Cert III Auto Electrical study plan

Cert III Auto Electrical · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Core units

Map every Core unit to its assessment criteria and record the weighting in a personal tracker
Explain the purpose of the main automotive electrical safety controls: isolation, lock-out, and proving dead before work
Demonstrate correct use of a multimeter for voltage, resistance, and continuity readings on a live-safe test board
Describe how a 12V lead-acid battery stores and releases energy, including the role of each cell component

A one-page Core unit weighting map plus a signed-off multimeter safety checklist covering five measurement tasks

Week 2

Trace a basic charging circuit from alternator to battery and identify each conductor and connection point
Calculate expected voltage drops across a series circuit and compare them with measured values
Interpret a simple wiring diagram to locate fuses, relays, and earth returns
Explain the difference between series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits in vehicle wiring

A labelled hand-drawn charging circuit diagram with measured versus calculated voltage readings recorded for three test points

Week 3

Diagnose a simulated no-crank fault using a structured test sequence rather than guesswork
Describe the operation of a starter motor solenoid and how to test its control and power circuits
Apply Ohm's law to select the correct fuse rating for a given load
Explain how to test a relay out of circuit and in circuit

A written diagnostic log for one no-crank scenario showing each test, the reading, and the conclusion drawn

Week 4

Describe the operating principles of common sensors: coolant temperature, crank position, and oxygen sensors
Explain how an ECU reads sensor inputs and drives actuators through output circuits
Outline the correct procedure for testing a sensor signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope
Summarise the main legal and workplace requirements for handling and disposing of batteries and electrical waste

A sensor and actuator summary table with expected signal ranges and a matching test method for each item

Week 5

Explain the operating principles of the main comfort and convenience electrical systems, such as central locking and power windows
Describe how to test a body control module output circuit safely
Outline the purpose and basic operation of a supplementary restraint system and the safety precautions before work
Identify the correct test equipment for low-current body circuit faults

A short written procedure for safely testing one body electrical circuit, including isolation and reconnection steps

Week 6

Describe the layout and function of a vehicle's main electrical distribution network, including fusible links and distribution boxes
Explain how to use a wiring diagram to trace an intermittent fault
Outline the construction and testing of an alternator charging system
Describe how to verify a repair by re-testing under load

A completed fault-finding worksheet tracing one intermittent circuit fault from symptom to verified repair

Week 7

Explain how to prepare for and conduct a practical assessment, including tool and material checks
Describe the documentation expected after completing a repair, such as job cards and test records
Apply a structured diagnostic method to a mixed-domain scenario combining a charging fault and a body circuit fault
Review and correct weak areas identified in earlier weekly deliverables

A full mock practical assessment record for one mixed-domain scenario, including diagnosis, repair steps, and final test results

Week 8

Answer a timed set of practice questions across both domains and review every incorrect answer
Explain the key safety and compliance points that apply across all units
Summarise the diagnostic method and the main circuit principles in your own words
Confirm readiness by checking each Core and Elective unit against your tracker

A completed review sheet listing every weak point found in the timed practice set with the corrective action taken for each

Week 2: Can measure voltage, resistance, and continuity correctly and explain what each reading means for a simple circuit

Week 4: Can diagnose a no-crank fault using a written test sequence and justify each step

Week 6: Can trace an intermittent fault on a wiring diagram and describe how to verify the repair under load

Week 8: Score at least 80 percent on the timed mixed-domain practice set and have a written corrective action for every missed item