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  4. Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
QUALIFICATION

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques


 National Code: MSL40122
 TAFE SA Code: TP01406


2025 start

Description

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to perform a range of laboratory techniques in a variety of industry sectors. Be ready to work in a range of interesting areas such as pathology, biotechnology, the biological and environmental sector, or related science industries. You’ll learn about performing laboratory procedures including tissue culture, microbiological tests, histological tests, calibration and maintenance of test instruments and equipment, solution preparation and standardisation, quality requirements, and data analysis. Understand the essential theory and get hands-on experience with the essential laboratory techniques. In addition to the technical skills, you also learn to apply quality, safety, and sustainability skills to the workplace. Become a lab assistant or lab technician with TAFE SA.

Award Course
Duration
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9 months 

Full Time or Part Time equivalent

Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers)
Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers)
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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Gilles Plains

Closed

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
Apply 5 May 2025

Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • No course admission requirements
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Industry Conditions and Skills
You will need to have literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to at least Year 12 level. This course includes technical skills using instrumentation for laboratory practices.

Fees

Total Fees for the 9 month course
Subsidised
$6,237
Concession
$4,347
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised Training Eligibility
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).
What is the CSPA?
Full Fee
$11,844

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    Payment Plan

    If you have difficulty paying your fees upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Laboratory assistant/technician, Technical assistant/officer, Research assistant/officer

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122)
    Learn how to work effectively in a laboratory. This course covers performing laboratory procedures including tissue culture, microbiological tests, histological tests, calibration and maintenance of test equipment, solution preparation and standardisation, quality requirements and data analysis. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 4 core units and 12 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes 80
    Maintain instruments and equipment 60
    Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety 50
    Process and interpret data 70

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices 30
    Perform biological procedures 130
    Perform histological tests 200
    Perform microbiological tests 140
    Perform microscopic examination 40
    Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination 40
    Perform tissue or cell culture techniques 100
    Prepare culture media 30
    Prepare, standardise and use solutions 100
    Receive and prepare samples for testing 30
    Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples 100
    Use laboratory application software 60

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

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Course enquiries and more information

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
TP01406
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