Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology

PMA40116

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

The PMA40116 Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology is a technical qualification for plant technicians and operations technicians who will typically be involved in solving complex problems which require theoretical knowledge, combined with an understanding of the production process and equipment across the plant. This qualification is typically used to develop employees performing a technical role that includes an ability to work independently and conduct technical problem solving according to the needs of the work in the chemical, hydrocarbons and refining industries.

Other non-technical Certificate IV qualifications are available for production support employees at this level, such as MSM40116 Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing.

  • Financial help

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

    To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.

  • On-the-job training

    This traineeship is available:

    • Chemical Industry Technician Level IV
  • Entry requirements

    This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.

  • Duration

    You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Workplace-based
    • Some classroom learning
    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Practical learning

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 workplace context to own job Core
Communicate in the workplace Core
Follow emergency response procedures Core
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices Core
Work safely Core
Achieve work outcomes Elective
Adjust batch Elective
Apply 5S procedures Elective
Apply cost factors to work practices Elective
Apply Good Manufacturing Practice requirements Elective
Apply HACCP to the workplace Elective
Apply offshore facility abandonment and sea survival procedures and practices Elective
Apply quality standards Elective
Assess and secure an incident site Elective
Assess competence Elective
Assess risk Elective
Assist in implementing a proactive maintenance strategy Elective
Audit incident preparedness and established response systems Elective
Bake carbon anodes Elective
Break and make flanged joints using hand tools Elective
Cast ingots Elective
Clean and strip anode rods Elective
Clean workplace or equipment Elective
Collect routine site samples Elective
Command the operation of survival craft Elective
Commission wells and gathering systems Elective
Commission/recommission plant Elective
Communicate and monitor pipeline activities Elective
Conduct and assess incident exercises Elective
Conduct artificial lift Elective
Conduct hazard analysis Elective
Conduct pipeline pigging Elective
Conduct screening operations Elective
Contribute to assessment Elective
Contribute to the application of a proactive maintenance strategy Elective
Contribute to the development of workplace documentation Elective
Contribute to WHS management system Elective
Control corrosion Elective
Control evacuation to muster point Elective
Control gas odourisation Elective
Control minor incidents Elective
Control the risks of falls Elective
Coordinate incident response Elective
Coordinate maintenance Elective
Coordinate permit process Elective
Decommission plant Elective
Deliver molten metal Elective
Design an experiment Elective
Design and develop assessment tools Elective
Develop and adjust a production schedule Elective
Develop and maintain community relationships Elective
Develop and monitor quality systems Elective
Develop incident containment tactics Elective
Develop plant documentation Elective
Disconnect and reconnect non-flared tube fitting joints Elective
Ensure process improvements are sustained Elective
Enter confined space Elective
Facilitate a team Elective
Facilitate and improve implementation of 5S Elective
Facilitate breakthrough improvements Elective
Facilitate holistic culture improvement in an organisation Elective
Facilitate implementation of competitive systems and practices Elective
Facilitate search and rescue operations Elective
Facilitate the implementation of WHS for a work group Elective
Facilitate the use of planning software systems in a work area or team Elective
Follow WHS procedures Elective
Follow work procedures to maintain Good Manufacturing Practice requirements Elective
Form carbon anodes Elective
Gas test atmospheres Elective
Generate electrical power Elective
Handle goods Elective
Identify and apply process improvements Elective
Identify and minimise environmental hazards Elective
Identify equipment faults Elective
Identify faults in electronic control Elective
Identify problems in fluid power system Elective
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Elective
Improve cost factors in work practices Elective
Interpret process plant schematics Elective
Interpret product costs in terms of customer requirements Elective
Interpret technical drawing Elective
Investigate incidents Elective
Issue work permits Elective
Lead emergency teams Elective
Licence to operate a standard boiler Elective
Licence to operate a steam turbine Elective
Licence to operate an advanced boiler Elective
Maintain and organise workplace records Elective
Maintain pipeline easements Elective
Manage communication systems during an incident Elective
Manage conflict at work Elective
Manage incident response information Elective
Manage plant shutdown and restart Elective
Manage wells and gathering systems Elective
Match and adjust colour Elective
Minimise environmental impact of process Elective
Mistake proof an operational process Elective
Monitor and control repairs and modifications on operational pipe Elective
Monitor and control work permits Elective
Monitor and maintain cathodic protection systems Elective
Monitor and maintain electrical systems Elective
Monitor and maintain instrument and control systems Elective
Monitor and maintain pipeline coatings Elective
