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Diploma of Laboratory Technology

This diploma prepares you to carry out scientific and technical testing in a laboratory, from routine sample work through to complex tests where the sample is unusual or the instrument has many settings to manage.

Illustration of a person working as calibration technician
  • Duration: 6 months to 1 year
  • Study mode: Online and on campus
  • Course code: MSL50122

Where you can study this course

Where
Study mode

  • TAFE NSW

    Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    3 campuses
    Duration
    6 months to 1 year
    Study mode
    Varies by campus
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

    What students say

    Many students speak well of the facilities and campus, and some rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching and student support, and some found the organisation and admin frustrating.

  • RMIT University

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    Campuses
    15 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students often find organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching, while some praise the facilities and campus and student support.

  • TAFE Queensland

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    30 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Many students rate the facilities and campus highly. Some found course content and organisation and admin frustrating, while opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching.

  • TAFE SA

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    26 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students rate the trainers, teaching, facilities and campus highly, though some found the organisation, admin and communication frustrating; opinions are mixed on facilities and campus.

  • Box Hill Institute

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    4 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students speak highly of the trainers and teaching, with the campus and facilities also well regarded. Many found student support frustrating, along with organisation and communication.

  • The Gordon

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    5 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students rate the trainers and teaching highly, along with the student support and course content. Some found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on student support and course content.

  • North Metropolitan TAFE

    Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    East Perth
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    On campus
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

    What students say

    Opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching, with some students finding the organisation and admin frustrating and a number unhappy with the course content.

  • TasTAFE

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    12 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

Last reviewed 20 September 2026.

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Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who: hold a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques OR hold a Certificate IV or higher-level qualification in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) discipline OR can provide evidence of technical laboratory skills, knowledge and employment experience.

  • Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:

  • an interest in scientific testing and accurate results
  • patience for careful, step by step laboratory work
  • confidence with specialised instruments and their settings
  • a knack for spotting when a sample or result looks wrong

What will you learn?

You learn to set up and run specialised equipment, keep results reliable, and troubleshoot when a sample or product does not meet the expected standard. It suits people who already have a laboratory background, since entry assumes a Certificate IV in laboratory techniques, a STEM qualification, or demonstrated lab skills and work experience. The role usually sits under a laboratory or quality manager, but you would also train other staff, adjust standard procedures and help plan the work in your area.

  • Running routine and specialist tests
  • Setting up lab instruments
  • Preparing and handling samples
  • Troubleshooting results that fail
  • Updating standard operating procedures
  • Training colleagues in lab methods

Career pathways

Roles this qualification is a recognised route into, and what else you need.

Where this fits

Diploma of Laboratory Technology in laboratory science: the study that leads into it, the study that follows, and other routes at the same level.

Before

Certificate IVCertificate IV in Laboratory TechniquesIf you don't have the laboratory background the diploma assumes, this certificate gives you the sample preparation, basic testing and record keeping to step into laboratory work first.

You are looking at

Diploma

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

After

Bachelor degreeBachelor of Medical Laboratory ScienceIf you want to move further than a diploma, this degree takes you beyond the diploma's technical testing focus, though no roles are listed here.
All laboratory science courses →

Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).