AHC32822 | CRICOS: 114312C

Certificate III in Rural Operations

Start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course and develop practical skills needed to work across a variety of roles including senior operations farmhand.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Darling Downs and South West

WAYS TO STUDY On campus International

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$3,955

Subsidised

$4,480

Full Fee

$8,820

International

$12,200

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course. Get the qualification you need to start working as a senior operations farmhand, or in a variety of other roles across supporting industries.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as general farm hands few very strongly over the past five years. There is stable future growth predicted in this area with around 3,000 job openings expected over the next five years.

This course will give you the skills you need to operate a variety of equipment including tractors and quad bikes, perform a range of farm maintenance activities, care for animals and monitor weather conditions. You also have the option to specialise your skills in the beef cattle industry. Our highly-experienced staff are still strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed.

Successful completion of this course will give you the practical skills to seek employment in a wide range of settings within agriculture and rural operations.

What can I do?

Rural Sales Assistant
Rural Operations Worker
Senior Rural Operations Farmhand

Course outcome:

AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations

Real-world training

TAFE Queensland believes in providing professional and real-world training environments. Rural operations students have access to a range of specialised facilities, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills in professional environments like our purpose-built Rural Centre of Excellence.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 13 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCBIO303

Apply biosecurity measures

UNIT CODE :
AHCBIO303

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret and apply control measures in a biosecurity plan to protect a site from the entry and spread of biosecurity threats.
UNIT NAME
Apply biosecurity measures

UNIT CODE
AHCWHS302

Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE :
AHCWHS302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to workplace health and safety procedures, including applying policies and procedures, assisting in hazard identification and risk control, and observing safe practices during work operations.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK320

Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK320

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable work practices.
UNIT NAME
Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCBAC315

Establish agricultural crops

UNIT CODE :
AHCBAC315

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and safely operate equipment and sow/plant an agricultural crop following specifications in a crop production plan.
UNIT NAME
Establish agricultural crops

UNIT CODE
AHCBAC316

Maintain agricultural crops

UNIT CODE :
AHCBAC316

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and assess broadacre crop health and condition and implement crop maintenance procedures.
UNIT NAME
Maintain agricultural crops

UNIT CODE
AHCBAC317

Undertake agricultural crop harvesting activities

UNIT CODE :
AHCBAC317

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare equipment and resources for crop harvesting, determine crop readiness for harvest and harvest a crop safely and efficiently.
UNIT NAME
Undertake agricultural crop harvesting activities

UNIT CODE
AHCCHM304

Transport and store chemicals

UNIT CODE :
AHCCHM304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely transport, handle and store liquid and dry chemical formulations across a broad range of industry sectors.
UNIT NAME
Transport and store chemicals

UNIT CODE
AHCCHM307

Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

UNIT CODE :
AHCCHM307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests, weeds and diseases, using general application equipment.
UNIT NAME
Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

UNIT CODE
AHCINF207

Maintain properties and structures

UNIT CODE :
AHCINF207

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and repair properties and structures where the services of a tradesperson is not necessary.
UNIT NAME
Maintain properties and structures

UNIT CODE
AHCINF306

Plan and construct an electric fence

UNIT CODE :
AHCINF306

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, construct and maintain an electric fence.
UNIT NAME
Plan and construct an electric fence

UNIT CODE
AHCINF307

Plan and construct conventional fencing

UNIT CODE :
AHCINF307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and construct conventional fencing.
UNIT NAME
Plan and construct conventional fencing

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK204

Carry out regular livestock observation

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK204

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out regular livestock observation.
UNIT NAME
Carry out regular livestock observation

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK205

Handle livestock using basic techniques

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK205

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely move, draft and control livestock using basic methods and procedures in an agricultural enterprise.
UNIT NAME
Handle livestock using basic techniques

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK206

Identify and mark livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK206

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out the identification and marking of livestock.
UNIT NAME
Identify and mark livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK207

Load and unload livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK207

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to load and unload animals for transport.
UNIT NAME
Load and unload livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK210

Muster and move livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK210

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to muster and move livestock as part of a team.
UNIT NAME
Muster and move livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK301

Administer medication to livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply preventative health treatments and other medications to livestock under professional supervision.
UNIT NAME
Administer medication to livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK305

Maintain livestock water supplies

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK305

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain livestock water supplies.
UNIT NAME
Maintain livestock water supplies

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK308

Identify and draft livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK308

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and draft or sort animals for sale, breeding or other enterprise requirements.
UNIT NAME
Identify and draft livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK309