Monitor and operate flare systems Elective
Monitor and operate low pressure compressors Elective
Monitor and operate tailings management facilities Elective
Monitor chemical reactions in the process Elective
Monitor continuous process plant Elective
Monitor pipeline civil works Elective
Monitor process capability Elective
Monitor vibration Elective
Monitor wells and gathering systems Elective
Monitor, operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipment Elective
Move materials Elective
Observe permit work Elective
Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan Elective
Operate a biochemical process Elective
Operate a forklift Elective
Operate and monitor gas production plant Elective
Operate and monitor prime movers Elective
Operate and monitor pumping systems and equipment Elective
Operate and monitor valve systems Elective
Operate and troubleshoot compressor systems Elective
Operate and troubleshoot cryogenic processes Elective
Operate and troubleshoot distillation system Elective
Operate and troubleshoot fixed-bed adsorption system Elective
Operate and troubleshoot furnaces to induce reaction Elective
Operate and troubleshoot gas absorption system Elective
Operate and troubleshoot gas turbine system Elective
Operate and troubleshoot heating furnace Elective
Operate and troubleshoot liquid extraction system Elective
Operate and troubleshoot process control systems Elective
Operate and troubleshoot production unit Elective
Operate and troubleshoot reactors and reaction equipment Elective
Operate and troubleshoot wells and gathering systems Elective
Operate as a team member to conduct manufacturing, engineering or related activities Elective
Operate breathing apparatus Elective
Operate bulk solids loading equipment Elective
Operate cell tending equipment Elective
Operate chemical separation equipment Elective
Operate communications hub Elective
Operate complex control systems Elective
Operate control panel during an emergency Elective
Operate crushing equipment Elective
Operate digestion equipment Elective
Operate equipment Elective
Operate equipment to blend/mix materials Elective
Operate filtration equipment Elective
Operate fluid flow equipment Elective
Operate fluid mixing equipment Elective
Operate grinding equipment Elective
Operate heat exchangers Elective
Operate Joule-Thomson effect device Elective
Operate local control system Elective
Operate melting furnaces Elective
Operate offshore cranes Elective
Operate powered separation equipment Elective
Operate reduction cells Elective
Operate remote production facilities Elective
Operate separation equipment Elective
Operate solids handling equipment Elective
Operate solids handling/storage facility Elective
Operate solvent extraction equipment Elective
Operate vehicles in the field Elective
Operate vertical direct casting process Elective
Operate wet milling equipment Elective
Optimise process/plant area Elective
Organise storage and logistics of general materials Elective
Pack products or materials Elective
Package product/material Elective
Participate in assessment validation Elective
Participate in continuous improvement Elective
Participate in HAZOP studies Elective
Perform basic tests Elective
Perform routine manual metal arc welding Elective
Perform tasks to support production Elective
Plan assessment activities and processes Elective
Plan plant preparation and isolation Elective
Prepare and isolate plant Elective
Prepare basic engineering drawing Elective
Prepare equipment for emergency response Elective
Process and record information Elective
Provide advanced first aid response Elective
Provide coaching/mentoring in the workplace Elective
Provide First Aid Elective
Provide fluids for utilities and support Elective
Provide work skill instruction Elective
Read dials and indicators Elective
Respond to a helideck incident Elective
Respond to abnormal process situations Elective
Sample and test materials and product Elective
Select and prepare materials Elective
Select and use utilities and services Elective
Shut down and isolate machines/equipment Elective
Solve colour problems Elective
Spray carbon anodes Elective
Start up reduction cells Elective
Store fluids in bulk Elective
Supply product from reduction cells Elective
Sustain process improvements Elective
Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility Elective
Transfer loads Elective
Trial new process or product Elective
Undertake crane, dogging and load transfer operations Elective
Undertake fire control and emergency rescue Elective
Undertake first response to fire incidents Elective
Undertake first response to non-fire incidents Elective
Undertake helicopter safety and escape Elective
Undertake initial rescue Elective
Undertake manual handling Elective
Undertake minor maintenance Elective
Undertake proactive maintenance analyses Elective
Undertake process capability improvements Elective
Undertake root cause analysis Elective
Undertake ship transfer operations Elective
Undertake well management Elective
Use equipment Elective
Use organisation computers or data systems Elective
Use planning software systems in operations Elective
Use structured problem-solving tools Elective
Work effectively with diversity Elective
Work in a team Elective
Work in accordance with an issued permit Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Shipwright

    ANZSCO 399112

    Shipwrights construct, fit out and repair ships.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

  • Chemical Plant Operator

    ANZSCO 399211

    Chemical Plant Operators control the operation of chemical production plant.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

  • Gas and Petroleum Operator

    ANZSCO 399212

    Gas or Petroleum Operators operate equipment to pump oil and gas from wellheads, and refine and process petroleum products.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 11 providers

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.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.