Develop specialised skills in process plant problem solving with this technical qualification. This course is perfect for advanced operators and technicians wanting to become a qualified process plant technician.
PMA40116 Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
Subsidised | $4,290 |
Concession | $3,250 |
Full fee | $9,180 |
Develop specialised skills in process plant problem solving with this technical qualification. This course is perfect for advanced operators and technicians wanting to become a qualified process plant technician.
Demand for process plant operators in Australia remains steady with up to 10,000 job openings expected over the next five years. Opportunities continue as companies require workers with the technical skills to operate CSG, LNG, and hydrocarbons plant and equipment.
Depending on your electives, this course will teach you how to manage plant shutdown and restart, control minor incidents, interpret process plant schematics, and participate in continuous improvement. You may also gain specialist skills in well management, gas turbines, electrical power, and pumping, valve, pipeline, and compressor systems. Our industry experienced teachers will provide you with the one-on-one support you need to succeed.
Complete this course to open up a range of possibilities in chemical, emergency support, CSG, hydrocarbons extraction, hydrocarbons transmission, and LNG as a qualified plant technician. You can also take your understanding and skills to the next level with further studies in this area.
Get recognition for the skills and knowledge you have already gained working in the process plant industry through TAFE Queensland's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. You can use RPL to have your existing skills taken into account and earn your qualification sooner.
Once you've completed your Certificate IV in Process Plant Operations you can progress your career even further. With study options in Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology you may receive credit from your Certificate IV to complete your next qualification even sooner.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 21 elective units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
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MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesUnit code: MSMENV272 |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | |
MSMSUP100Apply workplace context to own jobUnit code: MSMSUP100 |
Apply workplace context to own job | |
MSMSUP102Communicate in the workplaceUnit code: MSMSUP102 |
Communicate in the workplace | |
MSMWHS110Follow emergency response proceduresUnit code: MSMWHS110 |
Follow emergency response procedures | |
MSMWHS200Work safelyUnit code: MSMWHS200 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply workplace policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment for self and others. The unit of competency covers identifying work health and safety (WHS) hazards, assessing risk and following safety procedures in the workplace with minimal supervision. |
Work safely |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
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MEM18011CShut down and isolate machines/equipmentUnit code: MEM18011C Unit description: This unit covers isolating and shutting down machines and equipment. |
Shut down and isolate machines/equipment | |
MSL952001Collect routine site samplesUnit code: MSL952001 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the ability to collect samples at field or production sites using specified equipment and standard or routine procedures. |
Collect routine site samples | |
MSMOPS212Use organisation computers or data systemsUnit code: MSMOPS212 |
Use organisation computers or data systems | |
MSMOPS400Optimise process/plant areaUnit code: MSMOPS400 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to optimise the process performance of a complete process, plant area or system. It requires optimising a more significant portion of a plant than would be required for one of the PMAOPS3## series. It also requires a more strategic approach to the optimisation than the routine, day-to-day optimisation undertaken as a routine part of plant operation. The optimisation may, or may not involve capital expenditure. |
Optimise process/plant area | |
MSMPER200Work in accordance with an issued permitUnit code: MSMPER200 |
Work in accordance with an issued permit | |
MSMPER201Monitor and control work permitsUnit code: MSMPER201 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor a work situation in which the activity is conducted under a permit to work. The individual will be required to monitor the work situation for conformance to the permit and immediately intervene if the parameters of the permit are not met or work proceeds outside the boundaries set by the permit. |
Monitor and control work permits | |
MSMPER205Enter confined spaceUnit code: MSMPER205 Unit description: This unit of competency is required by persons who are required to enter a confined space, as defined by the Australian Standard AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces, or its authorised update or replacement. |
Enter confined space | |
MSMPER300Issue work permitsUnit code: MSMPER300 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to issue work permits. It covers an understanding of the permit system and the limitations of each permit, and making decisions regarding the need for and correct use of each permit. This unit includes the issue of any and all permits. Permits are called ‘clearances’ by some organisations. |
Issue work permits | |
MSMPER400Coordinate permit processUnit code: MSMPER400 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required for the issuing and auditing of any and all permits across multiple plant areas or an entire site. It covers both the issuing of permits directly and also the coordination of permits issued by others. It focuses on potential conflicts between work being undertaken as well as checking that the permit system is being used correctly. |
Coordinate permit process | |
MSMSUP200Achieve work outcomesUnit code: MSMSUP200 |
Achieve work outcomes | |
MSMSUP210Process and record informationUnit code: MSMSUP210 |
