Study Animal Care as part of your High School Program – choose from our Flexible Online Option or Face-to-Face Training at Landsdale Farm in WA
AVT’s ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is a Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program designed for Years 10–12 high school students who want to combine their final years of school with practical training in the animal care industry. This course is accessible to students across Australia, with three study options depending on their location and personal situation.
Students who complete this certificate can progress into veterinary nursing training or begin entry-level roles in animal care.
*See full funding details and conditions below | ^Students require access to a work placement
This is a flexible online course option where you are not required to attend classes. As a student, you will:
To successfully complete this course, you’ll need to undertake a work placement as part of your practical training. The following applies:
Suitable workplaces may include kennels, catteries, doggy day care centres, animal welfare shelters, pet shops (with access to animals), wildlife rehabilitation centres, zoos or veterinary practices.
For more information, see our Work Placement FAQ’s below or visit Practical Work Placements in Animal Care.
There are no prerequisites for entry into this course, however students must:
The following information outlines what you can expect during this course. We care about our students and their success, so if you have any concerns about the points below, we encourage you to contact our Student Support team to discuss them.
Essential requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:
Environmental requirements
In this course, you will:
Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in the animal care and welfare environments, and the delivery of training within a third-party workplace, you will need to:
Assessment types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:
When you visit your Work Placement you will be required to wear:
You will be required to wear the AVT uniform unless specified by your approved workplace.
We work closely with VET Coordinators to help ensure students are supported, informed, and progressing throughout their course.
As part of this course, you will:
You do not have to worry about finding a work placement normally required for this course.
Our qualified Trainers deliver supervised practical training and assessments with a structured study timetable to ensure you stay on track. All Trainers hold valid working with children checks to ensure your safety.
Students must:
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply; however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for on-site training days.
You will be required to wear:
The following information outlines what you can expect during the course. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, please contact our Student Support team.
Essential requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:
Environmental requirements
In this course, you will:
Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in animal care and working farm environments, and the delivery of training within a third-party workplace, you will need to:
Possessing these skills is fundamental to succeeding in the course and building a sustainable career in the animal care industry. If you have any concerns about your ability to meet these psychosocial requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Support team.
Assessment types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:
AVT animal care graduates are successful in starting their careers in a variety of roles.
High School Students who complete ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care start out in roles such as:
Some of the organisations actively recruiting Animal Care graduates include:
Want to learn more? Read our post about: The top careers working with animals and salary expectations in Australia.
Completion of this qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing however, it does not guarantee you a place. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also apply. Please read full details on our Veterinary Nursing Course Entry page.
Whether you are studying with us face-to-face or online, you will develop the knowledge and skills to approach, handle, and care for animals. At Landsdale Farm, students apply these skills by working with farm animals in a hands-on environment, while online students apply their learning in a real workplace, with animals available to them.
In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care VET schools course, you will be introduced to:
Our ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care VETDSS for High School Students course content is regularly updated, is easy to follow and will help you understand and apply theory. Students will complete the following units:
We work alongside your school and VET Coordinator to support your progress, answer questions, and help you stay on track.
You’ll build real skills in practical environments, guided by our trainers with current industry experience.
Our clustered course format has been designed to reduce repetition and allow you to progress quickly and complete your course sooner.
We actively monitor your progress and step in early to support you, so you have the best chance of completing your course.
Eligible Jobs and Skills WA VETDSS funded students are exempt from course and resource fees.
Non-funded students are eligible for our monthly payment plan. This includes an initial payment of $400 plus 11 x $235 monthly payments.
Eligibility for Jobs and Skills WA VETDSS funded place
The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is included on the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s VET delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) funded list.
The State Government has committed to increasing VETDSS places to ensure that more WA school students have access to high quality VET in schools as an option that contributes to them attaining their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). Please see the Jobs and Skills WA Fact Sheet for VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) for more detailed information on eligibility and criteria.
The VET Fees and Charges Policy applies to Department funded VET delivered to secondary students. This means enrolled school students are exempt from course and resource fees if they are undertaking a Department funded VET course. Read eligibility and criteria information.
Check to see if you meet the entry requirements before applying for a funded place.
