Qualification Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:41 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Qualification
National Code:
MSL50118
State Code:
BDV4
TGA Status:
Replaced
DTWD Status:
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Field of Education
0199 - Other Natural And Physical Sciences
Original TGA Release Date
20/07/2018
Approved Date
25/11/2021
Stream of Study
Initial Vocational (3100 - 3600)
VET Act Classifier
B
Nominal Hours
1370
Duration
4 Semesters
Current Release Number
4.00
Current Release Date
28/10/2021
VET Act Conditions
Releases
Release Version Release Date TGA Status DTWD Status
4.00 28/10/2021 Current Transition (Replaced)
3.00 19/04/2021 Replaced Approved
2.00 28/04/2020 Replaced Approved
1.00 20/07/2018 Replaced Approved
Description

This qualification reflects the role of workers who apply a range of laboratory technologies to conduct scientific-technical tests in most industry sectors, utilising specialist technical knowledge. They conduct a wide range of routine and complex, specialised tests where atypical samples may be involved and the instrumentation used has a wide range of operating variables. Workers communicate sample requirements to other personnel and may liaise with suppliers to troubleshoot product non-conformance. They may also demonstrate methods to others and train team members to collect samples and conduct basic tests reliably.

Workers contribute to the modification of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enterprise methods when necessary, they may also have a role in the planning of schedules and monitoring of resources in their work area. Work is carried out according to established procedures, often under the management of laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication.

Schedule
Packaging Rules
Total number of units = fifteen (15)
- Five (5) core units
- Ten (10) elective units, consisting of:
- at least seven (7) units from any of the elective lists below, including at least five (5) units coded at 5000 or above
- up to three (3) units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course - these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology. Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation.

Packaging for each specialisation:
- At least six (6) Group A electives must be selected for award of Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)
- At least six (6) Group B electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Chemistry)
- At least six (6) Group C electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Construction)
- At least six (6) Group D electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food)
- At least six (6) Group E electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology).
1. Core Units

All five (5) units must be completed.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC01 MSL925004 Analyse data and report results 120 Unit of competency
OAC45 MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment 120 Unit of competency
OAC90 MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data 120 Unit of competency
OAC15 MSL924003 Process and interpret data 60 Unit of competency
OAC85 MSL924004 Use laboratory application software 60 Unit of competency
2. Group A Electives – Pathology Specialisation

At least six (6) Group A electives must be selected for award of Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC71 MSL975028 Apply advanced embedding and microtomy skills 135 Unit of competency
OAC39 MSL974021 Perform biological procedures 120 Unit of competency
OAC09 MSL975037 Perform chemical pathology tests 120 Unit of competency
OAC51 MSL975036 Perform haematological tests 120 Unit of competency
OAC58 MSL975029 Perform histological tests 120 Unit of competency
OAB96 MSL975030 Perform immunohaematological tests 120 Unit of competency
OAC20 MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests 120 Unit of competency
OAC46 MSL975034 Perform molecular biology tests and procedures 120 Unit of competency
OAC32 MSL975033 Perform tissue and cell culture techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC65 MSL954003 Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples 90 Unit of competency
3. Group B Electives – Chemistry Specialisation

At least six (6) Group B electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Chemistry)
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC57 MSL975047 Apply complex instrumental techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC86 MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC35 MSL975049 Apply routine electrometric techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC69 MSL975048 Apply routine spectrometric techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC61 MSL935006 Assist in the maintenance of reference materials 60 Unit of competency
OAC73 MSL925003 Determine measurements of uncertainty 50 Unit of competency
OAC78 MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures 60 Unit of competency
OAC13 MSL975046 Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials 120 Unit of competency
4. Group C Electives – Construction Specialisation

At least six (6) Group C electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Construction).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC53 MSL975055 Classify building sites 60 Unit of competency
OAC68 MSL974028 Classify soils 80 Unit of competency
OAC41 MSL974018 Conduct geotechnical site investigations 50 Unit of competency
OAC73 MSL925003 Determine measurements of uncertainty 50 Unit of competency
OAC47 MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan 40 Unit of competency
OAC31 MSL975044 Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials 120 Unit of competency
OAC79 MSL974016 Perform physical and mechanical tests 125 Unit of competency
OAC40 MSL974026 Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials 80 Unit of competency
OAC07 MSL975051 Supervise geotechnical site investigations 70 Unit of competency
OAC50 MSL975031 Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites 70 Unit of competency
5. Group D electives – Food specialisation

At least six (6) Group D electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC86 MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC69 MSL975048 Apply routine spectrometric techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC48 MSL975038 Conduct sensory analysis 60 Unit of competency
OAC05 MSL934005 Contribute to the ongoing development of HACCP plans 40 Unit of competency
OAC78 MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures 60 Unit of competency
OAC12 MSL975050 Perform food analyses 120 Unit of competency
OAC11 MSL974020 Perform food tests 60 Unit of competency
OAM18 FBPFST4004 Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry 50 Unit of competency
OAB94 MSL975032 Provide input to production trials 120 Unit of competency
6. Group E Electives – Biotechnology Specialisation

At least six (6) Group E electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC08 MSL975039 Apply electrophoretic techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC86 MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC69 MSL975048 Apply routine spectrometric techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC78 MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures 60 Unit of competency
OAC20 MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests 120 Unit of competency
OAC46 MSL975034 Perform molecular biology tests and procedures 120 Unit of competency
OAC32 MSL975033 Perform tissue and cell culture techniques 120 Unit of competency
7. Other Electives

The remaining units may be chosen from the elective units listed below.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OAC61 MSL935006 Assist in the maintenance of reference materials 60 Unit of competency
OAC27 MSL935005 Authorise the issue of test results 50 Unit of competency
OAC70 MSL905005 Create or modify calibration procedures 80 Unit of competency
OAC19 MSL975042 Design and supervise complex environmental field surveys 120 Unit of competency
OAC29 MSL916006 Develop and maintain laboratory documentation 40 Unit of competency
AWC68 MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 40 Unit of competency
OAC49 MSL975052 Locate, record and collect forensic samples 80 Unit of competency
OAC34 MSL916009 Maintain registration and statutory or legal compliance in work or functional area 40 Unit of competency
OAC84 MSL916007 Manage and develop teams 40 Unit of competency
OAC66 MSL916010 Manage complex projects 60 Unit of competency
OAC26 MSL975041 Perform fire assay techniques 120 Unit of competency
OAC67 MSL905004 Perform non-standard calibrations 60 Unit of competency
OAC22 MSL904002 Perform standard calibrations 60 Unit of competency
OAC02 MSL975043 Prepare animal and plant material for display 120 Unit of competency
OBP05 MSL974030 Process body fluid specimens using a point of care testing device 70 Unit of competency
OAC80 MSL915003 Provide information to customers 60 Unit of competency
OAC06 MSL915004 Schedule laboratory work for a small team 60 Unit of competency
OAB93 MSL916008 Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area 40 Unit of competency
OAC28 MSL974022 Undertake environmental field-based monitoring 60 Unit of competency
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AZS1 MSL50116 Diploma of Laboratory Technology Qualification
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BIX5 MSL50122 Diploma of Laboratory Technology Qualification
No information
Entry Requirements

Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:
hold a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
or
hold a relevant Certificate IV or higher level qualification in a relevant science discipline
or
can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant science discipline to any of the above qualifications.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships
(TR08170) LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY (LEVEL 5) Traineeship