Process and record information | |
MSMSUP240Undertake minor maintenanceUnit code: MSMSUP240 |
Undertake minor maintenance | |
MSMSUP291Participate in continuous improvementUnit code: MSMSUP291 |
Participate in continuous improvement | |
MSMSUP300Identify and apply process improvementsUnit code: MSMSUP300 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to identify, monitor and participate in strategies to improve production efficiencies. |
Identify and apply process improvements | |
MSMSUP310Contribute to the development of workplace documentationUnit code: MSMSUP310 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop workplace documentation in response to identified information requirements. Develop covers ‘develop from scratch’ or ‘take existing and improve’. |
Contribute to the development of workplace documentation | |
MSMSUP382Provide coaching/mentoring in the workplaceUnit code: MSMSUP382 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to establish and provide one-to-one coaching/mentoring in the workplace and evaluate its effectiveness. |
Provide coaching/mentoring in the workplace | |
MSMSUP390Use structured problem-solving toolsUnit code: MSMSUP390 |
Use structured problem-solving tools | |
MSMWHS205Control minor incidentsUnit code: MSMWHS205 |
Control minor incidents | |
MSMWHS212Undertake first response to fire incidentsUnit code: MSMWHS212 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to undertake an appropriate first response to fire incidents in onshore and offshore situations/emergencies. |
Undertake first response to fire incidents | |
MSMWHS216Operate breathing apparatusUnit code: MSMWHS216 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain breathing apparatus and equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere, as defined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment. |
Operate breathing apparatus | |
MSMWHS217Gas test atmospheresUnit code: MSMWHS217 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to test the working atmosphere, using electronic test apparatus, to find out if it is safe for the proposed work. |
Gas test atmospheres | |
MSMWHS300Facilitate the implementation of WHS for a work groupUnit code: MSMWHS300 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor defined work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures for a work group or area. |
Facilitate the implementation of WHS for a work group | |
PMAOPS101Read dials and indicatorsUnit code: PMAOPS101 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to make readings and/or take measurements using common types of plant instrumentation. This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to identify the units and scales to use, perform the measurements and record the results in prescribed format, level of detail and according to procedures. |
Read dials and indicators | |
PMAOPS201Operate fluid flow equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS201 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate pumps and valves and other fluid flow equipment in a processing plant. |
Operate fluid flow equipment | |
PMAOPS205Operate heat exchangersUnit code: PMAOPS205 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate heat exchangers. |
Operate heat exchangers | |
PMAOPS208Operate chemical separation equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS208 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge to operate chemical separation equipment where the feed is usually single phase. |
Operate chemical separation equipment | |
PMAOPS216Operate local control systemUnit code: PMAOPS216 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a local control panel. |
Operate local control system | |
PMAOPS221Operate and monitor prime moversUnit code: PMAOPS221 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a prime mover and its ancillary equipment. |
Operate and monitor prime movers | |
PMAOPS222Operate and monitor pumping systems and equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS222 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate pumping systems, which are driven by prime movers; and ancillary equipment. |
Operate and monitor pumping systems and equipment | |
PMAOPS223Operate and monitor valve systemsUnit code: PMAOPS223 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor valves and ancillary equipment as part of controlling a process. |
Operate and monitor valve systems | |
PMAOPS224Provide fluids for utilities and supportUnit code: PMAOPS224 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to provide essential fluids for process support. |
Provide fluids for utilities and support | |
PMAOPS226Monitor and operate flare systemsUnit code: PMAOPS226 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor and operate flare systems. |
Monitor and operate flare systems | |
PMAOPS230Monitor, operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS230 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipment where the pipeline is covered by the AS 2885 Pipelines - Gas and liquid petroleum suite of standards. AS 2885 Pipelines - Gas and liquid petroleum (and its related standards) should be consulted for detail. This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to start up and shut down the equipment, monitor its performance and the need for maintenance, identify problems and take appropriate action, and maintain records. |
Monitor, operate and maintain pipeline stations and equipment | |
PMAOPS233Monitor wells and gathering systemsUnit code: PMAOPS233 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor wells and associated equipment in the field. |
Monitor wells and gathering systems | |
PMAOPS234Monitor and operate low pressure compressorsUnit code: PMAOPS234 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate low pressure compressors. |
Monitor and operate low pressure compressors | |
PMAOPS240Store fluids in bulkUnit code: PMAOPS240 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to store and transfer fluids to and from tanks. This is often called ‘operating a tank farm’. |
Store fluids in bulk | |
PMAOPS241Operate Joule-Thomson effect deviceUnit code: PMAOPS241 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a range of equipment generally covered by the title 'Joule-Thomson device'. |
