Certificate IV is taught as a part-time educational course, often taught during evenings and weekends. The certificate takes between three and four years to complete with the two required subject courses totaling 110 credit hours.
The major areas of specialization for certificate IV include carrying out diagnosis of complex system faults, overhauling fuel systems and blueprinting engine components. Candidates are required to complete eight elective units, including carrying out vehicle safety inspections and preparing engineering drawings.
A prerequisite of acceptance onto the certificate IV course is the completion of certificate III in automotive technology or the demonstration of work experience relative to certificate III. Candidates are assessed by either written, oral or practical assessments.