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 workers who perform a limited range of laboratory operations and is the entry-level qualification required for laboratory personnel across all industry sectors. Job roles include laboratory technicians, instrument operators and similar personnel.
Laboratory technicians perform straightforward laboratory work involving a predictable flow of parallel or similar tasks, usually within one scientific discipline. They follow set procedures and recipes using well- developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. Technicians generally work inside a laboratory but may also perform technical tasks in the field or within production plants. They may also perform laboratory maintenance and office tasks.
Laboratory technicians:
- perform straightforward technical tasks to prepare and test samples using relevant procedures, Australian Standards and readily available advice. These tasks generally require close attention to detail and to the accuracy and precision of measurements. They may require the use of manual or semi-automated techniques
- operate test equipment and instruments and make limited adjustments to their controls
- process and record data and recognise trends and out of control conditions
- solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited and apparent
- work under close and regular supervision, although they may have autonomy for specific tasks and responsibility for their own outputs
- take decisions within defined limits of responsibility
- work as part of a team.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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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 not available
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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 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.
- Through traineeship:
2 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 |
|---|---|
| Apply communication skills | Core |
| Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | Core |
| Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety | Core |
| Plan and conduct laboratory/field work | Core |
| Record and present data | Core |
| Apply critical control point requirements | Elective |
| Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes | Elective |
| Assist with fieldwork | Elective |
| Capture and manage scientific images | Elective |
| Classify soils | Elective |
| Collect routine site samples | Elective |
| Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials | Elective |
| Conduct geotechnical site investigations | Elective |
| Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials | Elective |
| Handle and transport samples or equipment | Elective |
| Maintain and control stocks | Elective |
| Maintain instruments and equipment | Elective |
| Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety | Elective |
| Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose | Elective |
| Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan | Elective |
| Operate a robotic sample preparation system | Elective |
| Operate an automated mineral analysis system | Elective |
| Participate in a HACCP team | Elective |
| Perform basic tests | Elective |
| Perform biological procedures | Elective |
| Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance | Elective |
| Perform chemical tests and procedures | Elective |
| Perform factory control tests | Elective |
| Perform fire pouring techniques | Elective |
| Perform food tests | Elective |
| Perform histological procedures | Elective |
| Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry | Elective |
| Perform microscopic examination | Elective |
| Perform physical and mechanical tests | Elective |
| Perform site investigation activities | Elective |
| Perform standard calibrations | Elective |
| Perform standard tests on cane samples | Elective |
| Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination | Elective |
| Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials | Elective |
| Prepare culture media | Elective |
| Prepare mineral samples for analysis | Elective |
| Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations | Elective |
| Prepare tissue or cell cultures | Elective |
| Prepare trial batches for evaluation | Elective |
| Prepare working solutions | Elective |
| Prepare, standardise and use solutions | Elective |
| Process and interpret data | Elective |
| Process body fluid specimens using a point of care testing device | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Receive and prepare samples for testing | Elective |
| Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens | Elective |
| Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples | Elective |
| Take routine site measurements | Elective |
| Undertake environmental field-based monitoring | Elective |
| Use laboratory application software | Elective |
| Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation | Elective |
| Work within a laboratory or field workplace | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Laboratory Skills sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Agricultural Technician
ANZSCO 311111
Agricultural Technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Anaesthetic Technician
ANZSCO 311211
Anaesthetic Technicians prepare and maintain anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assist Anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Cardiac Technician
ANZSCO 311212
Cardiac Technicians conduct tests on patients to record heart activity using specialised equipment, recording devices and laboratory instruments in support of Cardiologists and other Medical Practitioners engaged in diagnosing, monitoring and treating heart disease.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Medical Laboratory Technician
ANZSCO 311213
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests and operate diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Operating Theatre Technician
ANZSCO 311214
Operating Theatre Technicians prepare and maintain operating theatres and their equipment, assist the surgical team during operations and provide support to patients in the recovery room.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Pharmacy Technician
ANZSCO 311215
Pharmacy Technicians fill and label patients' prescriptions under the supervision of Pharmacists. They may record details of, place orders for, take stock of, and store medications and medical supplies and deliver them to patients.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Pathology Collector
ANZSCO 311216
Pathology Collectors extract, collect, label and preserve blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Medical Technician
ANZSCO 311299
Other Medical Technicians includes jobs like Audiometrist, Dialysis Technician, Electroencephalographic Technician, Mortuary Technician, Neurophysiological Technician, Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician, Ophthalmic Technician, Perfusionist, Renal Technician, Respiratory Technician, and Sleep Technician.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Meat Inspector
ANZSCO 311312
Meat Inspectors inspect animal carcasses, internal organs and meat processing facilities for disease to ensure compliance with government and industry standards with respect to quality and health.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Other Primary Products Inspector
ANZSCO 311399
Other Primary Products Inspectors includes jobs like Dairy Quality Assurance Officer, and Fruit and Vegetable Inspector.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Chemistry Technician
ANZSCO 311411
Chemistry Technicians perform laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals, analyse test data and carry out technical functions in support of Chemists or Chemical Engineers in a wide variety of areas such as fuels, agricultural products, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, metals, plastics, textiles, detergents, paper, fertilisers and cosmetics.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Earth Science Technician
ANZSCO 311412
Earth Science Technicians collect and test earth and water samples, record observations and analyse data in support of Geologists or Geophysicists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Life Science Technician
ANZSCO 311413
Life Science Technicians identify and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
School Laboratory Technician
ANZSCO 311414
School Laboratory Technicians prepare experiments and demonstrations, make up solutions, prepare slides, order books and equipment, and tidy up laboratories in support of teaching chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences and physical sciences.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
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 -
Other Science Technician
ANZSCO 311499
Other Science Technicians includes jobs like Calibration Technician, Fibre Technologist, Optics Technical Officer, Physics Technical Officer, and Textile Technical Officer.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Product Tester
ANZSCO 839313
Product Testers collect product samples, conduct tests to determine quality of produce and maintain records of results.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
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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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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CQUniversity Australia (RTO code 40939)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ABC Training & Consulting (RTO code 5800)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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FS Alliance (RTO code 30814)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Leichhardt Education and Training (RTO code 32368)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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LTT Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 51621)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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AAA Training and Tuition (RTO code 46396)
Contact this provider
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Australian Institute of Education and Training (RTO code 121314)
Contact this provider
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Box Hill Institute (RTO code 4687)
Contact this provider
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Deception Bay State High School (RTO code 30380)
Contact this provider
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LabTech Training Victoria Pty Ltd (RTO code 22545)
Contact this provider
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Mango Hill State Secondary College (RTO code 46626)
Contact this provider
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MELBOURNE TECH INSTITUTE (RTO code 45799)
Contact this provider
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Morayfield State High School (RTO code 30403)
Contact this provider
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Murrumba State Secondary College (RTO code 40758)
Contact this provider
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Parade College (RTO code 40750)
Contact this provider
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Tactic Learning (RTO code 52806)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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TAFE SA (RTO code 41026)
Contact this provider
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Trade Academy Western Australia (RTO code 52719)
Contact this provider
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Tullawong State High School (RTO code 30447)
Contact this provider
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WISE Training Services (RTO code 6653)
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Woodridge State High School (RTO code 30456)
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Wynnum State High School (RTO code 30118)
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.