Choosing the right animal care qualification
If you’re passionate about working with animals and considering a career in animal care, you’ve likely come across the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s look at the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
Certificate II in Animal Care
This is the ideal starting point for those with little or no prior experience working with animals. The Certificate II is designed to provide foundational skills and knowledge in animal care, making it a great entry-level qualification.
It’s also the minimum prerequisite for those interested in pursuing a career as a veterinary nurse through the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
- Perfect for school aged students, high school graduates or those new to working with animals and looking to start out or try something new
- Covers essential skills and knowledge in animal care and handling
- Available to study online or through our on-campus/on-site courses. Our various study streams include Vet Nurse Pathway, VETDSS (for high school students), Exhibited Animals and Animal Health and Welfare
This course is aligned with Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 2, which means graduates will have:
- Basic factual, technical and procedural knowledge in a defined area of work and learning
- Basic cognitive, technical and communication skills to undertake defined tasks and solve predictable problems
- The ability to work under limited supervision in structured and stable environments
"Certificate II is the perfect entry point for anyone curious about animal care. It builds confidence and capability in a supportive learning environment, especially for those with no prior experience."
Sue Bain, Animal Care Program Manager
Certificate III in Animal Care Services
If you already have some experience working or volunteering with animals, the Certificate III allows you to build upon your existing skills with more advanced training.
This qualification is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of animal care practices or progress in their career.
- Suitable for those with prior experience in the animal care industry
- Available to study online or through our unique RSPCA Program (delivered at RSPCA WA in Malaga)
- Deepen your skills in assessing and monitoring animal health, performing health checks, and understanding common diseases and illnesses
- Advance your skills in effectively communicating with clients and colleagues
- Understand the nutritional needs of animals and create suitable feeding plans
- Consolidate your knowledge of different animal behaviours and design enrichment programs
- A great next step for students who have completed a Certificate II qualification
This course is aligned with AQF Level 3, which means graduates will have:
- Factual, technical, procedural and some theoretical knowledge in a specific area of work
- A broader range of cognitive and technical skills, allowing for greater autonomy and problem-solving, even in less predictable situations
- The ability to apply knowledge and skills with judgement and take limited responsibility in familiar, stable contexts
"The Certificate III is ideal for learners who already have hands-on experience with animals. It goes deeper into the practical and theoretical skills needed for more advanced roles in animal care."
Sue Bain, Animal Care Program Manager
Certificate II vs. Certificate III
Certificate II
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care- Best suited to beginners, high school students, career changers. Those with no experience working in the animal care industry
- Skills: Fundamental animal care skills, handling, safety, healthcare and first aid as well as an introduction to working in the animal care industry
- Career pathway: Entry-level roles, such as kennel hands and veterinary assistants. Most commonly used as a pathway to study the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
- Study options: Online, on-campus, high school program
- Best starting point? If you're new to the industry!
Certificate III
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services- Best suited to those with experience in animal care (work or volunteering) or extensive experience in customer service or working in teams
- Skills: Advanced animal care and healthcare skills, as well as a deeper understanding of handling, behaviour and enrichment, communication within teams and with clients, workplace safety and infection control
- Career pathway: More skilled roles, such as welfare attendants, animal care career progression
- Study options: Online and RSPCA Program
- Best starting point If you have experience and want to advance!
Benefits of starting with Certificate II
For those unsure about where to begin, starting with a Certificate II can be beneficial in several ways:
- Hands-on introduction: The perfect way to give you a taste of working with animals so you can decide if it is the right career path for you
- Foundation knowledge: It provides a strong base in animal care practices, workplace safety and handling techniques
- Confidence booster: Structured learning helps formalise knowledge and fill gaps in practical skills
- Easier progression: It makes continuing your education to a Certificate III or IV feel less overwhelming by helping you get used to studying and building your skills step by step
What to expect at a Certificate III level
If you’re considering going straight into our Certificate III level course, here’s what to expect:
- Offers more in-depth training and specialised skills in areas such as providing enrichment, monitoring health, nutrition, health and safety and infection control
- Focuses on developing extensive workplace and role-based communication skills to support your transition into animal based organisations
- A deeper understanding of animal health, welfare and workplace responsibilities
- Training in handling a wider range of animals and managing more complex care tasks
- Ideal for students with prior experience, such as volunteering or employment in an animal-related role
Which course is right for me?
The best course for you depends on your experience and background:
New to working with animals?
Already volunteering or working in an animal care role?
Considering a career in Vet Nursing?
3+ years in customer service/caring for animals?
As part of your enrolment, you’ll complete a short Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) quiz. This helps us understand your current skills and identify whether you’re ready to successfully complete the course or might benefit from additional support.
Study options available
Both qualifications offer flexible study options to suit different students:
- Online study: for those based anywhere in Australia and who are seeking the flexibility to arrange their own workplace training at an approved animal-related organisation
- On-campus/on-site study (Perth, WA): A blend of classroom training and supervised workplace experience arranged by AVT
- High school (VETDSS) study: A structured course delivered at Landsdale Farm during school hours and eliminating the need for external work placement
I'm a high school student/leaver, which Animal Care course should I study?
- High school students: We recommend starting with our Certificate II (VETDSS program) or the online Certificate II
- High school leavers: Generally, a Certificate II is the best starting point unless you have significant animal care experience
Check out our High School Leavers and Graduates page for more information.
Both qualifications offer valuable skills and knowledge in animal care, but choosing the right one depends on your experience and career goals. If you’re just starting out, the Certificate II is a great stepping stone. If you have prior experience and want to formalise your skills, the Certificate III may be the right fit.
Whichever path you choose, studying animal care is a rewarding way to turn your passion for animals into a fulfilling career!
About AVT
We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 25 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.
Course options
Online Entry Level
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)
Studying Online
Animal Care Online Course
Online Prior Experience Level
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Studying Online
