ACM20121 - Certificate II in Animal Care
Overview
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.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
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A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
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CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
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CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
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.
Structure & Availability
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Year 11 only
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 12 - 18 months |
12 months (for example: commencing February each year - completing by February the following year / commence July each year - completing by July following year)
Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry |
Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals |
Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs |
| BSBOPS203 | Deliver a service to customers |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ACMGEN314 | Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work |
| ACMSPE320 | Provide general care of mammals |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid |
Start TAFE Now (STN - High School) Year 12 only
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 1 year full course | 1 - 2 years full course |
Important: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period. These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may only complete up to nine (9) units during their school year. Five (5) of the nine (9) units identified under Clusters 1 to 3 have practical assessments connected to vocational placement. All unit theory and practical assessments must be submitted and deemed satisfactory prior to mid-October to meet the QCE submission deadline.
Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry |
Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals |
Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs |
| BSBOPS203 | Deliver a service to customers |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ACMGEN314 | Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work |
| ACMSPE320 | Provide general care of mammals |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid |
To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.
This course has no residential schools.
Students who are not already working in the industry will be required to undertake work experience in a relevant field, to complete their practical assessment. Co-assessments with a CQUniversity approved supervisor is required.
Requirements
Important note for Year 12 students: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period. These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may only complete up to nine (9) units during their school year. Once a student graduates from high school their eligibility for funding changes and they will be required to have their funding eligibility reassessed if they wish to continue study in this course.
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.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
As a high school student, you may be eligible for the Queensland Government’s VET in Schools (VETiS) program which is fee-free. Course specific costs may be applicable, an example would be high vis clothing and safety boots for trade courses.
If you are currently enrolled in or have previously completed a VETiS funded course, you will not be eligible for future VETiS funding.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
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Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
