.gov.au · AQF
Qualification details and status from training.gov.au, the national register of vocational education (RII31820, current release). Typical length is the Australian Qualifications Framework volume-of-learning guide for a Certificate III; actual course length varies by provider and recognition of prior learning.More about our sources: How we check our factsOccupations and industries on the national register
Occupations
Trenchless Technology DrillerTunnel ConstructorWater Well DrillerJumbo OperatorLong Hole DrillerMineral Exploration DrillerMineral Production and Development DrillerShotfirer’s AssistantShotfirerBlast Hole DrillerDirectional DrillerEnvironmental DrillerFoundation/Construction DrillerGeotechnical Driller
Industries
Environmental DrillingDrillingFoundation/Construction DrillingGeotechnical DrillingBlast Hole DrillingMineral Exploration DrillingOil and Gas DrillingWater Well DrillingTrenchless and Directional DrillingSeismic Drilling
Source: training.gov.au
As listed for RII31820 on training.gov.au, the national register of vocational education: the occupations and industry areas in the register's own taxonomy, shown exactly as written. They describe the course on the register; they are not a promise of a job or a pay level.More about our sources: How we check our factsWhat you learn
To finish you complete 13 units: 8 core plus 5 electives. Units come from the official list for this course on the national register.
See all 55 units in the official listHide the unit list
BSBWHS301Maintain workplace safety
HLTAID011Provide First Aid
HLTAID014Provide Advanced First Aid
MSMENV172Identify and minimise environmental hazards
RIIBEF301DRun on-site operations
RIIBHD301EConduct surface blast hole drilling operations
RIIBLA201ESupport shotfiring operations
RIIBLA202FSupport underground shotfiring operations
RIIBLA205EStore, handle and transport explosives
RIIBLA301EConduct surface shotfiring operations
RIIBLA303EConduct underground development shotfiring
RIIBLA304EConduct underground production shotfiring
RIICCM302Track directional boring operations
RIICOM301ECommunicate information
RIICTT303EControl micro tunnelling and pipe-jacking operations
RIIERR301ERespond to work site incidents
RIIERR302ERespond to local emergencies and incidents
RIIHAN309FConduct telescopic materials handler operations
RIIMPO304EConduct wheel loader operations
RIINHB301ESet up and prepare for drilling operations
RIINHB302DConduct reaming
RIINHB303DInstall product pipe
RIINHB304EConduct reverse circulation drilling operations
RIINHB305EConduct continuous flight auger drilling
RIINHB306EConduct large diameter auger drilling
RIINHB307DConduct conventional core drilling
RIINHB308DConduct wireline core drilling
RIINHB309EConduct guided boring
RIINHB310DConduct surface directional drilling
RIINHB311EConduct mud rotary drilling operations
RIINHB312DConduct raise boring
RIINHB315DConduct top-hole hammer drilling
RIINHB316DConduct underground in-seam directional drilling
RIINHB317DInstall underground in-seam directional drilling standpipes
RIINHB318DInstall and operate water and gas control equipment
RIINHB320DConstruct monitoring bores
RIINHB322EConstruct multiple aquifer production bores
RIINHB323DConduct horizontal directional drilling
RIINHB324EConduct grouting or cementing operations
RIINHB325EConstruct single aquifer bores
RIINHB326Conduct coil tube drilling
RIINHB327Conduct cyber chair drilling operations
RIINHB328Conduct rotary air drilling
RIINHB329Conduct sonic drilling operations
RIINHB330Conduct down-hole hammer drilling
RIIOGD304DApply effective coal seam gas control practices
RIIOGD305EApply blow out prevention operational procedures
RIIOGD405ECarry out well control and blow out prevention operations
RIIRIS301EApply risk management processes
RIISAM209ECarry out operational maintenance
RIISTD202ECollect routine site samples
RIIVEH305FOperate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle
RIIWHS202EEnter and work in confined spaces
RIIWHS204EWork safely at heights
TAEDEL311Provide work skill instruction
Source: training.gov.au
Unit list from the RII31820 unit grid on training.gov.au, the national register of vocational education, current release. Core and elective packaging rules are set by the course; your provider confirms which electives they offer.More about our sources: How we check our factsWho offers it
21 registered training providers can deliver this course. Pick your state to see local providers first, with everyone who can deliver there below. Or search a name. Each arrow opens the provider's page here, which links to their own website.
Providers are listed alphabetically. A listing is not a recommendation or an endorsement, and providers do not pay to appear. Based-in shows each provider's registered head office; most providers deliver online Australia-wide. The → link opens the provider's page on this site, which links to their own website. Contact the provider for current intakes, fees and study modes.