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 targets those working in technical and supervisory roles covering product development, food safety and quality, food production and distribution, environmental functions, and the maintenance and monitoring of food processing systems. The job roles require specialist technical skills and knowledge in food science and technology to complete routine and non-routine tasks and functions, and workers have responsibility for their own functions and outputs, along with limited responsibility for the output of others.
This qualification offers an optional specialisation in Food Safety Auditing. Users interested in this option must refer to relevant state, territory and Commonwealth food safety legislation and the National Regulatory Food Safety Auditor Guideline and Policy for details of auditing requirements in low, medium and high-risk settings, and to understand the food safety auditing work context.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to food safety and are enforced through state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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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 not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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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.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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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 |
|---|---|
| Apply the principles of nutrition to food processing | Core |
| Control food contamination and spoilage | Core |
| Describe and analyse data using mathematical principles | Core |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs | Core |
| Perform food tests | Core |
| Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry | Core |
| Supervise and maintain a food safety plan | Core |
| Apply an understanding of food additives | Elective |
| Apply an understanding of legal requirements of food production | Elective |
| Apply basic process engineering principles to food processing | Elective |
| Apply digital technology in food processing | Elective |
| Apply food microbiological techniques and analysis | Elective |
| Apply food preservation technologies | Elective |
| Apply principles of food packaging | Elective |
| Apply principles of statistical process control | Elective |
| Apply sensory analysis in food processing | Elective |
| Apply water management principles to the food industry | Elective |
| Assess compliance with food safety programs | Elective |
| Carry out sampling and interpret tests for cheese production | Elective |
| Communicate and negotiate to conduct food safety audits | Elective |
| Conduct a traceability exercise | Elective |
| Conduct food safety audits | Elective |
| Construct a process control chart for a food processing operation | Elective |
| Determine handling processes for perishable food items | Elective |
| Document food processes and supporting procedures | Elective |
| Establish operational requirements for a food processing enterprise | Elective |
| Establish process capability | Elective |
| Handle food safely in a retail environment | Elective |
| Identify the physical and chemical properties of materials, food and related products | Elective |
| Identify, evaluate and control food safety hazards | Elective |
| Implement and review manufacturing of cereal products | Elective |
| Implement and review the manufacturing and processing of edible fats and oils | Elective |
| Implement and review the processing of confectionery products | Elective |
| Implement and review the processing of fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices | Elective |
| Implement and review the processing of high and low boil confectionery | Elective |
| Implement and review the processing of market milk and related products | Elective |
| Implement and review the production of chocolate products | Elective |
| Implement and review the production of fermented dairy products and dairy desserts | Elective |
| Label foods according to legislative requirements | Elective |
| Manage internal audits | Elective |
| Manage water treatment processes | Elective |
| Monitor the implementation of food safety and quality programs | Elective |
| Participate in improvement processes | Elective |
| Participate in product recalls | Elective |
| Perform an allergen risk review | Elective |
| Perform basic tests | Elective |
| Perform biological procedures | Elective |
| Perform chemical tests and procedures | Elective |
| Preserve food in cans or sealed containers | Elective |
| Produce a range of rennet-coagulated cheeses | Elective |
| Produce acid and heat coagulated cheese | Elective |
| Produce acid-coagulated soft cheese | Elective |
| Provide accurate food allergen information to consumers | Elective |
| Supervise and verify supporting programs for food safety | Elective |
| Trial new process or product | Elective |
| Use structured problem-solving tools | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Quality Assurance Manager
ANZSCO 139914
Quality Assurance Managers manage the deployment of quality systems and certification processes within organisations.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Food Technologist
ANZSCO 234212
Food Technologists develop new and improve existing food products, and set standards for producing, packaging and marketing food.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)
ANZSCO 249212
Dance Teachers (Private Tuition) teach dance in private training establishments.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Environmental Health Officer
ANZSCO 251311
Environmental Health Officers develop, enforce and evaluate environmental health policies, programs and strategies to improve health outcomes, and oversee the implementation and monitoring of environmental health legislation.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Baker
ANZSCO 351111
Bakers prepare and bake bread loaves and rolls.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Pastrycook
ANZSCO 351112
Pastrycooks prepare and bake buns, cakes, biscuits and pastry goods.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Butcher and Smallgoods Maker
ANZSCO 351211
Butchers and Smallgoods Makers select, cut, trim, prepare and arrange meat for sale and supply, operate meat and smallgoods processing machines, and manage the processes in the production of smallgoods.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Chef
ANZSCO 351311
Plan and prepare food for customers and guests.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Cook
ANZSCO 351411
Prepare and cook food to fulfil customer orders.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology
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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gotafe (RTO code 3094)
Contact this provider
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Pivotal Education (RTO code 90272)
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.