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Animal Care

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming)

Perth Based Pet Grooming Course - Coming Soon!

Unleash your potential with our Pet Grooming course

If your passion lies in pampering pets and ensuring their well-being, then our ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) course may be for you!

Pet or dog grooming is more than just maintaining a clean appearance; it’s an essential facet of responsible pet care. This nationally recognised qualification will equip you with skills and knowledge required to work in a dog grooming salon, doggy daycare or a range of animal care facilities offering pet grooming services. Our course places a strong emphasis on low-stress handling techniques, ensuring a positive experience for both groomer and pet. You’ll gain the expertise to perform comfort and style clips on various coat types, administer de-shed treatments, and develop a solid foundation of knowledge and skills towards pure breed styling.

We’re currently developing our Perth based dog grooming and pet grooming course and hope to launch soon. The course will be available in both full-time and part-time delivery modes. Submit your expression of interest today!

If your passion lies in pampering pets and ensuring their well-being, then our ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) course may be for you!

This nationally recognised qualification will equip you with skills and knowledge required to work in a dog grooming salon, doggy daycare or a range of animal care facilities. Our course will place a strong emphasis on low-stress handling techniques, ensuring a positive experience for both groomer and pet. You’ll gain the expertise to perform comfort and style clips on various coat types, administer de-shed treatments, and develop a solid foundation of knowledge and skills towards pure breed styling.

Pet or dog grooming is more than just maintaining a clean appearance; it’s an essential facet of responsible pet care. Our course covers a spectrum of practices, including bathing, brushing, trimming, and nail clipping, tailored to the specific needs of diverse breeds. 

We’re currently developing this course and hope to launch mid 2024. The course will be available in both full-time and part-time delivery modes. Submit your expression of interest today!

Government Funded Subsidised Discount fees for Animal Care and Vet Nursing

Are you unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week?

You maybe eligible for a funded Jobs and Skills WA position. Read More >>

Course snapshot


Duration:

Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 18 months

Next intake: Coming soon

Location: Perth, WA based

Application status: Expressions of interest – register now

Course outcome: Receive an industry and nationally recognised qualification on completion

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT
Dog grooming course Perth WA
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Course outline

Blended learning including 2 days per week of practical training and classroom activities at the RSPCA and AVT, plus home-based online eLearning.

This course is delivered via blended learning. The RSPCA Program structure will be as follows:

Week 1
Your course commences at AVT with one full training day. Meet your Trainer and fellow classmates.

Weeks 2-4

You’ll have three weeks to complete pre-course online theory based learning in the comfort of your home (approx 22 hours per week).

Weeks 5-27

  • Weekly practical training for two terms of 11 weeks (22 weeks in total excluding a two week term break):
    • 1 day per week at the RSPCA’s facility in Malaga to receive intensive practical training by qualified AVT trainers. Training will be held from 7:30am – 4:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday*.
    • 1 day per week at AVT’s campus in Ascot for further practical training and classroom based learning. Training will be held from 8:00am – 4:30pm on Monday.
  • You will also be required to undertake home-based online eLearning to complete and submit assessments.

Weeks 28-29
Time to catch up on any outstanding assessments from home. There are no classes or practical training during this time.

For a full schedule of course dates and breaks please see Key Course Dates.

*We’ll endeavour to meet your preference for your on-site training days but this can not be guaranteed and students are expected to participate in ALL practical training days. Attendance at all practical training days both on-campus and at the RSPCA is compulsory.

To commence the RSPCA-based Course, students must:

  • be at least 18 years of age, due to RSPCA policies and guidelines
  • be available to participate in:
    • 1 day per week practical training day at the RSPCA
    • 1 day per week at AVT
    • Days of the week are determined by AVT prior to course commencement
  • be physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed e.g. large bags of food of up to 10kg and standing for extended periods of time
  • have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
  • be proficient in speaking and writing in English
  • due to the required workload and level of study, have a minimum level of schooling up to and including year 10, with a good understanding of science and maths.

Please note, you will be undertaking activities with cats. If you are pregnant or thinking about falling pregnant throughout the course, we suggest speaking with your doctor or medical professional before enrolment. If you would like to discuss your individual situation with us further, please feel free to get in touch with our student support team. 

This course is highly competitive and has limited places. Therefore, successful students are selected based on prior work experience, education, individual attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an AVT team member.

Credit transfers

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students.

