Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 9:36 AM AWST
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Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
CUA41120
BGT5
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.00 | 13/08/2025 | Current | Approved |
| 2.00 | 19/10/2022 | Replaced | Approved |
| 1.00 | 16/04/2021 | Replaced | Approved |
Description
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who apply a broad range of technical skills in photo imaging, including lighting, image capture, enhancements and manipulation and output. The outcomes of this qualification apply to a range of industry contexts including in retail, commercial, domestic portrait, media, wedding, illustrative, institutional and art photography work environments. These may be within organisations or of an independent nature. The job roles that relate to this qualification may include Photographer (freelance), Photographer’s Assistant (Studio), Compositor, Digital Retoucher, Photo or Minilab Retail Assistant. It also provides a pathway to other photography and photo imaging job roles.
Practice at this level is predominately digital. It is underpinned by the application of integrated technical, theoretical and historical knowledge of photo imaging and the ability to develop concepts and solutions in response to a brief. Individuals at this level usually operate autonomously, however they may provide some leadership and guidance to others with limited responsibility for the output of others.
There are 0 minimum work placement hours required for this unit.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations
Qualification
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Units of competency in qualification
Some individual units of competency may have their own licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Users must check individual units of competency for licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements relevant to that unit.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Total number of units = Fifteen (15)- Seven (7) core units plus
- Eight (8) elective units, of which:
- Six (6) elective units must be selected from the electives listed below
- Two (2) elective units may be from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course.
Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the overall integrity of the AQF alignment, not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification, and contribute to a valid industry-supported vocational outcome.
1. Core units
These units must be completed
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODE93 | CUAPHI412 | Apply photo imaging lighting techniques | 100 | Unit of competency |
| ODD27 | CUAWHS312 | Apply work health and safety practices | 20 | Unit of competency |
| ODH82 | CUAPHI411 | Capture images in response to a brief | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODD58 | CUAPHI311 | Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge | 15 | Unit of competency |
| AWH70 | CUAPHI403 | Enhance, manipulate and output photo images | 80 | Unit of competency |
| ODK12 | CUAPHI313 | Process photo images | 110 | Unit of competency |
| AWH29 | CUAPPR403 | Store and maintain finished creative work | 10 | Unit of competency |
2. Elective units
At least six (6) elective units must be chosen from this group.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZM5 | CUA41115 | Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging | Qualification |