Cert III Automotive Mechanic study plan
Cert III Automotive Mechanic · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Engine mechanical systems diagnosis and repair & Cooling, lubrication and fuel systems
Explain the four-stroke cycle and identify the major components of a petrol and a diesel engine from a labelled diagram you draw yourself
Describe the function of the lubrication system and trace oil flow from sump to galleries, listing three symptoms of low oil pressure
Describe the function of the cooling system and explain the purpose of the thermostat, radiator and water pump in temperature regulation
List five common engine mechanical faults (for example head gasket failure, worn rings, valve leakage) and state one diagnostic symptom for each
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn engine system diagram with a 300-word written explanation of lubrication and cooling flow, self-marked against your notes
Engine mechanical systems diagnosis and repair & Cooling, lubrication and fuel systems
Perform and interpret a compression test procedure in writing, including preparation steps, expected readings and what a low dry versus wet reading indicates
Explain how to conduct a cylinder leak-down test and interpret results for rings, valves and head gasket
Describe fuel system components (pump, filter, injectors, regulator) and outline a logical diagnostic sequence for a rough-running engine
Diagnose three written fault scenarios (misfire, overheating, oil consumption) by ranking likely causes and justifying each ranking
Your checkpoint
A completed fault-diagnosis worksheet covering five written scenarios with ranked causes and justifications for each
Automotive electrical and electronic systems
Explain Ohm's law and use it to calculate current, voltage and resistance in three worked circuit examples
Describe series and parallel circuit behaviour and predict the effect of an open circuit and a short circuit on a simple lighting circuit
Identify the purpose of fuses, relays, fusible links and earth returns, and explain how to test each with a multimeter
Outline the procedure for performing a parasitic drain test and state a typical acceptable drain figure
Interpret a basic wiring diagram and trace a fault in a written headlight circuit scenario
Your checkpoint
A worked electrical workbook with five solved circuit calculations, two traced wiring scenarios and a written multimeter test procedure
Automotive electrical and electronic systems & Braking systems diagnosis and repair
Describe battery construction, testing methods (state of charge, load test) and safe jump-start and charging procedures
Explain how a charging system and starting system operate, and list three symptoms of a failed alternator and three of a faulty starter motor
Describe the hydraulic braking system from pedal to caliper, including the role of the master cylinder, proportioning valve and brake fluid
Explain the difference between disc and drum brakes and list inspection points for pads, rotors, drums, shoes and fluid
Describe the purpose of ABS and the function of its main components
Your checkpoint
A timed 30-question self-made practice test on electrical and braking systems, scored and with every wrong answer corrected in writing
Braking systems diagnosis and repair & Steering and suspension systems
Diagnose three written brake fault scenarios (spongy pedal, pulling under braking, vibration) with a step-by-step test sequence for each
Describe the correct procedure for bleeding brakes and explain why fluid condition and contamination matter
Explain steering system geometry terms (camber, caster, toe, steering axis inclination) and the effect of each on tyre wear and handling
Identify the components of a rack-and-pinion steering system and a MacPherson strut suspension and state the function of each
List inspection and testing points for shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rod ends and wheel bearings
Your checkpoint
A two-page steering and suspension component map with inspection checklist and a written diagnosis of three fault scenarios
Manual and automatic driveline and transmission systems & Tools, equipment and workshop hand skills
Explain the operation of a manual transmission, clutch and final drive, and describe three symptoms of clutch wear with their causes
Describe the main components of an automatic transmission and explain the function of the torque converter and transmission fluid
Outline the procedure for checking and changing driveline fluids and identify safety precautions for working under a raised vehicle
Demonstrate in writing the correct use of torque wrenches, feeler gauges, micrometers and dial indicators, including calibration checks and storage
List vehicle lifting and support procedures, including jack stand placement and chocking, and state three consequences of incorrect lifting
Your checkpoint
A tools and driveline reference sheet covering ten measuring and hand tools with correct use, care and one common misuse each
Workplace safety and environmental practices & Emission control and vehicle inspection/roadworthy checks
Identify personal protective equipment requirements for five workshop tasks and justify each choice
Describe safe handling and storage of fuels, solvents, brake fluid and refrigerant, and explain spill containment steps
Outline emergency procedures for fire, electrical shock and chemical exposure, including extinguisher selection
Explain the environmental responsibilities of a workshop, including waste segregation, recycling of oil and filters, and refrigerant recovery
List the key items checked in a roadworthy or vehicle inspection and explain why each matters to safety and emissions
Describe the purpose and function of the catalytic converter, PCV system and evaporative emission controls
Your checkpoint
A completed 25-point workshop safety and roadworthy inspection checklist with a short written justification for each item
Customer communication, documentation and industry compliance & Workplace safety and environmental practices & Emission control and vehicle inspection/roadworthy checks
Draft a customer explanation of a technical fault and repair recommendation in plain language, avoiding jargon
Describe the purpose and required contents of a job card, repair order and invoice, and explain why accurate records matter for compliance
Explain an automotive technician's duty of care, privacy obligations and the consequences of misrepresenting a repair
Review all ten domains and list your three weakest areas with a specific corrective action for each
Complete a full-length timed practice exam under exam conditions and record your score by domain
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed practice exam result sheet with per-domain scores, plus a written customer-facing repair explanation of at least 250 words
Milestones
Week 2: You can explain the four-stroke cycle, lubrication and cooling flow without notes, and correctly rank causes in at least four of five engine fault scenarios
Week 4: You score at least 80 percent on your self-made electrical and braking practice test and can solve Ohm's law calculations and trace a simple circuit fault unaided
Week 6: You can describe brake, steering, suspension and driveline fault symptoms and their diagnostic tests from memory, and correctly state the use and care of ten workshop tools
Week 8: You score at least 85 percent overall on the timed practice exam with no domain below 70 percent, and your customer explanation is clear, accurate and free of unexplained jargon