For our RSPCA based course you will be required to wear:

  • an AVT shirt, jacket, hat and name badge (supplied by AVT),
  • steel-capped shoes (supplied by student) and
  • neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

What will you learn?

The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to excel as a pet or dog groomer. With an emphasis on low stress handling, you will be able to perform comfort and style clips on various coat types, de-shed treatments and have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills towards pure breed styling. During the course you will be introduced to:

  • Creating a safe and secure environment for both pets and grooming professionals
  • Bathing, drying and brushing techniques, ensuring the health and cleanliness of domestic dogs
  • Skills to groom dogs, considering their unique characteristics and coat types
  • Techniques to ensure that pets associate grooming with positive experiences
  • Communication skills to interact effectively with clients and collaborate seamlessly with team members
  • Infection control policies and procedures to maintain a clean and safe grooming environment
  • Techniques to enhance the coat and skin condition of companion animals, ensuring their overall health and appearance
WA dog grooming course for pets of Perth

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn in this animal care course can be applied in a dog grooming salon, doggy daycare or across a broad range of animal care facilities in commercial organisations. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.

Course outcomes

Our graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the animal care industry, and your journey doesn’t stop here. Depending on your career aspirations within the animal care industry, you have the opportunity to continue your studies. You can choose to pursue advanced qualifications such as the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training or the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. These courses can open up exciting pathways for further advancement in the rewarding animal care industry.

Job outcomes

The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Service (Pet Grooming) will prepare you for a career in the following roles:

  • Assistant groomer
  • Pet groomer or dog groomer
  • Assistant pet stylist

Career opportunities

Graduates from this course find career opportunities in a range of animal care organisations that provide pet grooming services, including:

  • Dog grooming salons
  • Doggy daycare centres
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Boarding kennels

Course content

There are 17 total units of competency in this qualification:

  • ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

  • ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs

  • ACMGRM303 Provide sanitary and hygiene grooms for companion animals

  • ACMGRM304 Perform grooms on cross breed dogs

  • ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility

  • BSBOPS304 Deliver and monitor a service to customers

  • ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members

  • SIRRRTF001 Balance and secure point-of-sale terminal

  • ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals

  • ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal

  • ACMBEH404 Condition animal behaviour

  • ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces

  • ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

  • ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs

  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid

  • ACMGRM305 Groom dogs to meet breed style and coat requirements

  • ACMGRM403 Enhance companion animal coat and skin condition

Why choose this course?

  • This is a comprehensive pet grooming course where you will learn technical skills of the grooming trade from a fully qualified and highly experienced Trainer and Assessor
  • Your essential practical training and classroom training will take place in a functioning salon with other like-minded students. You will also be assisted in finding additional work placement in industry to further develop your skills. 
  • AVT is a registered training organisation that is well-respected in the animal care industry. AVT delivers nationally recognised qualifications to Australian standards. 
  • This course will allow you to meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing – you can gain your qualification in 12-18 months and can then apply for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to become a qualified veterinary nurse*.
  • This certificate increases your opportunities for employment in the grooming and animal care industry and gives recognition towards entry into further studies.

*Please note: Completion of this qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. However, it does not guarantee you a place on one of our own courses. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also apply. Please read full details on our Veterinary Nursing Course Entry page.

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT

What students are saying about this course

Fees & inclusions

Total course fees start from $1,348.92*

Our fee range depends on your eligibility for a Jobs and Skills WA based funded position and your concession status (see full details here). All fees are payable via our monthly payment plan. Our fees include:

  • Learning guides (Downloadable)
  • Textbooks (Downloadable)
  • Dedicated Student Support
  • One-on-one mentoring by AVT Trainers
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Practical training insurance
  • Work Placement Kit: Uniform, name badge and workbook

If you would like more information about our fees, the initial deposit and payment plan, including options, please contact our friendly Student Support Team OR Request a Call.

* Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability. Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as student service and resource fees. If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued unless you are a Jobs and Skills WA funded student. Please see our policies page for full details.

Register your interest

Course Dates
Pet Grooming Coming Soon
Register your interest

Register your interest to be notified once applications open.

FAQs

General Information FAQ – RSPCA

This is an intensive course that spans two days a week, with one day dedicated to hands-on training at the RSPCA and the other at AVT. During your day at the RSPCA, you will have the opportunity to work closely with fellow students, our qualified teaching team, and the RSPCA behavioural team. To ensure a focused and effective learning experience, we maintain small class sizes, with no more than 12 students per class.

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 are only offering on-campus / on-site courses in Perth, Western Australia.