*Fees subject to change. Please visit our website or speak to our Student Support team for information on eligibility. Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability. Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Study online
Non-funded Students
Study online
Funded WA Students
Study at Landsdale Farm (WA)
Next Intake 2027
Want to study face-to-face at Landsdale Farm? If “Apply Now” is visible, applications are open, jump in early, as places are limited and fill fast. Not ready yet or planning ahead? Register your interest, and we’ll keep you updated.
Please note, AVT may make changes to the course location or training days if required (see cancellation policy). View full details of the application process →
The LLND quiz assesses your Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills to understand your abilities and ensure you have the correct support for your studies.
All AVT qualifications have been evaluated against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to determine the level of core skills required for successful participation in each course. Rather than simply evaluating general study readiness, the LLND ensures that you have the specific skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen course.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AVT is required by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to assess and provide evidence of a student’s language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) skills prior to confirming their enrolment. For this reason, we have incorporated the LLND quiz as a compulsory step in our enrolment process.
Unfortunately, due to regulatory requirements, we must assess your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills using the ACSF (Australian Core Skills Framework). This means all students are required to complete the current AVT LLND quiz, regardless of prior qualifications.
All applicants will be emailed a request to complete a quiz, which is conducted online and completed from home. We recommend carefully reading and answering each question rather than rushing through the quiz. Please note, student completing our VETDSS on-site course are required to complete a supervised LLND at school.
You’ll receive the link to complete your LLND quiz within 1–2 working days after we receive your application. Keep an eye on your email for the link. Once it arrives, you can complete it online at a time that suits you. Please note, students completing our VETDSS on-site course will have their LLND organised with their school.
This is an example Certificate II level LLND question:
Read the following text message and answer the questions:
“Hi Jenny, I’m at Tony’s Farm now but I’ll see you at the front gates of Landsdale Farm at 3pm for the hay delivery. From Sharon”
An independent organisation evaluates this quiz to determine if your current core skills meet the required level for the course. If you are a successful applicant and minor skill gaps are identified, you will be provided with the necessary support to develop the required skill level throughout the course.
You may not be suitable for a course if a significant core skill gap is identified. In such instances, you may be referred to an alternative study pathway or external support services to develop these core skills.
Once you’ve completed your LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills) quiz, our team will review your results. You won’t receive individual results, but we will only contact you if there’s a significant gap or if we believe you may benefit from additional support.
The application process for our Animal Care on-campus / on-site courses are as follows:
For an overview of all important dates and deadlines including details of the next intake for all AVT courses, visit our timetables and key dates page.
VETDSS stands for Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students and is also referred to as VETDSSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students). This term has replaced the former acronym previously used; VETIS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools).
Whilst the name has evolved, this term generally refers to a program enabling high school students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while at school. Students enrolled in such programs learn hands-on skills and knowledge required for specific industries, preparing them to enter the workforce or move onto a higher level course either during or after school.
VETDSS courses also contribute toward students achieving their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE). This is known in each state and territory by a different name:
Learn more about our Animal Care focused VETDSS course →
Yes — students can study our High School VETDSS Animal Care course online from anywhere in Australia.
For full details on eligibility, delivery and practical requirements, please refer to the course information or speak with our student support team.
As a high school student, after successfully completing the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS) course, you may be wondering where to next for your educational journey in the field of animal care.
High School Grade and Age:
Your next steps in education may be influenced by your current grade in high school and your age. Different levels of courses are typically suited for different age groups and academic stages.
Certificate III and IV Level Courses:
AVT’s Certificate III and IV level courses in animal care and related fields are generally designed for students who have completed high school (year 12). These courses provide a deeper understanding of animal care practices and often involve more advanced topics and practical experiences.
Focus on Academic Excellence:
While in high school, it’s important to do your best academically. Studying hard, engaging actively in your coursework, and striving for good grades will not only enhance your knowledge but also open doors to further educational opportunities.
Completion of Year 12:
Completing year 12 is a significant milestone and a prerequisite for many higher-level educational programs. It demonstrates your commitment to education and provides a foundation for more advanced studies.
Gaining Customer Service Experience:
As you work toward completing your high school education, gaining employment in roles that involve customer service can be valuable. This experience not only helps you develop important interpersonal skills but also provides insights into the practical aspects of working in the animal care industry.
