Course Summary

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for entry level and support roles in the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, boarding/day care facilities, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. The work activities are routine, performed under supervision and within clearly defined guidelines.

Requirements - To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

Complete the bksb (Basic key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher-level course.

CQUniversity entry requirements:

Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement. CQUniversity will arrange the necessary vocational placement agreements; however, it is the responsibility of prospective students to identify a local business or organisation who will support and host them for the duration of the placement period. Evidence of a local providers confirmation to support placement is required to submit an application.

Important information related to Vocational Placement can be found in this document link Vocational Placement Host Employer Pack

As part of the application process, students must upload a copy of the signed Vocational Placement Confirmation Form (see linked document above, pages 7 and 8)

Important note for Year 12 students: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period. These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may only complete up to nine (9) units during their school year. Once a student graduates from high school their eligibility for funding changes and they will be required to have their funding eligibility reassessed if they wish to continue study in this course. 

During your study:

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.

Have reasonable reading and writing skills, as well as basic numeracy skills to complete workbooks, assignments, learning activities and assessment tasks.

Access a computer / tablet / smartphone with internet access, camera, microphone and speakers.

Access Microsoft Teams, to attend weekly Microsoft Team tutorials.

Use Microsoft Teams for online assessment components.

Handle live animals and require a reasonable level of physical fitness to be able to complete the practical components of the course.

Please note: Students may be exposed to injured/deceased animals in photo and video footage during the online learning and may be required to handle them during their work placement.

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

Workplace Observations with a CQUniversity approved supervisor is required.  Students who are not already working in the industry will be required to undertake vocational placement to complete their practical assessment. Please see the Entry Requirements section for more information, along with the Vocational Placement Host Employer Pack

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Students completing ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care can enter the workforce in a supervised role as a Kennel Hand, Pet Shop Assistant, Animal Attendant or similar role.