ACM30122 / ACM30321

Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

Turn your love of animals into a career with this practical course. This entry-level qualification will give you the skills required to work as a keeper in a zoo, wildlife park or sanctuary. You will need a love of animals, an ability to work in a team and an interest in animal welfare, conservation and rehabilitation.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Gold Coast

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 12 May 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$6,200

Subsidised

$7,015

Full Fee

$10,810

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

This entry-level qualification is the general industry qualification and you will learn the skills required to work as a keeper in captive animal facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, mobile zoos or aquariums. You will also gain a second qualification in Animal Care, enabling you to continue your career path into Veterinary nursing or other areas of veterinary care.

Your educators will be captive animal experts and with a mix of theory and hands-on experience you will learn about the importance of animal conservation and how to present this information to the public, gain practical experience in rescuing animals, monitoring animal health and applying basic first aid. You will also provide nutritional requirements for animals and learn how to safety capture, restrain and move birds, native mammals and non-venomous reptiles.

Successful completion of this course will give you the skills to care for animals and seek work as a wildlife keeper or an animal health officer, or trainer the pathways in the animal industry open up to you with this dual qualification.

What can I do?

Zookeeper/Animal carer
Native wildlife carer
Wildlife rehabilitator
Animal Technical Officer
Animal Health Officer
Animal Trainer

Course outcome:

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

What you will study

The successful achievement of these qualifications requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
ACMBEH301

Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMBEH301

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and interpret behaviour and safely handle, interact and respond to animals in a range of animal care facilities and environments. It can be applied to a range of animal species.
UNIT NAME
Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals

UNIT CODE
ACMEXH301

Work within a zoological facility

UNIT CODE :
ACMEXH301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work safely in a facility housing wildlife and comply with facility policies and procedures relating to security, animal interactions, communication and record-keeping.
UNIT NAME
Work within a zoological facility

UNIT CODE
ACMEXH303

Prepare and maintain animal habitats

UNIT CODE :
ACMEXH303

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine housing needs for animal species.
UNIT NAME
Prepare and maintain animal habitats

UNIT CODE
ACMEXH304

Assist with capturing, restraining and moving animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMEXH304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to secure and handle animals, including assisting with the capture, restraint and herding or moving of animals in a manner that ensures human and animal safety and minimises negative impacts on animals.
UNIT NAME
Assist with capturing, restraining and moving animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN301

Prepare and present information to the public

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and present information to members of the public about captive, exhibited or companion animals using presentation techniques and aids that provide clear information and stakeholder engagement.
UNIT NAME
Prepare and present information to the public

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN303

Assess the welfare status of an animal

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN303

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the welfare status of an animal using an industry recognised animal welfare assessment framework or model and tool.
UNIT NAME
Assess the welfare status of an animal

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN304

Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage personal wellbeing and psychological health and safety in workplaces involving animals. It includes identifying the hazards and challenges of the work, developing a proactive self-care action plan and contributing to positive support strategies.
UNIT NAME
Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN309

Provide basic animal first aid

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide essential first aid for animals. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex cases or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required.
UNIT NAME
Provide basic animal first aid

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN315

Communicate effectively with clients and team members

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN315

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, a supervisor, team members and industry representatives.
UNIT NAME
Communicate effectively with clients and team members

UNIT CODE
ACMINF301

Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

UNIT CODE :
ACMINF301

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the process required to comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces and relevant field locations.
UNIT NAME
Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

UNIT CODE
ACMSUS401

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE :
ACMSUS401

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable work practices in an animal care and management facility.
UNIT NAME
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE
ACMWHS301

Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE :
ACMWHS301

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the process required by an employee to contribute to workplace health and safety processes where there is responsibility for own work outputs and possibly limited responsibility for the work output of others.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
ACMBEH302

Provide enrichment for animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMBEH302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide enrichment to stimulate, replenish and maintain appropriate behavioural patterns of all animals, including those housed short-term or long-term in an animal care facility.
UNIT NAME
Provide enrichment for animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN310

Provide reception services for an animal care facility

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN310

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake office reception and administration activities, including scheduling and basic financial tasks for an animal care facility.
UNIT NAME
Provide reception services for an animal care facility

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN311

Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN311

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow animal health management practices to monitor animal health via daily observations of behaviour and condition.
UNIT NAME
Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN312

Provide nutritional requirements for animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN312

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare rations based on animal species needs and availability of food products.
UNIT NAME
Provide nutritional requirements for animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN314

Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN314

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify animal anatomy and physiological functions of animals. It incorporates knowledge of animal classification, animal body systems, physiological functions and external anatomical features of animals to recognise normal health.
UNIT NAME
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE314

Provide general care of birds

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE314

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify birds and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of birds

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE320

Provide general care of mammals

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE320

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify placental mammals and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of mammals

UNIT CODE
ACMSPE321

Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE321

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify non-venomous reptiles and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.
UNIT NAME
Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ashmore	On Campus	12 May 2025	1 year	Full time online 2 days per week with on campus practical and experience days at Dreamworld. Monday, Tuesday	Concession: $6,200 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $7,015 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $10,810 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Ashmore On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 12 May 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time online 2 days per week with on campus practical and experience days at Dreamworld. Monday, Tuesday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $6,200 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $7,015 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $10,810 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30122 / ACM30321)

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Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

COURSE CODE: ACM30122 / ACM30321

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however TAFE Queensland requires the following:

Year 10 or equivalent;
Sound level of computer and literacy skills;
Valid and appropriate email account;
Be prepared to attend compulsory work experience in an animal care facility; and
Physically, emotionally and mentally "fit for practice" for the purpose of work experience.

Selection criteria

Gold Coast

Due to the high volume of applicants wishing to undertake this program, Gold Coast has introduced a selection criteria ranking process which requires all applicants to undertake a Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) Maths and English assessment to determine their current level of literacy and numeracy.

Applicants who receive an Exit Level 2 Working at Level 3 score (or higher) on the bksb will receive a higher ranking than students with a lower score. The bksb identifies any areas you may need additional support to achieve your goals and ensure you have the right skills and support to be successful in your course.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You may be required to undertake pre-reading or purchase textbooks. If this applies, you will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

TAFE Queensland will provide students with one uniform and you are able to purchase additional uniforms, which may incur additional costs up to the value of $80.00. You must have the required Animal Studies shirt prior to attending work experience and practical classes at Australia Zoo or you will unable to participate.

Important information

Working in certain jobs increases your exposure to some vaccine-preventable diseases.

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends the following vaccinations in line with the Queensland Government’s occupational immunisations for animal studies students:

Rabies
Q-fever
Influenza
Tetanus vaccine
COVID-19

Please note: Vaccination and serology evidence requirements may alter during your studies in accordance with changes to industry requirements and/or Australian Immunisation Guidelines. For further information please contact TAFE Queensland.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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