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.
Entry RequirementsThere are no current Training Package entry requirements into this qualification, however, CQUniversity does require students to provide a signed Vocational Placement Agreement as part of the application process.
CQUniversity entry requirements:
• Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement
• 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 Agreement (see linked document above, pages 7 and 8)
Students are also required to:
• Complete the bksb (Basic key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher-level course.
• 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
- Students who are not already working in the industry will be required to undertake work experience to complete their practical assessment. Co-assessment with a supervisor is required.
Course Details
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| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire or Apply Now | ||||||||||||
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| Skill Area |
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| AQF Level | Level 2: Certificate II |
Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
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
- Complete 7 core units
- Complete 5 elective units
Study Mode Definitions
- Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
- On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
- Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.
*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.
Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.
12 months (example: Commencing February each year - Completing by February the following year / Commence July each year - Completing by July following year)
- Online
| Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry | ||||
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability | ||||
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBOPS203 | Deliver a service to customers | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
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Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid
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| ACMGEN314 | Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMSPE320 | Provide general care of mammals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
| Sequence | Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | BSBCMM211 - Apply communication skills |
| 2 | ACMWHS201 - Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| 3 | ACMGEN201 - Work in the animal care industry |
| 4 | ACMGEN202 - Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| 5 | ACMGEN203 - Feed and water animals |
| 6 | ACMGEN204 - Assist in health care of animals |
| 7 | ACMGEN205 - Source and provide information for animal care needs |
| 8 | BSBOPS203 - Deliver a service to customers |
| 9 | ACMSUS201 - Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
| 10 | ACMGEN314 - Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work |
| 11 | ACMSPE320 - Provide general care of mammals |
| 12 | ACMGEN309 - Provide basic animal first aid |
12 months (example: Commencing February each year - Completing by February the following year / Commence July each year - Completing by July following year)
- Online
| Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry | ||||
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability | ||||
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBOPS203 | Deliver a service to customers | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid | ||||
| ACMGEN314 | Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMSPE320 | Provide general care of mammals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
| Sequence | Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | BSBCMM211 - Apply communication skills |
| 2 | ACMWHS201 - Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| 3 | ACMGEN201 - Work in the animal care industry |
| 4 | ACMGEN202 - Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| 5 | ACMGEN203 - Feed and water animals |
| 6 | ACMGEN204 - Assist in health care of animals |
| 7 | ACMGEN205 - Source and provide information for animal care needs |
| 8 | BSBOPS203 - Deliver a service to customers |
| 9 | ACMSUS201 - Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
| 10 | ACMGEN314 - Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work |
| 11 | ACMSPE320 - Provide general care of mammals |
| 12 | ACMGEN309 - Provide basic animal first aid |
12 months (example: Commencing February each year - Completing by February the following year / Commence July each year - Completing by July following year)
Important: Year 12 students, should not undertake this course for QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period.
- Online
| Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry | ||||
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability | ||||
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBOPS203 | Deliver a service to customers | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
|
Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid Important: Grade 12 students will not complete this cluster within their school year due to the duration of this course being a full 12 months. Students will need to reapply to continue this course post high school. |
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| ACMGEN314 | Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMSPE320 | Provide general care of mammals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
| Sequence | Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | BSBCMM211 - Apply communication skills |
| 2 | ACMWHS201 - Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| 3 | ACMGEN201 - Work in the animal care industry |
| 4 | ACMGEN202 - Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| 5 | ACMGEN203 - Feed and water animals |
| 6 | ACMGEN204 - Assist in health care of animals |
| 7 | ACMGEN205 - Source and provide information for animal care needs |
| 8 | BSBOPS203 - Deliver a service to customers |
| 9 | ACMSUS201 - Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
| 10 | ACMGEN314 - Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work |
| 11 | ACMSPE320 - Provide general care of mammals |
| 12 | ACMGEN309 - Provide basic animal first aid |
Course Assessment Information
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
| Assessment Types |
|---|
| Third Party Verification |
| Practical Task |
| Written/Electronic Assessment |
| RPL |
Domestic 2022 Availabilities
Standard Course
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only
Domestic 2023 Availabilities
Standard Course
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only
Domestic 2024 Availabilities
Standard Course
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only
February: Full Time/Part Time
Domestic 2025 Availabilities
Standard Course
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only
February: Full Time/Part Time
Domestic 2026 Availabilities
Standard Course
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 11 only
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Grade 12 only
Show Historic Availabilities
More Details
July 2023 Cohort 2 Course Commencement
Course starts 17th July 2023. Tutorials commence on Tuesday 18th July. Tutorial details are found in the unit Moodle site.
February 2025 Cohort 1 Course Commencement
Course starts 3rd February 2025. Tutorials commence on Tuesday 4th February. Tutorial details are found in the unit Moodle site.
Practical Placement Information
Most units in this course have a mandatory practical component. Students who are not already working in the industry will be required to undertake work experience to complete their practical assessment. Co-assessment with a supervisor is required.
Prior to enrolment, students are required to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement and commit to approximately 120 hours (3 weeks) of vocational placement over the duration of the course.
Where to find placement
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Veterinary Clinics |
Wildlife Hospitals |
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Mobile Veterinary Services |
Riding for Disabled (RDA) |
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Retail Pet Stores |
RSPCA |
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Rural Produce Shops that sell retail and animals |
Council Pounds |
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Livestock Farms, Feedlots and Dairies |
Animal Shelters |
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Pet Groomers |
Animal Sanctuaries |
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Boarding Kennels/Catteries |
Animal Research Facilities |
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Zoos |
Animals for the entertainment industry (for example Melville’s Farm or The Outback Spectacular) |
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Petting Zoos |
Please note: to cover the assessment criteria in the co-assessment document under each of the units, more than one placement may be required. This will depend on the services that business provides. |
Microsoft Teams tutorial information for enrolled students
The tutorials are very important as they give you a platform to ask content specific questions in a live session with your teacher and fellow students. Please make every effort to attend these tutorials with your content questions.
3pm - 5pm drop-in on Tuesday afternoons
Tutorial Link can be accessed through all unit Moodle sites
10am - 12noon drop-in on Thursday mornings
Tutorial Link can be accessed through all unit Moodle sites
If you have any queries please contact us at animalstudies@cqu.edu.au.