Operate Joule-Thomson effect device | |
PMAOPS246Operate separation equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS246 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to operate typical stand-alone dual phase separation equipment as used in a chemical, oil/hydrocarbons or metalliferous minerals processing plant, and solving problems with separation processes. |
Operate separation equipment | |
PMAOPS280Interpret process plant schematicsUnit code: PMAOPS280 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to interpret process plant schematics for a range of operations uses. |
Interpret process plant schematics | |
PMAOPS300Operate a production unitUnit code: PMAOPS300 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate an enterprise-specific unit of a production plant, which is not otherwise described by other units in this Training Package. The production unit operation will integrate several plant items (single unit operations). For the operation of a single unit operation refer to the relevant PMAOPS2## unit of competency. |
Operate a production unit | |
PMAOPS302Operate reactors and reaction equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS302 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a production unit which, as its prime function, causes and controls a chemical reaction. The production unit operation will integrate several plant items (single unit operations). |
Operate reactors and reaction equipment | |
PMAOPS303Operate furnaces to induce reactionUnit code: PMAOPS303 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a furnace for the primary purpose of causing, inducing or facilitating a chemical reaction such as cracking, smelting or other very high temperature processes. The furnace will typically be directly fired or may use the feed as the fuel. |
Operate furnaces to induce reaction | |
PMAOPS304Operate and monitor compressor systems and equipmentUnit code: PMAOPS304 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor a complex compressor system. The compressor system will integrate several plant items (single unit operations). |
Operate and monitor compressor systems and equipment | |
PMAOPS305Operate process control systemsUnit code: PMAOPS305 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor the plant using a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. The panel controls multiple vessels/plant items and or products. It will typically be located on-site but off plant in a control room, but may also be off-site. |
Operate process control systems | |
PMAOPS307Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facilityUnit code: PMAOPS307 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility. The storage facility may be a land-based tank farm or a tanker at sea |
Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility | |
PMAOPS320Conduct artificial liftUnit code: PMAOPS320 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to control the artificial lift of fluids from operating wells either on land or off-shore using pumps, valves and compressors. Fluids may be oil, condensate, gas or water. |
Conduct artificial lift | |
PMAOPS321Undertake well managementUnit code: PMAOPS321 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and manage wells and ancillary equipment. |
Undertake well management | |
PMAOPS324Operate a gas turbineUnit code: PMAOPS324 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a gas turbine in a power generation, compression or similar operation. It applies to a gas turbine that is a complex, independent item of equipment. Typically it will have a specialised start-up and shutdown procedure. It may have its own control panel and inbuilt vibration monitoring equipment. |
Operate a gas turbine | |
PMAOPS325Generate electrical powerUnit code: PMAOPS325 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a power generation system and ancillary equipment. This unit is expected to apply in offshore, remote or other situations where the site/plant generates electrical power. |
Generate electrical power | |
PMAOPS326Operate gas absorption unitUnit code: PMAOPS326 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor a gas absorption unit and ancillary equipment to produce product. |
Operate gas absorption unit | |
PMAOPS333Operate wells and gathering systemsUnit code: PMAOPS333 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor and operate wells and associated equipment in the field. |
Operate wells and gathering systems | |
PMAOPS335Conduct pipeline piggingUnit code: PMAOPS335 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to conduct pipeline pigging. It applies to any type of pig (pipeline inspection gauge) in or on a large plant/platform, including batching, cleaning, gauging, intelligent and foam pigs. |
Conduct pipeline pigging | |
PMAOPS402Respond to abnormal process situationsUnit code: PMAOPS402 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to recognise and resolve abnormal process situations that are complex and/or not solvable by direct observation. The problem would normally impact an entire plant system or process. Examples include damage to/wear of tower trays, internal leaks of heat exchangers and collapse of/channelling in tower/column/vessel packing. |
Respond to abnormal process situations | |
PMAOPS405Operate complex control systemsUnit code: PMAOPS405 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a complex control panel. The panel will control entire plant areas and multiple products/process streams and will use a large number of control loops and a broad range of control algorithms; and will probably include advanced process control (APC) as one of its operations. Its operation will require managing multiple complex tasks. |
Operate complex control systems | |
PMAOPS410Operate remote production facilitiesUnit code: PMAOPS410 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor remote process/plant, including production facilities and its associated ancillary equipment and services, from a remote, off-site control system using ground based, satellite or other communications systems. It applies to remote facilities, such as wellheads, separation facilities, utility systems, compressor/pumping stations, treatment stations and satellite processes. |