For students outside of WA, we recommend:

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.

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.

All qualifications have been evaluated against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to determine the student’s proficiency in the essential core skills required for successful participation. These core skills include learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy.  

All applicants will be sent a request to complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment evaluated by an independent organisation to assess if their current core skills are of the required level, to determine their suitability for the course. Where minor skill gaps are identified in successful applicants, those students will be provided with the necessary support to develop the required skill level throughout the course. 

The course will not be suitable for applicants where a significant core skill gap is identified in the LLN assessment. In such instances, unsuccessful applicants may be referred to an alternative study pathway or external support services to develop their core skills. 

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.

Entry FAQs – Cert III in Animal Studies Online and RSPCA Program

Entry requirements do not include experience or previous qualifications working with animals. Your practical work placement will provide this exposure.

No, you do not need to complete a previous qualification for entry into ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services.

For more detailed information about entry requirements for these courses, please visit the “Entry Requirements” section on the following pages:

The minimum age requirement for the Certificate II in Animal Care is based on academic school year.  For the Certificate II in Animal Care, this is Year 10 High School or equivalent. Some exceptions may be possible. Please note the minimum age for our Intensive Courses is 18 years of age due to the policies of our work placement facilities.

The minimum age requirement for the Certificate III in Animal Care Services is based on academic school year. For the Certificate III in Animal Studies, this is Year 11 High School or equivalent. Some exceptions may be possible. Please note the minimum age for the RSPCA Program is 18 years of age due to RSPCA policy.

We offer flexible monthly payment plans with instalments for all students. We do not require upfront full payment for any of our courses. Total course fees and payment plan structure vary with each course and individual circumstances. Visit the relevant qualifications page for more information or contact us for further details.

Qualification FAQs – Cert III in Animal Studies Online and RSPCA

Yes, our qualifications in Vet Nursing, Horse Care (previously offered) and Animal Studies/Care are nationally recognised and accredited.

Our company, Applied Vocational Training (AVT),  is fully registered by 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.

We’re also supported and endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association. 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.

We strongly recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you may be considering.

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the latest training package at a Certificate III level in animal care.  ACM30110 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30121 Certificate III in Animal Care Services are now superseded by the new course.

Course codes change from time to time because the Government department that oversees the training packages, including the Animal Care Package (ACM10) regularly review courses and revise content guidelines in line with industry feedback.  These guidelines are then provided to Registered Training Organisations such as ourselves so we can revise and update our course material.  This results both in changes to the content within certain units and in some cases, units being replaced.  Some qualifications may change significantly, some others may not.

When qualifications in the Animal Care Package are updated, training providers generally have between 12 and 24 months to transition students to the new course code.  This transition time can differ from time to time depending on extensions permitted by the government.

Change History

Each superseded certificate is deemed equivalent to the new qualification.

 

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.

International – FAQ

This answer specifically addresses students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

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.

The following link outlines the main steps to study in Australia homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for a student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

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 Studies and Veterinary Nursing courses.

Related FAQ’s:

Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

In some cases, registered training organisations (RTOs) may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa. Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

Visa information for Jobs & Skills WA Funding Jobs and Skills WA funded programs

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM40418 Certificate  IV in Veterinary Nursing should visit this page for more detailed information about eligibility

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

Students wishing to be considered for funding places in the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

    Related FAQ’s:

     

    In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa* . Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

    *Any course undertaken by a student visa holder must be registered on CRICOS and training must be provided by a CRICOS registered provider (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Applied Vocational Training is not a registered CRICOS provider and as such we are unable to accept applications from individuals wishing to study on a student visa.

    Related FAQ’s:

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

     

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

    This answer specifically addresses international students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

    Unfortunately, we are unable to assist individuals with studying as an international student in Australia as we do not have the necessary registration with our government to enrol students in Australia on a Student Visa. The required registration for this is CRICOS ‘The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students’.

    To find out more about studying in Australia we recommend visiting the Australian Government website: homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for the student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

    You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia who can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer courses in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing

    Related FAQ’s:

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

    I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

     

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

    RPL – FAQ

    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:-

    • the unit is current and relevant to work undertaken in the animal care and management industry and
    • you hold a Statement of Attainment from the issuing provider.

    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.

    Read more about RPL here

    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.

    Why choose AVT?

    Dedicated Animal Care College

    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!

    Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

    Outstanding Track Record

    A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.

    Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

    Safe and Supported Learning

    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.

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