Program Overview

Certificate II in Animal Care

The Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121) is a nationally accredited qualification designed for senior secondary students (Years 10, 11, and 12) as part of UQ Skills' High School Program. This industry-based, nationally recognized qualification provides students with the knowledge and skills required to join the workforce or continue on to further study.

Program Details

• The program is delivered over 12 months (4 high school terms) through a combination of online and in-person activities.
• Students attend training at UQ Gatton for one day per week (Gatton-based model) or 3-4 days each term (school-based model).
• The program covers a range of core skills, including:
  • Animal care hygiene routines
  • Basic first aid
  • Effective workplace communication
  • Implementing health and safety processes and sustainable work practices

Assessment

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Written exams and reports
• Oral assessments
• Practical demonstrations

Start Date

The program begins in January each year.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this program. Students can apply if they are in Years 10, 11, or 12 at an approved high school and have the approval of their parent/guardian and school.

Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) Testing

Students are required to complete a language, literacy, and numeracy test as part of the enrollment process to identify and plan for any learning or support needs.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Students must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before their enrollment can be accepted.

Resources

The 2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 1.4 MB) includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal, and other policy information.

Fees

• VET in Schools (VETiS) funded: fee-free
• Full fee: $4,150 (discounts may apply)

Units of Competency

To achieve this qualification, students must complete 12 units of competency over 12 months. The units are divided into four terms:

• 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

Students can apply for credit transfers for units they have previously completed. If a credit transfer is approved, the student will not need to complete the unit again and may be eligible for a fee waiver.

Careers

Graduates of this program may find employment in roles such as:

• Assistant dog groomer
• Animal care or pet shop attendant
• Animal shelter attendant
• Kennel hand or cattery attendant
• Veterinary assistant

Pathways

This qualification can be used as a pathway into the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418). Completing a vocational qualification at school can open up opportunities for further study or employment in related fields.