Career Aspirations:
Your future educational path should align with your career goals. Once you’ve completed high school and gained some work experience, your choice of further study will depend on the specific animal care career you wish to pursue. To make an informed decision about your next steps, read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers. This will help you understand the different career paths available within the animal care industry.
Build Confidence in Animal Handling:
Building a strong sense of confidence when it comes to handling animals is a key aspect for a successful future in animal care. Spend time looking after pets for family, friends or neighbours. This practical experience is incredibly valuable because it exposes you to a variety of animal behaviours, needs and personalities. Working with different species gives you the ability to adapt your approach when taking care of animals, no matter their type. You can also consider volunteering for animal-related organisations. Volunteer work plays a vital role in the animal care industry, especially in the areas of animal welfare, animal rescue and shelters, conservation and rehabilitation across a range of species. This hands-on involvement not only adds to what you know but also introduces you to new and interesting challenges. Regular interactions with animals will help you quickly understand their behaviour and unique personalities. This knowledge will boost your confidence in handling animals effectively.
With these skills and considerations, you will be in a great position to apply for one of AVT’s Certificate III or IV level courses.
Your day at Landsdale Farm combines hands-on practical activities with classroom learning, giving you a well-rounded experience in animal care and farm operations.
A typical day might look like this:
Please note: Daily schedules may vary depending on your units of study, assessment requirements, and environmental factors, such as weather conditions.
You’ll have the opportunity to care for a range of farm animals, assist with husbandry routines, and participate in interactive learning that brings your classroom theory to life.
To successfully complete our on-campus / on-site Animal Care courses, attendance is compulsory for all practical training days and classroom days.
If you’re unwell, you’ll be asked to contact your Trainer in advance to arrange a time to catch up. Due to the intensive nature of the course, if you’re absent more than two (2) days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to successfully complete your qualification within the given timeframe.
A USI is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.
To complete nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you can’t get your qualification or statement of attainment.
How do I get a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, easy and free. Follow the steps on the USI website.
AVT offers high quality study material written, reviewed and delivered by Veterinarians, Animal Scientists and Veterinary Nurses with formal training qualifications. Our in-house training team have spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours creating course resources for our units of competency across all courses.
The difference between registered training providers’ course content across all RTOs including TAFE is often the units contained in the course and the quality of the material. There are many units that can be included in a course and training providers nominate a selection of units they will offer to students.
Our courses are broad-based and give an excellent introduction to working with animals across all species. They provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about many different animals and most importantly allow you to apply what you learn from our online course material or in the classroom to the workplace.
To find out more about the units offered within each course visit the Course Content section on our qualifications pages.
We do not hold a formal Open Day, however we often attend careers expos and events organised by schools. Throughout the year we conduct information sessions which are offered by invitation. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please contact us.
To get the most out of your studies, you’ll need a reliable device that you feel confident using. Throughout your course, you’ll be accessing online learning platforms, submitting assessments, downloading resources and working with standard software, so having the right setup will make everything smoother.
We strongly recommend using a laptop, rather than a tablet, as this will give you the best experience when completing assessments and accessing course materials.
While both Windows and Mac devices can be used, we suggest Microsoft Windows as the preferred operating system, as it offers the smoothest compatibility with the software and platforms used throughout your course.
Recommended device specifications
Required software
Additional capabilities
Your training pack is included as part of your course and contains the key materials you need for your studies and practical training.
This may include:
When you receive your pack depends on your study mode:
This ensures you receive your materials at the right time to support your practical learning.
Different RTOs may list lower workplace hours because they may choose different units or structure their work placement differently. For example, in ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online), our 250‑hour guideline reflects the type and volume of units we deliver, which involve a strong emphasis on animal contact, handling, care and safety.
This recommendation is especially beneficial for students who are new to the industry or have limited animal experience. The actual time you need will depend on your existing skills, knowledge and confidence. Some students become work-ready more quickly, while others need the maximum hours (or even more) to feel truly competent.
Our guideline is intended to support you – not create a barrier. It ensures you have enough real experience to be genuinely work ready, confident and safe in an animal‑related workplace. It also helps you develop the hands-on skills you need to reinforce and apply your theoretical learning.
The training package outlines the skills and knowledge you must demonstrate but does not specify how many hours you should spend in a workplace. This gives RTOs flexibility to design their courses differently.
