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.
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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 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.
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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.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
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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CHISHOLM INSTITUTE OF TAFE (RTO code 0260)
Contact this provider
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Competitive Solutions Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 45293)
Contact this provider
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Complete Lean Solutions Pty Ltd (RTO code 21884)
Contact this provider
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Dalton Training Services (RTO code 52072)
Contact this provider
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Harness Energy Services Pty Ltd (RTO code 40521)
Contact this provider
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Health Security & Education Pty Ltd as trustee for Health Security & Education Unit Trust (RTO code 40907)
Contact this provider
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Precision Training Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 91808)
Contact this provider
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Skillstrain Pty Ltd (RTO code 70211)
Contact this provider
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Volt Edge (RTO code 32137)
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.