Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services

Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services - CPP41721

VOCATIONAL

Learn how to capture, process and present electronic data, and gain practical experience with industry-standard equipment to support the land surveying industry.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

Fee finder

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

During the Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services, you’ll gain practical experience with industry-standard equipment.

In this certificate you will learn how to use surveying technologies and software to capture, process and present electronic data. You will also learn how to collect and interpret spatial data in various forms and operate surveying equipment to support the land surveying industry.

You’ll become experienced in the field and be able to plan and conduct field surveying operations, operate surveying equipment, collect spatial data using a total station, collect spatial data using GNSS and set out site and building works.

In the office, you’ll also learn how to produce basic plans of survey; store, maintain and retrieve spatial data; apply GIS software to spatial problems; design and produce maps, and digitally enhance and process image data.

Why study surveying and spatial information services at RMIT?

Hands-on learning

Take part in simulated spatial science and survey activities at our Bundoora field station.

Work relevant

Hear from specialist guest speakers who provide insight into current practices.

Practical material

Gain valuable field experience, learning to plan and conduct surveying operations.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

This certificate includes:

  • a project-based format simulating the workplace environment
  • online delivery
  • hands-on field days (Bundoora)
  • face-to-face delivery.

Your study will include a mixture of group work, project and action learning-based work, conducted via online learning and observation of laboratory and field practices.

Assessment methods

Learning and assessment are integrated throughout the Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services, a major factor being the accuracy of the graphical representation of field measurements. Assessment evidence will be collected throughout your learning, with feedback provided from your teachers and assessors.

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.

You’ll gain industry exposure through regular seminars with guest speakers, and have opportunities to take part in simulated spatial science and survey activities at our Bundoora field station.

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.

You will study for 4 days per week in 2 streams for one semester:

  • 2 days in the field at the Bundoora campus
  • 2 days of online classwork.

Note: For Semester 2 2025, classes for this course are delivered between the City and Bundoora campuses.

You should also allow additional time for take-home assignments and study.

During study in this qualification, you will:

  • collect spatial data using GNSS
  • operate spatial software applications
  • perform simple surveying and spatial computations
  • produce basic plans of survey
  • operate surveying equipment
  • plan and conduct field surveying operations
  • produce computer-aided drawings
  • collect spatial data using a total station
  • set out site and building works
  • store and retrieve spatial data
  • digitally enhance and process image data
  • maintain spatial data
  • apply GIS software to spatial problems
  • design and produce maps
  • create spatial data.

Course structure

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

Important information about available plans

  • Plan C4417BU (Bundoora campus) is not running in Semester 1, 2026.

Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
Program code: C4417
National curriculum code: CPP41721
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
City Campus
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
C4417
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
Plan code
C4417
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
Bundoora Campus
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
C4417BU
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
Plan code
C4417BU
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Graduates are employed in the spatial information industry as assistants to land surveyors, survey technicians, GIS/GPS operators or as computer draftspersons.

You may initially work in areas like land management, civil and structural engineering, or asset management for local government or mining companies.

Jobs titles may include:

  • Engineering Surveyor
  • Geographic Information Systems Officer
  • GIS/GPS Operator
  • Land Surveying Technician.

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 course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

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

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

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 Surveying and Spatial Information Services

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

Further study

The Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.

Guaranteed 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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Vocational study

Diploma of Surveying

CPP50121
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City

Sequenced further study

Graduates of this course who complete their further studies in the Diploma of Surveying will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below upon successful completion of the Diploma. 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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Vocational study

Advanced Diploma of Surveying

CPP60121 Free TAFE course
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Surveying will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma. 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

Bachelor of Science

Early Offer, Guaranteed ATAR
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City

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$1,250*
  • 2026 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$6,250*
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$12,750*

*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.

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.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find materials fees for this 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.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find materials fees for this course

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

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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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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