Certificate II in Animal Care
ACM20121
Nationally accredited
qualification
12 months
UQ Gatton
Government subsidised
places
Kick-start your career in the animal care and management industry with the Certificate II in Animal Care ACM20121.
Designed for senior secondary students (Years 10, 11 and 12) as part of UQ Skills’ High School Program, this industry-based, nationally recognised qualification will give you the knowledge and skills required to either join the workforce or continue on to further study.
You’ll cover a range of core skills in:
- animal care hygiene routines
- basic first aid
- effective workplace communication
- implementing health and safety processes and sustainable work practices.
How you'll learn
This program is delivered over 12 months (4 high school terms), through a combination of online and in-person activity.
During school term you'll attend training at UQ Gatton for:
- Gatton-based model: one day per week
- School-based model: 3–4 days each term.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral assessments and practical demonstrations.
Start date
28 January 2025
- Term 1: 28 January — 4 April
- Term 2: 22 April — 27 June
- Term 3: 14 July — 19 September
- Term 4: 7 October — 12 December
There are no formal entry requirements for this program.
You can apply for this program if you are in Years 10, 11 or 12 at an approved high school and have the approval of your parent/guardian and school.
All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) testing
You’re required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process. This helps us identify and plan for any learning or support needs you may have before you start your training.
Create your USI
You must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before we can accept your enrolment.
Resources
2025 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 2.5 MB) (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information).
You won't have to pay a student contribution fee for this program if you are a high school student and eligible for Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) funding.
- VET in Schools (VETiS) funded: fee-free
- Full fee: $4,150 (discounts may apply - contact us for more information)
To achieve this qualification you must complete 12 units of competency.
You will complete these units over 12 months.
| Term 1: Animal care industry cluster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Participate in workplace health and safety processes | ACMWHS201 | ||
| Work in the animal care industry | ACMGEN201 | ||
| Apply communication skills | BSBCMM211 | ||
| Term 2: Care of animals cluster | |||
| Feed and water animals | ACMGEN203 | ||
| Provide general care of domestic dogs | ACMSPE316 | ||
| Provide general care of domestic cats | ACMSPE317 | ||
| Provide enrichment for animals | ACMBEH302 | ||
| Term 3: Animal health cluster | |||
| Complete animal care hygiene routines | ACMGEN202 | ||
| Carry out daily practice routines | ACMVET202 | ||
| Assist in health care of animals | ACMGEN204 | ||
| Term 4: Individual cluster | |||
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | ACMSUS201 | ||
| Provide basic first aid for animals | ACMGEN309 | ||
Credit transfers
Our study periods are made up of units of competency so you can apply what you’ve learned in a real-world context.
If we approve your credit transfer for one unit within a study period, we will waive your fee for that unit. In your assessment for the study period, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve previously acquired.
If we approve credit transfers for all your units within a study period, you won’t need to complete the study period.
We do this so you can transfer your credits and successfully learn and be assessed in this program.
Careers
You may find employment in the following roles:
- assistant dog groomer
- animal care or pet shop attendant
- animal shelter attendant
- kennel hand or cattery attendant
- veterinary assistant.
Pathways
Use this qualification as a pathway into the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418).
Unlock future study options
Completing a vocational qualification at school can open a lot of doors, whether you’re considering undertaking additional applied studies or heading to university.
Often a relevant certificate II is the prerequisite for higher level qualifications and may even count as credit.
Similarly, a certificate IV or higher may provide you with credit towards some university degrees in related fields.
Do you have questions?
Check our frequently asked questions or use our online enquiry form.
We’re here to help.
Disclaimer
Details are correct at the time of upload and are subject to change. UQ Skills reserves the right to change programs, subjects or costs or to cancel a program based on consideration of student numbers and resource allocation. Ensure that you understand the program, subjects, associated costs and fee liability prior to signing an enrolment form.
