Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
3
Credits
120
NZSCED
030503 Engineering and Related Technologies > Automotive Engineering and
Technology > Vehicle Mechanics
Qualification developer
MITO New Zealand Inc.
Next review
December 2021
Approval date
November 2015
Strategic purpose statement
This qualification provides the automotive industry with
individuals who can service general automotive systems.
The qualification is designed for people who are beginning a
career in the industry.
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work under limited
supervision.
Outcome Statement
Graduate profile
Graduates will be able to:

Follow workplace policies, procedures and relevant
regulations to work safely and effectively in an
automotive workshop.

Use tools and equipment to complete basic workshop
engineering tasks.

Apply fundamental automotive engineering knowledge to
service engine, and driveline systems.

Check operation of, and perform minor repairs on,
electrical and electronic systems

Apply fundamental automotive engineering knowledge to
service steering, suspension and brake systems.
Education pathway
This qualification can lead to level 4 qualifications in automotive
engineering.
Employment pathway
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge
to work in an entry level position in the automotive industry.
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification can be awarded by any education organisation
which has an approved programme of study or industry training
programme leading to the qualification.
Evidence requirements for
assuring consistency
Evidence will include:
-
End user surveys (e.g. graduates, employers, industry
associations) to determine how well graduates are
meeting the outcomes in the workplace
-
Evidence of monitoring to ensure changes in industry
practice are identified and incorporated into training
requirements.
-
Evidence of effective internal and external moderation of
assessment practice.
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards for
grade endorsements
Achieved
Other requirements for the
qualification (including regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
Recommended as a co-requisite: Class 1 full drivers Licence
General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
It is expected that:
-
Programmes will include a practical experience
component relevant to the automotive industry
-
Programmes must maintain pace with workplace policies
and currently-accepted industry techniques/technology.
-
Programme content must reflect current legislation,
regulations and industry standards.
-
Additional guidance on specific conditions relating to
some or all of the graduate profile outcomes is published
on MITO NZ’s website.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
1
Follow workplace policies,
procedures and relevant
regulations to work safely and
effectively in an automotive
workshop.
10 credits
Conditions
Programmes will cover:
- Working safely in line with company policies, which may
include security requirements
- Following manufacturer’s procedures
- Maintaining a tidy work environment
- Cleaning and storing tools/machines/vehicles appropriately
- Awareness of environmental regulations
- Computer literacy relevant to an automotive setting
- Customer care and service
Completion of the following unit standards may be used to
prove competence
2
Use tools and equipment to
complete basic workshop
engineering tasks.

Unit Standard 249

Unit Standard 3856

Unit Standard 16113

Unit Standard 21718

Unit Standard 23743

Unit Standard 24077
Programmes will include the theory and practical skills relating
to:
-
15 credits
-
Workshop engineering

Metal types/properties, which may include castings

ISO symbols

Basic fabrication

Heating

Cutting

Welding

Threading

Fastening systems
Hand and power tools and procedures

Specialist tools

Torque wrenches

Precision measuring tools

Soldering
Completion of the following unit standards may be used to prove
competence
3
Apply fundamental automotive
engineering knowledge to service
engine, and driveline systems.
30 credits

Unit Standard 21699

Unit Standard 21670

Unit Standard 21671

Unit Standard 24393
Graduates will know the function, purpose and location of the
following engine and driveline systems, and their respective
components, replacing consumables and components and
making adjustments as required:
-
Engine systems (service and repair)
o
Engine operation (petrol (SI) and diesel (CI))

This includes being able to describe the
design and function of diesel engine
components
-
o
Mechanical diesel injection
o
Electronic diesel injection

Cooling

Petrol and diesel fuel

Ignition

Lubricants and sealants

Emission (knowledge of)

Air intake

Exhaust systems
Drive line systems that are common across all vehicles
(service only)

Clutches (knowledge of)

Transmissions

Final drives
Programmes will include dismantling, reassembling, cleaning
and measuring of a four stroke, multi cylinder engine, and cubic
capacity measurements, and tuning a four stroke diesel and
petrol engine.
Completion of the following unit standards may be used to prove
competence
4
Check operation of, and perform
minor repairs on, electrical and
electronic systems.
40 credits

Unit Standard 231

Unit Standard 240

Unit Standard 21680

Unit Standard 21677

Unit Standard 21692

Unit Standard 24234

Unit Standard 11733

Unit Standard 21678

Unit Standard 21686

Unit Standard 21717

Unit Standard 3400

Unit Standard 15406

Unit Standard 21687

Unit Standard 21688

Unit Standard 239

Unit Standard 24336

Unit Standard 24307
Graduates will know the function and purpose of:
-
Control units
-
Communication networks
-
HVAC
-
Occupant protection
-
Sensors and actuators
Graduates will be able to use the appropriate tools and
processes to check the operation of:
-
Batteries
-
Starting and charging
-
Lighting
-
Associated wiring
Programmes will include knowledge of recognised industry
symbols, and the coverage of OHM’s law, and electrical
component diagrams and how they relate to the vehicle.
Completion of the following unit standards may be used to prove
competence
5

Unit Standard 21667

Unit Standard 21676

Unit Standard 21707

Unit Standard 21675

Unit Standard 234

Unit Standard 235

Unit Standard 3877

Unit Standard 24092

Unit Standard 24093

Unit Standard 24105

Unit Standard 15373
Graduates will know the function, purpose and location of the
Apply fundamental automotive
engineering knowledge to service
steering, suspension and brake
systems.
following systems, and their respective components to replace
consumables and components and making adjustments as
required. They will also be able to use the appropriate tools and
25 credits
processes to service:
-
Braking systems
-
Steering systems
-
Suspension systems
Programmes will cover removal and replacement of wheels and
tyres and the safety requirements of different types and
applications.
Completion of the following unit standards may be used to prove
competence

Unit Standard 229

Unit Standard 21689

Unit Standard 21720

Unit Standard 5466

Unit Standard 21721

Unit Standard 21722

Unit Standard 242
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the::
-
National Certificate in Motor Industry (Foundation Skills)
(Level 1) [Ref: 1222]
-
National Certificate in Motor Industry (Entry Skills) (Level 2)
with strands in Automotive Electrical and Mechanical, and
Collision Repair [Ref: 1252]
-
National Certificate in Motor Industry (Vehicle Servicing) with
strands in Brake and Clutch, Exhaust Systems, Radiator
Repair, Steering and Suspension, Tyres, Underbody and
General Service, and Vehicle Security, and with an optional
strand in Heavy Vehicle [Ref:1420]
The last date for entry into the replaced qualifications is 31 December 2017. The last date for assessment
against the replaced qualifications is 31 December 2019.