Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - MSL40122

VOCATIONAL

Gain vital skills in micro-organisms, pathology and genetic processes when you train to become a lab technician.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

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Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$20,750 (2026 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Gain the skills you need to become a technician in laboratories in hospitals, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, private pathology and testing laboratories.

Using the latest industry-standard equipment, you’ll build the knowledge and skills required to work under supervision to:

  • examine micro-organisms or changes in cells and tissues
  • perform analysis of biological and chemical samples
  • record and interpret data using laboratory software
  • prepare and perform tests on food materials
  • perform basic histological procedures on plant or animal tissue.

You will also benefit from the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Upon completion of this certificate, you may go on to work in food and materials testing, diagnostic or educational laboratories. Alternatively, you could pursue the Diploma of Laboratory Technology or other further study.

Why study laboratory techniques at RMIT?

State-of-the-art facilities

Learn on the latest industry-standard equipment in our cutting-edge laboratories.

Industry links

Enjoy strong connections to private and hospital pathology laboratories, biotechnology, educational and research laboratories.

Smaller classes

Study in groups of up to 30 students, maximising your interaction with staff members.

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Are you ready for a future in health?

Discover a rewarding career and seize your opportunities for professional development with a qualification from RMIT. 

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Your classes will be small groups of up to 30 students to maximise interaction between students and staff.

Our labs have the latest industry standard equipment and there's ample opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including face-to-face tutorials, practical laboratories, presentations and group discussions. You'll have access to online resources through the student portal.

You will be expected to purchase a laboratory coat, safety glasses, powder-free nitrile gloves, permanent marker and a scientific calculator. These items are available from the RMIT shop or other suppliers.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes tests, presentations, group projects, laboratory reports and demonstration of laboratory skills.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

This certificate has strong links with industry (including private and hospital pathology laboratories, biotechnology and research laboratories).

It features student/staff visits to laboratories and comprehensive input from the Industry Advisory Committee.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

This one-year qualification provides you with a foundation in chemistry, maths, biology, scientific communication, computing, biochemistry and occupational health and safety. You will also learn general laboratory skills such as microscopy, aseptic techniques, chemistry techniques and the use of laboratory instruments.

As a laboratory assistant/technician you will conduct routine laboratory tests in pathology, food, environmental, vetinarian, biotechnology and research laboratories. Working under supervision you will process and prepare samples for testing. You may perform chemical and biological analyses of human and environmental samples. You may also assist in performing experiments for research into biochemical or genetic processes.

In this certificate, you will complete four core subjects and 12 electives that will build strong foundational skills in laboratory techniques.

You'll develop core knowledge in:

  • processing and interpreting data
  • maintaining and calibrating instruments and equipment
  • applying quality system and continuous improvement systems
  • maintaining laboratory or field workspace safety.

In your electives, you'll undertake a broad range of study that will cover topics such as using laboratory application software and performing microscopic examinations, biological procedures, tissue cultures, food, histological and chemical tests.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Program code: C4433
National curriculum code: MSL40122
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
City Campus
Full Time 1 Years
C4433
112039J
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 1 Years
Plan code
C4433
CRICOS
112039J
View plan
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
City Campus
Full-time 1 Years
C4433
112039J
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 1 Years
Plan code
C4433
CRICOS
112039J
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates work as laboratory assistants or technicians in laboratories and provide technical support for scientists working in:

  • pathology laboratories (private and public)
  • educational laboratories
  • food and materials testing
  • pharmaceutical testing.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Applicants must meet the University entry requirements for this program. It is recommended that participants have some prior experience in Chemistry or Biology.

This qualification may experience high demand with limited places. Therefore, applications will be assessed in the order they are received for each available intake until all places are filled. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this course

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you.

Adjustments

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.

Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below. Credit may apply which will reduce the total duration of the destination course. See destination course page pathways for full details on entry and credit.

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Undergraduate degree

Associate Degree in Applied Science

Guaranteed ATAR
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
Vocational study

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

MSL50122
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Certificate IV of Laboratory Techniques, you are guaranteed entry
to one of the following RMIT programs:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2026 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,200*
  • 2026 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$6,000*
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$17,250*

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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