MSL40122 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Overview
Are you looking to extend your laboratory skills? Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of laboratory techniques, and conduct tests and sampling applicable to a variety of industries by completing the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
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.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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Career Opportunities
This qualification reflects the role of workers who perform a range of laboratory techniques, 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.
Structure & Availability
Standard Course Structure
Duration:1 - 2 years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL934009 | Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes |
| MSL954007 | Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan |
| MSL974031 | Prepare, standardise and use solutions |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL934008 | Maintain instruments and equipment |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks |
| MSL924006 | Use laboratory application software |
| MSL924005 | Process and interpret data |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
| MSL944002 | Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSMENV472 | Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
Trainee
Duration:1 - 2 years
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL934009 | Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes |
| MSL934008 | Maintain instruments and equipment |
| MSL924005 | Process and interpret data |
| MSL944002 | Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL954007 | Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan |
| MSL974031 | Prepare, standardise and use solutions |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions |
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks |
| MSL924006 | Use laboratory application software |
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
| MSMENV472 | Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
RPL Course Structure
Duration:RPL only
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL934009 | Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes |
| MSL934008 | Maintain instruments and equipment |
| MSL924005 | Process and interpret data |
| MSL944002 | Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL954007 | Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan |
| MSL974031 | Prepare, standardise and use solutions |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions |
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks |
| MSL924006 | Use laboratory application software |
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
| MSMENV472 | Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
Standard Course Structure
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
Standard Course Structure
| Bundaberg - Cohort 2 July 2024 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bundaberg |
| Room | 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 | 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 | Room TBA |
| 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 2024 students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mackay Ooralea |
| Room | Room TBA |
| 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 | 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 | 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
There are no entry requirements for MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Technology.
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.
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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How to Apply
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