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MSL30122 | CRICOS: 113987A

Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

Kick start your career in science with this entry-level course that qualifies you to work as a laboratory assistant in food technology, pathology, schools or trades.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Darling Downs and South West
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online TAFE at School Apprenticeships and traineeships International
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Start date: 30 Sep 2024 Duration: up to 18 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

$0
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$665
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$1,185
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,360
TAFE at School Full Fee

This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

$2,605
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$6,500
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Begin your career in science with this entry-level course. This course is perfect for people already employed in the industry and are looking to gain a qualification while working, or those looking to make a start. Your skills will be highly transferable across a diverse range of industries such as mining, food technology, and in the health sector.

This course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to plan and conduct laboratory and field work, perform simple scientific calculations, present information, and record and store data. You'll also develop effective interpersonal skills, learn how to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, and comply with environmental regulations. Our highly experienced staff are still strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a laboratory assistant in food technology, pathology, schools or trades. It will also give you the foundation knowledge you need to undertake further studies in the field.

What can I do?

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Testing Technical Assistant
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Field Assistant

Course outcome:

MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

Easy upgrade options

If you are passionate about a career in science have a chat to our friendly staff about upgrading your qualification. By successfully completing this course you'll be eligible for entry into our Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40118).

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBCMM211
    Apply communication skills
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBCMM211
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic communication skills in the workplace, including identifying, gathering and conveying information along with completing assigned written information.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply communication skills

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL913004
    Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL913004
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL922002
    Record and present data
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL922002
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to record and store data, perform simple calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs. The unit requires personnel to solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited or apparent.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Record and present data

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL933009
    Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL933009
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to apply quality principles to laboratory or field work to achieve quality outcomes.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL943004
    Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL943004
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
6 months
Full time up to 3 days per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

South Bank

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Toowoomba
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Part time 1 day per week 9am - 3pm
Thursday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Toowoomba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week 9am - 3pm
Thursday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed
30 Sep 2024
up to 18 months
Workplace delivery
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

30 Sep 2024
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 18 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Workplace delivery
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
Online self-directed
28 Jan 2025
up to 18 months
Workplace delivery
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 18 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Workplace delivery
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $665

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,185

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
03 Feb 2025
2 terms
Part time 1 day per week
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $2,605

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

03 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $2,605

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
South Bank
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
6 months
Full time up to 3 days per week
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

South Bank

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
South Bank
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
6 months
Full time up to 3 days per week
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

South Bank

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $6,500

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Full-time delivery: Applicants for full-time delivery can study without being employed. If you’re under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions may apply.

Workplace/TAFE delivery: Applicants for this workplace based qualification are required to be currently employed in a laboratory or testing environment with support from a suitably qualified workplace supervisor. The scope of work based tasks available to the applicant must be sufficient to fulfil the practical requirements of this program.

TAFE at School delivery: Although there are no formal entry requirements for this course, TAFE Queensland requires successful completion of MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement prior to enrolment.

Traineeship pathway: ​To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer. Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.
Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

International students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more