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.
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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:1 - 2 Years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
Sugar Industry Course
Duration:1 - 2 Years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL912002 | Work within a laboratory or field workplace |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL952004 | Handle and transport samples or equipment |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
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 |
|---|---|
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
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 |
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | 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 Basic Key Skills Builder online literacy and numeracy 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.
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