Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:19 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.
Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
HLT43512
J096
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 07/05/2012 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required by optical dispensers, to dispense and supply optical appliances as prescribed by optometrists and/or ophthalmologists in accordance with Australian Standards.
The units of competency included in this qualification contribute to the gaining of an optical dispenser's licence where this is required. Optical dispensers practice in a range of environments including optical dispensaries, optometric practices and laboratories. They may be self-employed or employed by another optical dispenser, an optometrist, a major optical dispensing company or other retailers.
This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
ENTRY/LICENCING REQUIREMENTS:In some States/Territories:
- Participants must have a licence to practise prior to placement in the workplace
- Participants may need to undertake HLTOPD402C Perform edging and fitting in order to meet local licensing requirements
PACKAGING RULES
Fourteen (14) units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including:
- nine (9) core units
- five (5) elective units
A wide range of elective units is available, including:
- Group A electives which are recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
- Other relevant electives listed in the qualification outline
- Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Health and/or Community Services Training Packages
- Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to two (2) units of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages
1. Core Units
All nine (9) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD083 | HLTCOM405D | Administer a practice | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8280 | HLTHIR301B | Communicate and work effectively in health | 40 | Unit of competency |
| WD312 | HLTWHS300A | Contribute to WHS processes | 30 | Unit of competency |
| WD231 | HLTOPD404C | Dispense atypical prescriptions | 80 | Unit of competency |
| WD230 | HLTOPD403C | Dispense optical appliances and services | 110 | Unit of competency |
| WD233 | HLTOPD407C | Perform workshop skills and place orders | 110 | Unit of competency |
| D5820 | HLTCOM301C | Provide specific information to clients | 20 | Unit of competency |
| S6191 | SIRXSLS001A | Sell products and services | 20 | Unit of competency |
| WD228 | HLTOPD401C | Work effectively in the ophthalmic industry | 30 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Culturally Aware and Respectful Practice
It is recommended that one (1) or both units be completed.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full list of unit weighting points.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8283 | HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8281 | HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | 30 | Unit of competency |
3. Other Relevant Elective Units
Up to five (5) units may be completed from the elective units listed.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full list of unit weighting points.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D079 | HLT43507 | Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWJ8 | HLT47815 | Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
Entry/licensing requirements:
In some States/Territories:
Participants must have a licence to practise prior to placement in the workplace
Participants may need to undertake HLTOPD402C Perform edging and fitting in order to meet local licensing requirements
Occupational titles for these workers may include:
Optical dispenser
Dispensing optician (NZ)
Traineeships and Apprenticeships