MSL30122 - Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
Overview
The Certificate III in Laboratory Skills aims to offer students a professional pathway towards a successful career in laboratory sciences. Helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in laboratory spaces.
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.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
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.
Structure & Availability
Standard Course
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 15 months |
1 - 2 Years
Core Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks |
Sugar Industry Course
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 15 months |
1 - 2 Years
Core units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data |
Elective Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL952004 | Handle and transport samples or equipment |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions |
| MSL912002 | Work within a laboratory or field workplace |
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
Duration:8 Months
For students who have successfully completed MSL20118/MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement at CQUniversity.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
Sugar Industry Course
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| March, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
Standard Course
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| February, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| March, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| February, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| March, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
Standard Course
| Bundaberg - Cohort 2 July 2024 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bundaberg |
| Room | TBA |
| Start Date | 10/03/2025 |
| End Date | 18/03/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Students should check with the teaching staff prior to booking travel and accommodation, to ensure they attend the correct Residential School and their attendance for the duration of the full residential school required.
| |
| Bundaberg - Cohort 1 February 2025 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bundaberg |
| Room | TBA |
| Start Date | 27/10/2025 |
| End Date | 04/11/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Students should check with the teaching staff prior to booking travel and accommodation, to ensure they attend the correct Residential School and their attendance for the duration of the full residential school required.
| |
| Mackay - Cohort 2 July 2024 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mackay Ooralea |
| Room | Building 3/G.03-1 |
| Start Date | 09/04/2025 |
| End Date | 17/04/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Students should check with the teaching staff prior to booking travel and accommodation, to ensure they attend the correct Residential School and their attendance for the duration of the full residential school required.
| |
| Mackay - Cohort 1 February 2025 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mackay Ooralea |
| Room | Building 3/G.03-1 |
| Start Date | 15/10/2025 |
| End Date | 23/10/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Students should check with the teaching staff prior to booking travel and accommodation, to ensure they attend the correct Residential School and their attendance for the duration of the full residential school required.
| |
| Rockhampton - Cohort 2 July 2024 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | TBA |
| Start Date | 26/03/2025 |
| End Date | 03/04/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Students should check with the teaching staff prior to booking travel and accommodation, to ensure they attend the correct Residential School and their attendance for the duration of the full residential school required.
| |
| Rockhampton - Cohort 1 February 2025 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | TBA |
| Start Date | 13/10/2025 |
| End Date | 21/10/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Students should check with the teaching staff prior to booking travel and accommodation, to ensure they attend the correct Residential School and their attendance for the duration of the full residential school required.
| |
Requirements
Students are required to have completed the literacy and numeracy assessment pre-enrolment in the form of the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment or to have completed an equal or higher level course.
There are no training package entry requirements for MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills mainstream students. However, STN pathway students (year 12) are required to have successfully completed MSL20118 or MSL20122 at CQUniversity. Mainstream and STN pathway students (year 12) enrolling in this course must attend the compulsory residential schools on the dates specified.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Start Your Application
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