Look for information about:
Our higher placement hours for online courses mean:
As part of the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, you must have practical access to:
This is a requirement of the national training package to ensure students develop well-rounded skills that reflect real-world workplaces.
If you are completing one of our online animal care courses, your placement must:
For example, if you select a dog-focused elective, you must have access to dogs during your placement, alongside another species.
If you are studying through one of our VETDSS programs, requirements differ depending on your study mode:
Animal care professionals often work in environments where they encounter a wide variety of animals of Working with more than one species and different life stages helps prepare you for real-world animal care environments, where no two days, or animals, are the same.
By meeting this requirement, you will:
If you’re unsure whether your placement meets the two species and life stage requirement, our Student Support Team can guide you before you begin.
If you live in Australia and your work placement is also based in Australia, you’ll be covered under AVT’s Voluntary Workers Policy. This insurance applies if you’re injured during your placement and includes accident-related costs that exceed any applicable Medicare benefits.
If you’re injured and require medical treatment, you’ll need to visit a General Practitioner or hospital as a general public patient. It’s important to let the doctor know that you’re a volunteer and that the injury is not covered under Workers’ Compensation. If you have any out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare, you can make a claim through AVT.
Quick Example
While completing her logged hours at ABC Dog Boarding Kennels, Mia strained her lower back while lifting a dog into a grooming tub. She attended a GP as a public patient and let them know she was a volunteer, so Workers’ Compensation does not apply. Medicare covered part of the treatment, and any additional out-of-pocket GP or therapy costs, such as physiotherapy, could be claimed under AVT’s Voluntary Workers Policy.
AVT also provides public liability insurance of up to $20,000,000, which covers third-party injury or property damage you may accidentally cause during your placement.
Certificate of Insurance: AVT’s Certificate of Currency
Important note for ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Internship: Vet Nurse Program) students: If you are completing your work placement with Greencross Vets, you will be insured under Greencross Vets’ insurance policy. This means AVT’s insurance does not apply to your placement with Greencross.
Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one workplace if the opportunity arises. While it’s not required, gaining experience at two different organisations can be really beneficial and give you a broader range of skills. We recommend keeping it to a maximum of two workplaces so you can get the most out of each experience.
If you’re completing the Certificate II course, make sure the animals you work with during your placement match the species-specific elective unit you’ve chosen.
Finally, we require a ‘Workplace Approval Form’ for each placement to ensure the suitability of the placement for your studies.
You will receive a Practical Task Workbook containing a logbook and all the practical assessments you must complete during your placement.
Practical assessments include ‘Workplace Assignments’ that include activities such as case studies, photographs, written descriptions of workplace procedures and video evidence of practical tasks. These assessments are designed to see how well you can apply the information covered in the theory component of each unit.
Each unit also includes ‘Practical Task Worksheets’ outlining various tasks that you are expected to complete during your placement, with each task signed off by a supervisor once successfully completed. All practical assessments must be submitted to us via our online learning platform for assessment by one of our tutors.
A student attendance record is also included in the Workbook and your supervisor must sign this to confirm that you have completed the required number of hours during a placement.
During your placement, we will contact your supervisor to obtain feedback on your performance. This feedback will then be relayed to you.
Self-organised work placements are only required for selected courses and delivery methods. As a general rule, our intensive, on-campus or on-site courses do not require you to organise a work placement. For more information, please refer to the relevant Work Placement information, located in the Course Outline section of the corresponding course page.
Special note for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing students: Only regional WA (non-funded) and non-WA students are required to organise their own work placement.
If you are required to organise your own placement, you will be required to:
If your work placement is not approved by AVT, and it is unsuitable for the purposes of this course, then any hours already completed there will not contribute to the completion of this qualification or any of the units of competency. That’s why, it’s important to receive written confirmation from us before you get started! 👍
Many of our Animal Care students, unless employed at a suitable workplace, complete their required hours in a voluntary position, such as volunteering at an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.
Prior to commencing your work placement, your prospective supervisor will need to submit a Work Placement Approval Kit. Once received, our Student Liaison Officer will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course, including access to tasks, systems and processes, equipment and even species of animals.
