This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of skilled surveying technicians who hold advanced surveying skills and perform duties in the field involving the performance of precise measurements and setting out of structures using specialised surveying equipment. In the office they map onsite measurements and draft plans.
Surveying skills are applied in a range of industry contexts, including town planning, civil construction, mining, engineering, agriculture and defence.
Cadastral surveying must be undertaken under the supervision of a registered surveyor. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
This qualification is suitable for an Australian traineeship pathway.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do a traineeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
3 years - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Conduct engineering surveys | Core |
| Conduct geodetic surveys | Core |
| Conduct GNSS surveys | Core |
| Conduct precision surveys | Core |
| Design basic engineering structures | Core |
| Perform complex surveying computations | Core |
| Perform geodetic surveying computations | Core |
| Survey subsurface utility information | Core |
| Apply technical mathematics | Elective |
| Capture new spatial data | Elective |
| Compile and check survey plans | Elective |
| Conduct advanced remote sensing analysis | Elective |
| Conduct complex spatial data analysis | Elective |
| Conduct identification surveys | Elective |
| Conduct open pit mine surveys | Elective |
| Conduct photogrammetric mapping | Elective |
| Conduct underground mine surveys | Elective |
| Develop a spatial data collection plan | Elective |
| Develop spreadsheets for spatial data | Elective |
| Develop subdivision survey designs | Elective |
| Identify and analyse information technology for hydrographic surveys | Elective |
| Integrate surveying datasets | Elective |
| Interpret and analyse science principles for hydrographic surveying | Elective |
| Manage and analyse water levels and flows | Elective |
| Manage hydrographic surveying projects | Elective |
| Produce maps for land management purposes | Elective |
| Produce mine drawings | Elective |
| Produce survey drawings | Elective |
| Set out roads and stormwater systems | Elective |
| Source, collate and interpret spatial data | Elective |
| Undertake project work | Elective |
| Use alternate positioning systems to gather data | Elective |
| Use remote sensing for hydrographic surveying | Elective |
| Use underwater acoustics to map waterways | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Surveying sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Hydrographer
ANZSCO 311415
Hydrographers measure, analyse and maintain the flow and quality of water in rivers, lakes, stormwater and sewage, and survey and map oceans, seas and rivers.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Surveying and Spatial Science Technician
ANZSCO 312116
Surveying or Spatial Science Technicians collect, record and evaluate spatial information and prepare databases, maps, charts and plans in support of Surveyors, Cartographers or Other Spatial Scientists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Surveyor's Assistant
ANZSCO 821915
Surveyors' Assistants perform routine tasks to assist Surveyors and Geologists by transporting, assembling, maintaining and laying out prospecting and surveying equipment, and collecting and labelling samples.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Diploma of Surveying
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Industry Training Alliance Pty Ltd (RTO code 46181)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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SRDITA (RTO code 46147)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.