HomeCoursesLaboratory scienceCertificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
You learn to collect and prepare samples in a laboratory, then run the basic tests done on them, using manual, semi automated and fully automated equipment.
- Duration: 6 months to 18 months
- Study mode: Online, on campus and workplace based
- Course code: MSL40122
Where you can study this course
- Campuses
- 2 campuses
- Duration
- 6 months to 18 months
- Study mode
- Varies by campus
- Full fee
- $16,810
- Eligible students: subsidised from $3,280, concession $240
What students say
Many students speak well of the facilities and campus, and some rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching and student support, and some found the organisation and admin frustrating.
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RMIT University
- Campuses
- 15 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students often find organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching, while some praise the facilities and campus and student support.
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TAFE Queensland
- Campuses
- South Bank
- Duration
- Not stated by provider
- Study mode
- On campus with some online
- Full fee
- $13,185
- Eligible students: subsidised from $8,065, concession $6,530
What students say
Many students rate the facilities and campus highly. Some found course content and organisation and admin frustrating, while opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching.
- Campuses
- 26 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students rate the trainers, teaching, facilities and campus highly, though some found the organisation, admin and communication frustrating; opinions are mixed on facilities and campus.
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Box Hill Institute
- Campuses
- 4 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students speak highly of the trainers and teaching, with the campus and facilities also well regarded. Many found student support frustrating, along with organisation and communication.
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The Gordon
- Campuses
- Geelong City Campus
- Duration
- Not stated by provider
- Study mode
- Not stated by provider
- Full fee
- $16,197
- Eligible students: subsidised from $3,859, concession $774
What students say
Students rate the trainers and teaching highly, along with the student support and course content. Some found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on student support and course content.
- Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
Holmesglen Institute
- Campuses
- Moorabbin
- Duration
- Not stated by provider
- Study mode
- On campus
- Full fee
- $17,105
- Eligible students: subsidised from $4,125, concession $825
What students say
Students have mixed views on the trainers and teaching, and many also mention problems with communication and with organisation and admin.
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Central Queensland University
- Campuses
- 18 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
A number of students praise the student support and campus facilities, while many found the organisation and admin frustrating and some had trouble with the enrolment process. Opinions are mixed on student support.
Last reviewed 20 September 2026.
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Nil.
- Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:
- an interest in science and laboratory work
- careful attention to detail
- good record keeping skills
- a willingness to follow set procedures
What will you learn?
The work follows set procedures and is checked often, so accuracy and careful record keeping matter as much as the testing itself. You would usually work under a laboratory or quality manager while taking responsibility for your own results, and you may also help colleagues solve technical problems or train them to sample and test reliably. It suits people who want a practical way into laboratory work across a range of industries.
- Collecting lab samples
- Preparing samples for testing
- Running routine laboratory tests
- Using lab instruments
- Recording and checking results
- Following quality procedures
Where this fits
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques in laboratory science: the study that leads into it, the study that follows, and other routes at the same level.
Before
No earlier step listed.
You are looking at
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
After
DiplomaDiploma of Laboratory TechnologyIf you already have lab skills or a Certificate IV, this diploma lets you run complex tests, manage unusual samples and train other staff, going beyond the set procedures of the Certificate IV.Bachelor degreeBachelor of Medical Laboratory ScienceThis higher-level degree could be worth considering if you want to take your laboratory career further than the Certificate IV, though no job roles are listed here.Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).