Implement animal health control programs

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement animal health control programs.
UNIT NAME
Implement animal health control programs

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK311

Implement feeding plans for livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK311

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor available pasture for grazing and implementing a feeding plan.
UNIT NAME
Implement feeding plans for livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK316

Prepare livestock for competition

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK316

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and train livestock for competitive showing.
UNIT NAME
Prepare livestock for competition

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK325

Castrate livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK325

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to castrate young animals.
UNIT NAME
Castrate livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM201

Operate two wheel motorbikes

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM201

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and operate two wheel motor bikes.
UNIT NAME
Operate two wheel motorbikes

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM202

Operate tractors

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM202

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate tractors with and without attached equipment.
UNIT NAME
Operate tractors

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM204

Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM204

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake operational maintenance of machinery.
UNIT NAME
Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM213

Operate and maintain chainsaws

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM213

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition.
UNIT NAME
Operate and maintain chainsaws

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM216

Operate side by side utility vehicles

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM216

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a side by side utility vehicle including undertaking pre-start checks and shut down procedures.
UNIT NAME
Operate side by side utility vehicles

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM217

Operate quad bikes

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM217

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate quad bikes including undertaking pre-start checks and shut down procedures.
UNIT NAME
Operate quad bikes

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM302

Perform machinery maintenance

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain machinery and equipment that is used principally in agriculture, horticulture, and conservation and land management work.
UNIT NAME
Perform machinery maintenance

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM304

Operate machinery and equipment

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment.
UNIT NAME
Operate machinery and equipment

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM305

Operate specialised machinery and equipment

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM305

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate specialised machinery and equipment.
UNIT NAME
Operate specialised machinery and equipment

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG301

Control weeds

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and coordinate weed control activities using appropriate strategies to provide effective, economic control while minimising environmental damage.
UNIT NAME
Control weeds

UNIT CODE
AHCSHG306

Carry out post-shearing procedures

UNIT CODE :
AHCSHG306

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to care for shorn livestock.
UNIT NAME
Carry out post-shearing procedures

UNIT CODE
AHCWOL308

Prepare facilities for shearing and crutching

UNIT CODE :
AHCWOL308

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to ensure the safety and hygiene standards of facilities and equipment prior to shearing and crutching operations, and is undertaken by growers with assistance from wool handlers.
UNIT NAME
Prepare facilities for shearing and crutching

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK212

Work effectively in industry

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK212

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within an industry on an individual basis and within a work team, including observing employment requirements and accepting responsibility for quality of own work.
UNIT NAME
Work effectively in industry

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK213

Participate in workplace communications

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK213

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in workplace communications.
UNIT NAME
Participate in workplace communications

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK314

Monitor weather conditions

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK314

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and interpret weather and climate conditions and assess the likely impact on work functions and activity.
UNIT NAME
Monitor weather conditions

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

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
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CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Workplace	On campus with some online	Anytime	up to 2 years	Existing worker: Part time 5 hours self-directed online study per week	Concession: $3,955 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $4,480 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $8,820 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Workplace 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. Anytime The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. up to 2 years 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. Existing worker: Part time 5 hours self-directed online study per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $3,955 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $4,480 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $8,820 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

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
Toowoomba	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time up to 3 days per week	International: $12,200 This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more More Apply
Toowoomba 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. 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 up to 3 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY International: $12,200 This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more 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.

As an international student at TAFE Queensland you will gain practical, hands-on experience in our purpose-built classrooms, laboratories and workshops with the same tools and equipment used in industry.

Studying with TAFE Queensland, an internationally recognised education provider, will give you the skills and knowledge to launch your career.

No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.

As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations across Queensland, while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle

You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.

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Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32822)

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Certificate III in Rural Operations

COURSE CODE: AHC32822

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

International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

Domestic students

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic students:

This external program has been designed for existing workers in the rural industry who have access to an appropriate workplace. If you are not an existing worker, please refer to our blended or face to face training options.

It is recommended that you are aged 16 years or older.

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

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 will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

a light long sleeved shirt
protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
safety glasses
ear muffs or plugs
a sun safe hat
sunscreen
secateurs
rubber dishwashing gloves
gardening gloves

You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units.

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.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

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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Certificate III in Rural Operations

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Real-world training

Core units

Elective units

Workplace

Toowoomba

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Rural Operations

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

International student payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Resources required

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

For International students

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Agribusiness Management

Careers

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Careers

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Careers