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  4. Certificate II in Animal Care
SCHOOL STUDENTS

Certificate II in Animal Care


 National Code: ACM20121
 TAFE SA Code: TP01265


Course Type: School Students

2025 start 2026 start

Description

TAFE SA's courses for school students are designed for students in Year 11 to Year 12. They provide the opportunity to learn specific industry skills and gain credit towards a nationally recognised qualification, all while students undertake their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

This is a practical-based, industry-valued qualification for students wanting an entry level pathway into the animal care industry. Students will gain experience in handling multiple species of animals and undertaking various animal husbandry tasks, in a practical animal care environment. This qualification is also the pre-requisite to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Duration
SACE Credits
Example Career Profile
Print Course Page
13 week

Part Time

Up to 55 Stage 1 Credits
Animal Attendant
Animal Attendant
Print
Campus / Location
Study Mode
Study Load
Commences
Scheduled
Application
Gilles Plains
Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Part Time Part Time
Semester 1 & 2 commencementSemester 1 & 2
Day Only Day Only
How To Apply

Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

You must be a school student undertaking SACE or equivalent, and meet the Flexible Industry Program eligibility criteria.

Course Delivery

  • Delivered to metropolitan students on campus for one day per week over 13 weeks, PLUS 78 hours compulsory online delivery and tutorials (3 hours each Tuesday and Thursday for 13 weeks),
  • Delivered to regional students on campus in blocks of consecutive days (13 days, dates to be advised), PLUS 78 hours compulsory online delivery and tutorials (3 hours each Tuesday and Thursday for 13 weeks),
  • It is recommended that students do not have a full study band at school if they wish to also study this qualification at TAFE SA.

Additional Information

There is an incidental fee of $40 that includes a scrub top and PPE. Important Information: Please ensure that you bring a laptop, pen and paper and a physical lock for a locker if you would like to use one. Students must wear long trousers (no ripped jeans and no active wear). Closed toe shoes. Small stud piercings are permitted , no sleepers, hoops or dangly piercings. Rings, bracelets and necklaces must be removed in practical classes where animals are used. Nails must be short (no acrylic nails) and hair tied back. Mobile phone and smart watches are not permitted in practical classes. TAFE SA MUST be informed of phobias and/or allergies. Students need access to the internet, enabled computer and a headset to participate in virtual classroom sessions. This will be discussed at your first lesson. Students are recommended to bring a packed lunch as there is no cafeteria on campus, only a vending machine with chips and drinks etc.

Fees

Total Fees for the 13 week course
Subsidised co-payment
$260

Subsidised training will require applicants to meet eligibility criteria.

Fees may vary for each delivery location, depending on the subjects being offered, and are subject to change.

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    This is a general qualification for entry into sectors of the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. At this level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities. Job role titles covered by this qualification may include animal care attendant, animal shelter attendant, kennel hand, cattery attendant, pet shop attendant, assistant dog groomer.This is a general qualification for entry into sectors of the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. At this level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities. Job role titles covered by this qualification may include animal care attendant, animal shelter attendant, kennel hand, cattery attendant, pet shop attendant, assistant dog groomer.

    This is a general qualification for entry into sectors of the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. At this level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities. Job role titles covered by this qualification may include animal care attendant, animal shelter attendant, kennel hand, cattery attendant, pet shop attendant, assistant dog groomer.This is a general qualification for entry into sectors of the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. At this level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities. Job role titles covered by this qualification may include animal care attendant, animal shelter attendant, kennel hand, cattery attendant, pet shop attendant, assistant dog groomer.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)
    This course provides skills in animal care, communication, hygiene, feeding and watering, animal health care and workplace safety. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 7 core units and 5 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply communication skills 40
    Assist in health care of animals 40
    Complete animal care hygiene routines 30
    Feed and water animals 40
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices 20
    Participate in workplace health and safety processes 40
    Work in the animal care industry 30

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Explore job opportunities in animal care and related industries 10
    Provide basic animal first aid 40
    Provide enrichment for animals 40
    Provide reception services for an animal care facility 30
    Source and provide information for animal care needs 40

Further Information

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