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 range of laboratory techniques, including manual, semi-automated and fully automated, to collect and prepare samples in a laboratory. They conduct a wide range of basic, and limited range of specialist tests across a variety of industry sectors. Workers may be required to assist other personnel to solve technical problems and to adjust formulations and production mixes. They may also train them to collect samples and conduct basic tests reliably.
Workers have responsibility for their own outputs according to established procedures. Work is carried out according to established procedures often under the direction and supervision of laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals. Work is normally subject to frequent progress and quality checks.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements exist 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:
3 years - Qualification only:
6 months – 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 quality system and continuous improvement processes | Core |
| Maintain instruments and equipment | Core |
| Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety | Core |
| Process and interpret data | Core |
| Apply routine chromatographic techniques | Elective |
| Apply routine spectrometric techniques | Elective |
| Capture and manage scientific images | Elective |
| Classify soils | Elective |
| Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials | Elective |
| Conduct geotechnical site investigations | Elective |
| Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials | Elective |
| Identify the physical and chemical properties of materials, food and related products | Elective |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Lead effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Maintain and control stocks | Elective |
| Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan | Elective |
| Operate an automated mineral analysis system | Elective |
| Perform basic tests | Elective |
| Perform biological procedures | Elective |
| Perform chemical tests and procedures | Elective |
| Perform food tests | Elective |
| Perform histological procedures | Elective |
| Perform histological tests | Elective |
| Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques | Elective |
| Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry | Elective |
| Perform microbiological tests | Elective |
| Perform microscopic examination | Elective |
| Perform physical and mechanical tests | Elective |
| Perform standard calibrations | Elective |
| Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination | Elective |
| Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials | Elective |
| Prepare mineral samples for analysis | Elective |
| Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations | Elective |
| Prepare tissue or cell cultures | Elective |
| Prepare working solutions | Elective |
| Prepare, standardise and use solutions | 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 |
| Supervise and maintain a food safety plan | Elective |
| Triage and allocate tissue specimens | Elective |
| Undertake environmental field-based monitoring | Elective |
| Use laboratory application software | Elective |
| Use techniques to complete simple tissue specimen transfers | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques 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 -
Fisheries Officer
ANZSCO 311311
Fisheries Officers inspect fishing vessels, gear, licences and catches to ensure that fisheries laws and regulations are obeyed.
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 -
Metallurgical and Materials Technician
ANZSCO 312912
Metallurgical or Materials Technicians test materials as part of mineral and metal processing and refining, or for research into metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials in support of Metallurgists and Materials Engineers.
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 IV in Laboratory Techniques
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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LTT Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 51621)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Box Hill Institute (RTO code 4687)
Contact this provider
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CONSTRUCTION SCIENCES PTY LTD (RTO code 46450)
Contact this provider
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LabTech Training Victoria Pty Ltd (RTO code 22545)
Contact this provider
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MELBOURNE TECH INSTITUTE (RTO code 45799)
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
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.