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CPP41721 Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services

National ID
CPP41721
WA Course Code
BGI7
CRICOS code
104884E
Person working with tools

Why choose this course?

Further your studies to progress into a surveying technician career with this qualification. Survey technicians perform a range of duties using surveying tools and equipment, including total stations and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), supported by data management skills. Spatial information services technicians perform a range of duties using geospatial technologies and specialised software, supported by data management skills.

During your studies you will learn how to use surveying technologies and software to capture, process and present electronic data. You will also have access to surveying equipment in order to produce computer-aided drawings (CAD) and survey plans so that you can prepare and present geographic information system (GIS) data.

Practical skills are combined with important analytical skills that include maintaining workplace safety and developing environmentally sustainable methods. Learn from expert lecturers with close ties to industry to ensure your training reflects the latest industry practices.

Further study can be completed by enrolling into the CPP50121 Diploma of Surveying. Please note that it is an industry requirement that students must successfully complete all units in the CPP41721 Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services before progressing into the CPP50121 Diploma of Surveying.

Career opportunities

  • Mineral Processing Technician
  • Surveying Assistant

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of CPP30216 Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services is required for entry into this course.

Your study options

Semester 2, 2024

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 2, 2024
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)
How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,700
  • Resources fee: $400
  • Materials fee: $300

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 3 core units and 12 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPPSSI3020 Perform simple surveying and spatial computations
  • CPPSSI4025 Collect spatial data using GNSS
  • CPPSSI4036 Operate spatial software applications
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCECR307 Read and interpret maps
  • CPPSSI3011 Produce basic maps
  • CPPSSI3019 Produce basic plans of surveys
  • CPPSSI4022 Store and retrieve spatial data
  • CPPSSI4030 Operate surveying equipment
  • CPPSSI4031 Perform surveying computations
  • CPPSSI4037 Produce computer-aided drawings
  • CPPSSI4038 Prepare and present GIS data
  • CPPSSI4039 Design and produce maps
  • CPPSSI4040 Collect spatial data using a total station
  • CPPSSI4041 Set out site and building works
  • CPPSSI5060 Develop spreadsheets for spatial data

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

observation where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace; written assessments including case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, and research projects; questioning in the form of written question and answers, tests, online quizzes or verbal questions and answers, and a portfolio which includes samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. Learning resources may include access to specialised equipment and computer software (Magnet and CorelDraw), Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, learning guides, workbooks and handouts. Facilities and equipment may include access to surveying equipment such as Trimble M3, Automatic Optical Level, GNSS-Hemisphere S321, Garmin 72H Handheld GPS, Excel, Microsoft Word / Office 365, ArcMap, Coreldraw, Magnet Calculator: (Highly recommended HP Prime).

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)
How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,700
  • Resources fee: $400
  • Materials fee: $300

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 3 core units and 12 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPPSSI3020 Perform simple surveying and spatial computations
  • CPPSSI4025 Collect spatial data using GNSS
  • CPPSSI4036 Operate spatial software applications
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCECR307 Read and interpret maps
  • CPPSSI3011 Produce basic maps
  • CPPSSI3019 Produce basic plans of surveys
  • CPPSSI4022 Store and retrieve spatial data
  • CPPSSI4030 Operate surveying equipment
  • CPPSSI4031 Perform surveying computations
  • CPPSSI4037 Produce computer-aided drawings
  • CPPSSI4038 Prepare and present GIS data
  • CPPSSI4039 Design and produce maps
  • CPPSSI4040 Collect spatial data using a total station
  • CPPSSI4041 Set out site and building works
  • CPPSSI5060 Develop spreadsheets for spatial data

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

observation where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace; written assessments including case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, and research projects; questioning in the form of written question and answers, tests, online quizzes or verbal questions and answers, and a portfolio which includes samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. Learning resources may include access to specialised equipment and computer software (Magnet and CorelDraw), Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, learning guides, workbooks and handouts. Facilities and equipment may include access to surveying equipment such as Trimble M3, Automatic Optical Level, GNSS-Hemisphere S321, Garmin 72H Handheld GPS, Excel, Microsoft Word / Office 365, ArcMap, Coreldraw, Magnet Calculator: (Highly recommended HP Prime).

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 2, 2025

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 2, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)
How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,700
  • Resources fee: $400
  • Materials fee: $300

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 3 core units and 12 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPPSSI3020 Perform simple surveying and spatial computations
  • CPPSSI4025 Collect spatial data using GNSS
  • CPPSSI4036 Operate spatial software applications
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCECR307 Read and interpret maps
  • CPPSSI3011 Produce basic maps
  • CPPSSI3019 Produce basic plans of surveys
  • CPPSSI4022 Store and retrieve spatial data
  • CPPSSI4030 Operate surveying equipment
  • CPPSSI4031 Perform surveying computations
  • CPPSSI4037 Produce computer-aided drawings
  • CPPSSI4038 Prepare and present GIS data
  • CPPSSI4039 Design and produce maps
  • CPPSSI4040 Collect spatial data using a total station
  • CPPSSI4041 Set out site and building works
  • CPPSSI5060 Develop spreadsheets for spatial data

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

observation where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace; written assessments including case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, and research projects; questioning in the form of written question and answers, tests, online quizzes or verbal questions and answers, and a portfolio which includes samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. Learning resources may include access to specialised equipment and computer software (Magnet and CorelDraw), Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, learning guides, workbooks and handouts. Facilities and equipment may include access to surveying equipment such as Trimble M3, Automatic Optical Level, GNSS-Hemisphere S321, Garmin 72H Handheld GPS, Excel, Microsoft Word / Office 365, ArcMap, Coreldraw, Magnet Calculator: (Highly recommended HP Prime).

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)
How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,700
  • Resources fee: $400
  • Materials fee: $300

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 3 core units and 12 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPPSSI3020 Perform simple surveying and spatial computations
  • CPPSSI4025 Collect spatial data using GNSS
  • CPPSSI4036 Operate spatial software applications
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCECR307 Read and interpret maps
  • CPPSSI3011 Produce basic maps
  • CPPSSI3019 Produce basic plans of surveys
  • CPPSSI4022 Store and retrieve spatial data
  • CPPSSI4030 Operate surveying equipment
  • CPPSSI4031 Perform surveying computations
  • CPPSSI4037 Produce computer-aided drawings
  • CPPSSI4038 Prepare and present GIS data
  • CPPSSI4039 Design and produce maps
  • CPPSSI4040 Collect spatial data using a total station
  • CPPSSI4041 Set out site and building works
  • CPPSSI5060 Develop spreadsheets for spatial data

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

observation where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace;written assessments including case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, and research projects;questioning in the form of written question and answers, tests, online quizzes or verbal questions and answers, anda portfolio which includes samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to specialised equipment and computer software (Magnet and CorelDraw), Blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, learning guides, workbooks and handouts.

Facilities and equipment may include access to surveying equipment such as Trimble M3, Automatic Optical Level, GNSS-Hemisphere S321, Garmin 72H Handheld GPS, Excel, Microsoft Word / Office 365, ArcMap, Coreldraw, Magnet Calculator: (Highly recommended HP Prime).

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

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  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

Last updated on December 1, 2022