Certificate III
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) provides a comprehensive, nationally consistent framework for all qualifications in post-compulsory education and training in Australia. In the vocational education and training (VET) sector it assists national consistency for all trainees, learners, employers and providers by enabling national recognition of qualifications and Statements of Attainment.
Training Package qualifications in the VET sector must comply with the titles and guidelines of the AQF. Endorsed Training Packages provide a unique title for each AQF qualification which must always be reproduced accurately.
Statement of Attainment
A Statement of Attainment is issued by a Registered Training Organisation when an individual has completed one or more units of competency from nationally recognised qualification(s)/courses(s). Issuance of Statements of Attainment must comply with the advice provided in the current AQF Implementation Handbook and the AQTF 2010 Essential Standards for Initial and Continuing Registration..
Under the AQTF 2010, RTOs must recognise the achievement of competencies as recorded on a qualification testamur or Statement of Attainment issued by other RTOs. Given this, recognised competencies can progressively build towards a full AQF qualification.
AQF Guidelines and Learning Outcomes
The AQF Implementation Handbook provides a comprehensive guideline for each AQF qualification. A summary of the learning outcome characteristics and their distinguishing features for the AQF qualification group “Certificate III” is provided below.
Certificate III
Characteristics of Learning Outcomes
Breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and competencies would cover selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments and providing technical advice and some leadership in resolution of specified problems. This would be applied across a range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.
Performance of a defined range of skilled operations, usually within a range of broader related activities involving known routines, methods and procedures, where some discretion and judgement is required in the section of equipment, services or contingency measures and within known time constraints.
Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams including group or team co-ordination may be involved.
Distinguishing Features of Learning Outcomes
The competencies enable an individual with this qualification to:
- demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge
- apply a range of well-developed skills
- apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems
- perform processes that require a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required
- interpret available information, using discretion and judgement
- take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
- take limited responsibility for the output of others.
Academy3 offers the following Certificate III qualifications:
- Certificate III in Business
- Certificate III in Business Administration
- Certificate III in Micro Business Operations
- Certificate III in Recordkeeping
- Certificate III in Retail


