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.
Requirements - To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Entry RequirementsStudents 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
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| Fees |
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| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire or Apply Now | ||||||||||
| Study Area |
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| Skill Area |
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| AQF Level | Level 3: Certificate III |
Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
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.
- Complete 5 core units
- Complete 8 elective units
Study Mode Definitions
- Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
- On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
- Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.
*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.
Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.
1 - 2 Years
- Mixed Mode
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Cluster 1 MSL913004 and MSL952003 must be run together as they have a clustered practical assessment. |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 2 | ||||
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
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Cluster 3 MSL973027 and MSL973028 are clustered units and must be enrolled in together. |
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| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 4 | ||||
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 5 | ||||
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
| Sequence | Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | MSL913004 - Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| 2 | MSL943004 - Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| 3 | MSL952003 - Collect routine site samples |
| 4 | MSL973025 - Perform basic tests |
| 5 | MSL933008 - Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
| 6 | MSL904003 - Perform standard calibrations |
| 7 | MSL973027 - Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| 7 | MSL973028 - Perform microscopic examination |
| 8 | MSL934010 - Maintain and control stocks |
| 9 | BSBCMM211 - Apply communication skills |
| 10 | MSL933009 - Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| 11 | MSL922002 - Record and present data |
| 12 | MSL974032 - Perform chemical tests and procedures |
1 - 2 Years
- Mixed Mode
| Cluster 1 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 2 | ||||
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL912002 | Work within a laboratory or field workplace | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 3 | ||||
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL952004 | Handle and transport samples or equipment | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 4 | ||||
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster 5 | ||||
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
| Sequence | Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | MSL913004 - Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| 2 | MSL943004 - Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| 3 | MSL952003 - Collect routine site samples |
| 4 | MSL973025 - Perform basic tests |
| 5 | MSL912002 - Work within a laboratory or field workplace |
| 6 | MSL933008 - Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
| 7 | MSL953005 - Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| 8 | MSL952004 - Handle and transport samples or equipment |
| 9 | MSL973026 - Prepare working solutions |
| 10 | BSBCMM211 - Apply communication skills |
| 11 | MSL933009 - Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| 12 | MSL922002 - Record and present data |
| 13 | MSL974032 - Perform chemical tests and procedures |
8 Months
For students who have successfully completed MSL20118/MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement at CQUniversity.
- Mixed Mode
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Core Remaining core units (as listed below) for the qualification are 'credited' due to previous completion of Certificate II qualification. * MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work * MSL922002 Record and present data * MSL933009 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives * MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
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Elective MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination and MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination are clustered units and must be enrolled in together. Remaining elective units (as listed below) for the qualification are 'credited' due to previous completion of Certificate II qualification. * MSL952003 Collect routine site samples * MSL912002 Work within a laboratory or field workplace * MSL952004 Handle or transport samples or equipment * MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
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| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
Course Assessment Information
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
| Assessment Types |
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| Written/Electronic Assessment |
| Practical Task |
| Third Party Verification |
| RPL |
| Other |
2025 Residential Schools/Workshops
Standard Course
| Location | Bundaberg, TBA |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 10/03/2025 |
| End Date | 18/03/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
| Location | Bundaberg, TBA |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 27/10/2025 |
| End Date | 04/11/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
| Location | Mackay Ooralea, 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 |
| Location | Mackay Ooralea, 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 |
| Location | Rockhampton North, TBA |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 26/03/2025 |
| End Date | 03/04/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
| Location | Rockhampton North, TBA |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 13/10/2025 |
| End Date | 21/10/2025 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Domestic 2024 Availabilities
Standard Course
February: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
Sugar Industry Course
February: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
Domestic 2025 Availabilities
Standard Course
February: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
Sugar Industry Course
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
Domestic 2026 Availabilities
Standard Course
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
Sugar Industry Course
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
Show Historic Availabilities
More Details
Compulsory Attendance - Residential Schools
Attending the Residential School (practical block) held on a CQUniversity campus offering the qualification, is MANDATORY for all students in the course. The Residential School is designed for you to complete the practical components of all the units in the course. Providing you satisfactorily complete all the practical components during the residential School, you are only required to attend one Residential School.
Important: 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 is required.
Cohort 1 (February 2025 Admissions) - Residential School Dates
Mackay Ooralea - Cohort 1 February 2025 commencing students only
Start date: 15/10/2025 End date: 23/10/2025
9am – 5pm
Rockhampton Nth Campus - Cohort 1 February 2025 commencing students only
Start date: 13/10/2025 End date: 23/10/2025
9am – 5pm
Bundaberg Campus - Cohort 1 February 2025 commencing students only
Start date: 27/10/2025 End date: 04/11/2025
9am – 5pm
Cohort 2 (July 2025 Admissions) - Residential School Dates
Mackay Ooralea Campus - Cohort 2 July 2025 continuing students only
Start date: 11/05/2026 End date: 17/05/2026
9am – 5pm
Rockhampton Nth Campus - Cohort 2 July 2025 continuing students only
Start date: 23/02/2026 End date: 01/03/2026
9am – 5pm
Bundaberg Campus - Cohort 2 July 2025 continuing students only
Start date: 16/02/2026 End date: 22/02/2026
9am – 5pm
Requirements for your attendance at the practical week:
- You MUST enrol into all of the course units as outlined in the course planner, prior to attendance at the Residential School.
- You MUST read your unit's Learning Guide and assessment material prior to attending the Residential School sessions.
- It is also advised that students bring a printed copy of the assessments with them to the Residential School for reference.
What do you need to bring with you?
- You MUST wear fully enclosed shoes at all times.
- Your PPE such as sun safe hat, water bottle and sunscreen.
- Permanent fine tip pen to write on glassware during your practical class.
- Ensure you have access to the relevant learning materials (printed copies) e.g. Laboratory Manual, practical assessments, observation check sheets) with you. See the Moodle unit site for further details.
Contact Us
To apply, or to find out more about this course, contact the Student Advice Team on 13 27 86.
Is what I already know taken into account?
Yes. Your history of study, skills and experience does matter. Consideration is given to your prior life and work experience as well as formal and informal training. This may be applied for through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/study-information/credit-transfer-and-rpl/rpl Documentary evidence will be requested.
What else might I find useful?
Financial assistance with fees may be available through concessions or via ‘Time to Pay’ payment plan. This and other information such as student support, study and library assistance can be found at www.cqu.edu.au/student-life
