We’re undertaking a review of the HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services and HLT47015 Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services qualifications to align with current industry needs, regulatory requirements, the latest technology and sustainable career pathways to support existing and future growth in the industry.

 

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May 2025 to June 2025

Sterilisation technicians are a vital part of the health care and social assistance sectors and play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and sterility of medical instruments and equipment, which is essential for patient safety.

The HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services and HLT47015 Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services qualifications were last reviewed in 2015. Since then, current practise, standards and technology have evolved significantly. This project aims to align training with updated regulatory and safety requirements, including AS/NZS 4187:2014, and to help create clearer career pathways and improve course content and consistency to ensure training supports the existing and future workforce.   

This is a 12-month project that is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Project Scope

We will review 2 qualifications and 8 units of competency that support training for the following occupations:

  • instrument technician
  • sterilisation assistant
  • sterilisation technician
  • Central Sterilisation Service Department supervisor
  • senior instrument technician
  • sterilisation supervisor.

Typically, sterilisation technicians clean, sterilise, and package surgical instruments and other hospital equipment. Their work is critical for infection control and patient safety in healthcare facilities.

Qualifications and Units of Competency

Currently there are 2 qualifications and 8 units of competency specific to sterilisation services. You are invited to provide feedback on these current training products by completing surveys.

Qualifications
Units of Competency

Project Governance and Consultation Strategy

We are currently establishing a Technical Committee of members selected for their relevant expertise on the diverse aspects of the project.

 

July 2025 to August 2025

Details to come.

 
September 2025 to November 2025

Details to come.

 
December 2025 to February 2026

Details to come.

 
March 2026 to April 2026

Details to come.

 

How to get involved

There are a number of ways you can get involved in this project.

1. Register to receive information on consultation activities and project updates.

Register your interest

2. Submit an expression of interest to become part of the Technical Committee. The Technical Committee members provide technical or specialist and/or industry sector knowledge to assist with the training package development. Members are appointed on the basis of their expertise and experience, not as representatives of their organisations. If you would like to be considered, please forward a covering letter and CV that illustrates your expertise to [email protected].

3. We invite you to participate in a survey about the skills and knowledge associated with sterilisation technicians and supervisors. The survey provides an opportunity for you to share insights from your experience and help us capture a diverse range of perspectives. These insights will complement other research activities such as undertaking a functional analysis for these job roles. The survey will close on Friday 13 June 2025.

Start survey

 

Contact details

To contact the project team, please email [email protected].

 

Project timeline

 

  • Project Set Up

    Establish a Technical Committee to provide expert advice for the project.

  • Development

    Functional analysis undertaken via 16 employer interviews and a virtual functional analysis workshop.

    Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.

  • Consultation

    Draft qualification and units of competency published.

    Delivery of 8 in person workshops and 3 virtual workshops.

    Consultation log published.

  • Finalisation and Submission

    Final draft materials will be submitted to Skills Senior Responsible Officers and any feedback will be addressed prior to submission to the Skills Ministers for endorsement.

  • Endorsement and Implementation

    Endorsed qualifications, skill sets and units of competency will be uploaded onto the VET National Training Register. The Companion Volume will be updated to reflect changes to the Training Package, identified pathways information and mapping information.

    Delivery of 3 virtual professional development workshops to highlight the features of the new qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.