All of our courses are vocational, which means that they are specifically designed to provide students with the skills, experience and knowledge to enter the animal care workplace. Working in an animal care facility, where you are responsible for a number of different animals and sometimes a range of different species on a daily basis is very different to caring for your own pets at home.
Therefore to successfully complete your qualification you will need to secure a formal workplace practical training placement in a animal related business or organisation. If you are completing our veterinary nursing qualification, you will need to complete your placement in a veterinary practice.
Below are just a few examples of the types of skills and knowledge that must be covered in all of our courses, which cannot be learned from caring for your own animals –
Understanding your fees at AVT can seem tricky at first, especially when you hear terms like full fee, funded non-concession and funded concession. Let’s break it down for you:
Government funding helps reduce the cost of your course through programs like Jobs and Skills WA (if you’re eligible).
If you meet the funding eligibility criteria, your course fee will be ‘subsidised‘ or ‘funded’ — meaning the government pays part of the course cost on your behalf.
There are two types of government subsidised fees:
For the purposes of understanding AVT fees, a concession fee is a further discount on the government funded fee.
To access the additional concession fee, you must hold a valid concession card or be in receipt of services from a Commonwealth support or employment services program at the time of enrolment. A valid concession card is current (not expired) and issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Accepted concession cards include persons and dependants of persons holding a:
Commonwealth support and employment service programs accepted include:
Note: this list is current at the time of publishing and may change from time to time.
| Category | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | You are not eligible for any government funding and must pay the full course cost. Even if you have a concession card, if you are not eligible for funding, you still pay the full course fee |
| Funded Non-Concession | You are eligible for government funding but do not have a valid concession card. You pay a reduced fee. |
| Funded Concession | You are eligible for government funding and hold a valid concession card, so you pay the lowest available fee. |
Understanding whether you qualify for a concession fee or just the standard government funding can make a difference to your course costs. It’s important to check your eligibility before enrolling!
Not all AVT courses are funded. For more information on which courses are eligible for government funding visit our Government Funded Course Page
Yes, our qualifications in Vet Nursing, Animal Studies/Care, Animal Behaviour and Training, Horse Care (previously offered under the code: ACM20217) are nationally recognised.
Our company, Applied Vocational Training (AVT), is registered with the Australian Government training registration authority ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority). Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) number is 5273. The qualifications we offer are nationally recognised Certificates.
Our course material is designed and developed in-house by our team of veterinary and animal science professionals, ensuring it reflects the latest industry practice.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) and The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers Australia (IMDT) also recognise AVT.
Our registration authority can be viewed on the training.gov.au website, which is the Australian Government’s website for details of registered courses and training providers – view our details here.
Learn more about Nationally Recognised Courses here
We strongly recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you may be considering.
We follow the national training package for all qualifications. The latest version of the training package can be viewed here. Training.gov.au is the Australian Government Website for registered training courses and providers.
If you are in Australia on another type of visa, your eligibility to study depends on the specific conditions attached to your visa. AVT is not able to enrol students in nationally recognised qualifications on a student visa.
Other visas – Some registered training organisations (RTOs), including AVT, may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or living in Australia on certain visas other than a student visa. See important information about Jobs & Skills WA Funding eligibility including visa eligibility.
Restrictions – Many visas include limits on study or training. Your study and work rights are linked to your visa type.
Your responsibility – You must check your individual visa conditions before applying. Further information is available from the Department of Home Affairs.
Courses shown below are subsidised under the Jobs & Skills WA funding program. Eligibility including visa eligibility, vary by course. Please refer to the links below for details:
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care – Eligibility details for each stream:
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) – Eligibility details >>
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – Eligibility details >>
Related FAQs:
AVT is not able to accept international students wishing to study on-campus in Australia on a Student Visa. To enrol students on a Student Visa, training providers must be registered with CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). AVT does not hold this registration.
If you wish to study on-campus in Australia with a Student Visa, you will need to apply through a CRICOS-registered provider. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions are CRICOS-registered and may offer qualifications in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing.
Related FAQ’s:
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
AVT is not able to accept applications for online qualifications from students who reside outside of Australia.
All AVT qualifications require students to learn and demonstrate knowledge of Australian legislation, regulations and industry standards, as well as apply these in practical settings. Because these requirements differ from those in other countries, we are unable to assess and recognise competence for students living overseas.
