ACM30321

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 Greater Brisbane

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 27 Jan 2026 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$7,490

Subsidised

$8,435

Full Fee

$12,850

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.

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 captive animals and seek work as a wildlife keeper.

What can I do?

Wildlife Ranger
Zookeeper
Assistant Keeper
Animal Care Attendant
Wildlife Animal Carer

Course outcome:

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units from the list below.

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
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
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
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
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
ACMEXH309

Contribute to exhibit design and renovation planning

UNIT CODE :
ACMEXH309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to exhibit design and renovation planning.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to exhibit design and renovation planning

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
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
ACMSPE315

Provide general care of common native mammals

UNIT CODE :
ACMSPE315

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

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

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Grovely	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Concession: $7,490 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $8,435 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $12,850 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Grovely On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 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 3 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $7,490 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $8,435 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $12,850 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. Online, 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 Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30321)

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Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

COURSE CODE: 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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

This qualification has no formal entry requirements 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.

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.

You will be required to purchase uniform items, including TAFE Queensland branded items. These details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of these uniform items 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 Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 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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Careers

Veterinary Nurse

Full Time : up to 1 year

Next Start : 14 Jul 2025

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Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Core units

Elective units

Grovely

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Careers