Course Summary

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.

Entry 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.

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

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.