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.

Details

Expand all sections

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.

Classes for this course are delivered between the City and Bundoora campuses. 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.

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.

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 Months, Part Time 1 Years
C4417
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Months, 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

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.

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.

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 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.

Learn more about international credit transfers

Fees

Fee Type

The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.

Government-subsidised training for citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders.

If you are not eligible for a government subsidised place, you are considered a full fee paying student.

Tuition fees fully covered for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and Youth Justice referrals in a government subsidised place.

Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.

Skills First fee summary

Course nameCertificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
Plan codeC4417
National Curriculum code CPP41721
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours890Nominal hours tooltip

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

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$6,750.00
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $6,750.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$186.50
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $186.50
M1657
$335.00
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $7,271.50
Includes all fees listed above
 $7,271.50

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $8.25 per nominal hour ($7,342.50 total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$1,350.00
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$1,350.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$89.00
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$89.00
M1657
$335.00
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $1,774.00
Includes all fees listed above
 $1,774.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $12.51 per nominal hour ($11,133.90 total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$13,250.00
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
 $13,250.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$186.50
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $186.50
M1657
$335.00
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $13,771.50
Includes all fees listed above
 $13,771.50

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$0.00
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
 $0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$0.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $0.00
M1657
$335.00
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $335.00
Includes all fees listed above
 $335.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $8.25 per nominal hour ($7,342.50 total).

Generated on 23 July 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

If eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees for this course through a VET Student Loan (VSL)

VET Student Loan cap for Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services (C4417): $

Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.

Learn about eligibility for VSL

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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Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures