I am searching for
Commonly used

We use cookies and third-party to provide a better online experience, including to serve targeted ads. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies and privacy agreement.  Learn more

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.

Apply Now
Download Course Brochure
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 08 Jul 2024 Duration: 12 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession
$6,820
Subsidised
$7,700
Full Fee
$11,760
Eligibility Calculator
Jump to section

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

Ways to study
Show courses from

  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Loganlea
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
12 months
Full time 3 days per week
  • Concession: $6,820
  • Subsidised: $7,700
  • Full fee: $11,760
More Apply
demo

Loganlea

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. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

12 months

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: $6,820
  • Subsidised: $7,700
  • Full fee: $11,760
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.

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.

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30321)

Ask a question

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
Important Information

Read this before applying

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.

Need to know

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

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 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

Related Courses

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

This course is the nationally-recognised industry qualification for vet nursing. Develop your career and learn the technical skills valued by the veterinary industry. 

Careers

  • Veterinary Nurse
Full Time : 1 year
Next Start : 03 Oct 2023