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DEF20120Certificate IICurrentDEF training package

DEF20120 Certificate II in Explosive Ordnance

DEF20120 is the nationally recognised Certificate II in Explosive Ordnance. It prepares you for work as a defence force member - other ranks. It has been the current version on the national register since 2020, when it replaced DEF22115. 250 people enrolled in 2025, up 51.5% on the year before.

Often searched as Cert 2 in Explosive Ordnance · Register data synced 18 Sept 2026 from training.gov.au
Long-term outlook
Positive
Two structural signals up
Register status
Current
Replaced DEF22115 in 2020
Enrolments
Rising fast
Up 51.5% in a year
Funding status
Verification pending
Checked against official state program lists
The short answer

The independent signals behind the Certificate II in Explosive Ordnance line up. Employment is projected to grow through 2035 and enrolments are rising. These are official statistics, not a promise about your result.

Jobs and Skills Australia

Is the work there?

Ten year outlook

Defence force member - other ranks jobs are projected to grow. Jobs and Skills Australia projections put these occupations at 4,066 workers in May 2025, 4,279 by May 2030 (up 5.2%) and 4,450 by May 2035 (up 9.4%).

4,066
workers, May 2025
4,279
workers, May 2030
4,450
workers, May 2035
Jobs and Skills Australia employment projections · May 2025 to May 2035
Occupation mapping by Get Course, shown with ANZSCO codes so it can be checked.
NCVER Total VET Activity

Who is training

More people are choosing the Certificate II in Explosive Ordnance every year. Across Australia, 165 people enrolled in 2024. In 2025 it was 250, up 51.5% in a year. National data for DEF20120 starts in 2021.

NCVER Total VET Activity · 2025 collection
training.gov.au · Australian Qualifications Framework

What does studying it involve?

The register and the national framework set some of this. Providers set the rest.

How long it takes
A Certificate II is typically 0.5 to 1 year of full-time study under the Australian Qualifications Framework. Providers set the exact length and pace.
Delivery
Providers set the delivery mode.
Credit for experience
Recognition of prior learning applies to DEF20120 like any qualification on the national register: an approved provider assesses your evidence against each unit.
training.gov.au national register; Australian Qualifications Framework.
State subsidised training lists

What does it cost, and who funds it?

State funding for DEF20120 is being verified against official program lists.

Eligibility and student contributions vary by program and provider. The official state listing is the source of truth. In a subsidised place the government pays most of the tuition and you pay a co-contribution set by the program and provider.

Official state subsidised training program lists, verified per state. Full-fee prices will appear here as partner courses are listed.
training.gov.au · unit packaging

What is in the qualification

The Certificate II in Explosive Ordnance is 11 units: 2 core, plus 9 electives chosen from 21 options on the register.

  • DEFEXO001Work safely with explosive ordnance
  • TLID1001Shift materials safely using manual handling methods
View the 21 elective options
  • BSBSUS211Participate in sustainable work practices
  • DEFEXO002Respond to fire
  • DEFEXO005Package explosives
  • DEFEXO006Unpackage explosives
  • DEFEXO007Monitor explosive ordnance environmental conditions
  • DEFEXO009Conduct broken seal inspection
  • DEFEXO012Conduct electrical/electronic circuitry tests
  • DEFEXO013Conduct external explosive ordnance maintenance
  • DEFEXO014Gauge explosives
  • DEFEXO016Conduct explosives packaging inspection
  • DEFEXO017Examine and certify free from explosives
  • DEFEXO019Refurbish explosives packaging
  • DEFEXO062Operate a small quantity explosives facility
  • HLTAID011Provide First Aid
  • PUAFER004Respond to facility emergencies
  • TLIA2012Pick and process orders
  • TLIA2013Receive goods
  • TLIA2021Despatch stock
  • TLID2012Operate specialised load shifting equipment
  • TLIF1002Conduct housekeeping activities
  • TLIF2012Apply safe procedures when handling/transporting dangerous goods or explosives
training.gov.au national register, DEF20120 release 1
Same training package

What skill sets come from the DEF training package?

Handle Explosive Ordnance and Dangerous Goods
DEFSS00022 · skill set guide
Risk Assessment Skill Set
DEFSS00039 · skill set guide
Where to study

Where can I study DEF20120?

No Get Course partner currently lists this qualification. Check the national register for organisations approved to deliver it, and remember that approval to deliver is a regulatory fact, not a recommendation. You can browse live courses from our partners and enquire today.

Browse courses
How we calculate these figures

Get Course maps DEF20120 to its occupations using the register’s own outcome wording, shown with ANZSCO codes (here, 4411) so the mapping can be checked. Job advertisement counts come from the Jobs and Skills Australia Internet Vacancy Index and count online ads, not vacancies filled. Enrolment counts come from NCVER Total VET Activity and count people in training, not completions. Funding rows appear only after verification against the official state program list. Source vintages: NCVER Total VET Activity 2025 collection; employment projections May 2025 to May 2035 release; register training.gov.au, synced 18 September 2026; register synced 18 Sept 2026. Page last updated 19 Sept 2026.

About this page. Every number on this page shows its source and date. Register data synced 18 Sept 2026 from training.gov.au. Compiled by Get Course from public data sources. It is not provided or endorsed by any training organisation, and nothing here is advice about your individual situation. Statistics describe groups; your result depends on you. If you represent a training organisation and want to correct or add to this page, contact hello@getcourse.com.au.