Related FAQ’s:
Unfortunately, we cannot assist individuals studying as international students as we do not hold the required CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registration.
You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia that can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing courses.
Related FAQ’s:
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian official register of training providers approved to deliver courses to international students on a Student Visa. Any qualification undertaken by a Student Visa holder must be listed on CRICOS and delivered by a CRICOS-registered provider.
In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or living in Australia on other types of visas (not a Student Visa). However, many visas include restrictions on study or training. It is each individual’s responsibility to check their visa conditions to confirm their study and work rights. You can verify these with the Department of Home Affairs.
Related FAQ’s:
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) are two methods to receive credit towards your course, but they differ in how credit is awarded.
Credit transfer is available if you have previously completed the same unit, or one that matches in content and outcomes, at another recognised VET or higher education provider. To apply, you must provide verifiable evidence, such as a Statement of Attainment or qualification certificate, proving your competency. Once approved, you will not need to repeat assessment for that unit.
Please note that many of AVT’s courses are clustered. Clustering involves delivering and assessing two or more units together in groups (or blocks), in a meaningful and purposeful way. It avoids duplication and repetition and creates a logical flow to the delivery of your course. As a result, you may still need to complete training and assessments that cover similar concepts found in the unit for which you’re requesting a credit transfer
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) on the other hand, allows you to be assessed on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through previous training, work experience, or life experience. To apply for RPL, you must supply evidence, such as records of completed training, assessment items, or declarations from your employer. Your provider will then assess your competency against the requirements of the course to determine if further training or assessment is needed.
Both options can reduce your study load, but RPL assesses existing skills, while credit transfer recognises previously completed qualifications.
For more information about AVT’s process for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning, please see our policies page.
To receive a credit for a unit of competency that you have previously been awarded, you must be able to supply a verifiable Testamur (certificate) or Statement of Attainment obtained from the issuing provider.
A Testamur or Statement of Attainment must either contain the wording ‘The qualification is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework’ or the AQF logo authorised by the AQF Council.
A Record of Results or Statement of Academic Record by itself is not sufficient when applying for a credit transfer of a nationally recognised unit of competency.
If you do not have a copy of your Testamur or Statement of Attainment you are responsible for requesting a copy from the issuing provider, we are unable to do this on your behalf.
For more information about RPL see our frequently asked questions here.
Yes. If you have completed and passed the exact same unit as delivered by AVT, you will receive a credit transfer for the unit. You must be deemed competent and be awarded a PASS in the unit.
At the time of application, you will be required to provide us with a Statement of Attainment from a recognised and approved training provider. We will verify your previous studies with the training provider.
For information about fees and charges that apply to credit transfers, please see our student policy page.
Credit transfer fees do not apply for students who have completed a previous qualification with AVT.
Yes. You can use units of competency received from a prior qualification even if the unit is different from an elective unit required by AVT. You can claim a credit transfer (CT) for these units as long as:-
If this is the case, then you may use previous units of study to fulfil the elective component of the qualification.
You will be required to provide us with a Statement of Attainment from a recognised and approved training provider at the time of application. We will verify your previous studies with the training provider.
For information about fees and charges that apply to credit transfers, please see our student policy page.
Please note, we are unable to offer RPL or Train and Assess any other elective unit of competency other than the ones provided in the courses offered on our website.
For a full list of our qualifications visit our Qualifications Overview page
In meeting the required rules of evidence and principals of assessment, AVT is unable to provide recognition of prior learning (RPL) to candidates who can not demonstrate recent and current skills and knowledge.
Applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they meet the competency requirements of the current training package including application of current industry techniques using the latest technology, equipment and supplies in accordance with the current standards and regulations.
If you wish to gain certification as a veterinary nurse or animal carer without having current experience, you will need to enrol in and complete the full course.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available to enrolled students of AVT qualifications. The prior learning may be in the form of previous studies or completed qualifications (including superseded qualifications), on the job experience or volunteer work.
To find out more detailed information about RPL visit our RPL page.
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for induction and practical training/on-site days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students.
AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!
A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 92% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 92% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.
Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.
Answer our quick checklist to ensure your application is processed
Answer our quick checklist to ensure your application is processed