Operate remote production facilities | |
PMAOPS411Manage plant shutdown and restartUnit code: PMAOPS411 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to manage the shutdown and restart of a complex and integrated plant. It applies to planned, shutdowns and start-ups, but may also be applied to unplanned and emergency shutdowns (ESD). It does not apply to plant trips. |
Manage plant shutdown and restart | |
PMAOPS433Manage wells and gathering systemsUnit code: PMAOPS433 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to manage a group of wells and gathering systems so as to optimise the output from all the wells. The management is of the technical aspects of well/system operation, and while this person may also manage well operating personnel, that is not part of this competency. |
Manage wells and gathering systems | |
PMAOPS434Commission wells and gathering systemsUnit code: PMAOPS434 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to commission a well, its gathering system and their associated systems. It applies to operational commissioning which takes place after pre-commissioning of equipment and systems; pre-commissioning is typically performed by a contractor or projects team. |
Commission wells and gathering systems | |
PMASUP236Operate vehicles in the fieldUnit code: PMASUP236 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare and operate vehicles and related equipment to patrol pipelines or otherwise drive across a variety of terrains. |
Operate vehicles in the field | |
PMASUP241Maintain pipeline easementsUnit code: PMASUP241 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to maintain and ensure pipeline integrity. |
Maintain pipeline easements | |
PMASUP242Monitor pipeline civil worksUnit code: PMASUP242 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor civil works and maintenance being undertaken by external contractors on pipeline easements and associated facilities. |
Monitor pipeline civil works | |
PMASUP244Prepare and isolate plantUnit code: PMASUP244 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to isolate and prepare plant for maintenance work and return to service. |
Prepare and isolate plant | |
PMASUP341Monitor and maintain instrument and control systemsUnit code: PMASUP341 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor and maintain instrument/electrical systems used for process measurement and control of a process. |
Monitor and maintain instrument and control systems | |
PMASUP346Control corrosionUnit code: PMASUP346 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to control corrosion in plant, equipment and/or pipelines (plant) by the use of chemical or biological controls. |
Control corrosion | |
PMASUP410Develop plant documentationUnit code: PMASUP410 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop, establish and evaluate plant documentation in response to identified information requirements. Examples of information requirements include workplace documents for the introduction of new systems, processes, equipment and record keeping requirements. |
Develop plant documentation | |
PMASUP440Commission/recommission plantUnit code: PMASUP440 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to commission new plant/pipeline or recommission significantly modified plant/pipeline. It applies to plant/pipeline, such as on or offshore plant, wellheads, transmission pipelines or similar. |
Commission/recommission plant | |
PMAWHS213Undertake fire control and emergency rescueUnit code: PMAWHS213 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to function as a member of an emergency response team in order to respond to fire emergencies in onshore and/or offshore facilities. |
Undertake fire control and emergency rescue | |
TAEASS401Plan assessment activities and processesUnit code: TAEASS401 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan the assessment process, including recognition of prior learning (RPL), in a competency-based assessment system |
Plan assessment activities and processes | |
TAEASS402Assess competenceUnit code: TAEASS402 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement an assessment plan, and gather quality evidence to assess the competence of a candidate using compliant assessment tools. |
Assess competence | |
TAEASS403Participate in assessment validationUnit code: TAEASS403 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in an assessment validation process. It applies to assessors and workplace supervisors with assessment validation responsibilities participating in, but not necessarily leading, the process. |
Participate in assessment validation | |
TAEDEL301Provide work skill instructionUnit code: TAEDEL301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct individual and group instruction, demonstrate work skills and assess the success of training and one's own training performance, using existing learning resources in a safe and comfortable learning environment. |
Provide work skill instruction |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
Campus | START DATES
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Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
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COST
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Eagle Farm | Anytime | up to 12 weeks | Recognition of Prior Learning | Full fee: $9,180 Subsidised: $4,290 Concession: $3,250 |
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
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 pathwaysNo 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.
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
This qualification is intended for plant technicians who are employed in the chemical and oil refining industry as operators and have access to relevant plant equipment.
No specific resources are required to successfully complete this course.
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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.
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.
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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