Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:38 AM AWST
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Certificate IV in Equine Care
Certificate IV in Equine Care
ACM40921
BHN8
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 18/02/2022 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification describes the skill and knowledge for work activities undertaken by an equine service provider or skilled worker in an equine establishment who provides specialist technical skills. They may work autonomously as small business operators or as part of a management team in an equine establishment. The job roles covered in this qualification are:
fitness and performance trainer
horse educator
gear fitter and checker
horse clipper
head groom/lead stable hand.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with state/territory work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity codes, regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:Fifteen (15) units of competency:
- seven (7) core units plus
- elective (8) elective units.
The electives are to be chosen as follows:
- at least one (1) and up to two (2) units from Group A
- up to seven (7) units from Groups B to F
- up to two (2) units from this or any other endorsed training package or accredited course.
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Any combination of electives that meets the packaging rules above can be selected for the award of the ACM40921 Certificate IV in Equine Care.
Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation area as follows:
- at least three (3) units from Group B electives for the award of the Certificate IV in Equine Care (Fitness and Performance Training)
- at least three (3) units from Group C electives for the award of the Certificate IV in Equine Care (Horse Educator)
- at least two (2) units from Group D electives for the award of the Certificate IV in Equine Care (Gear Fitter and Checker)
- one (1) elective unit from Group E in for the award of the Certificate IV in Equine Care (Horse Clipper).
Where two specialisations are completed, award of the qualification would read (for example), Certificate IV in Equine Care(Fitness and Performance Training and Horse Education).
1. Core Units
All seven (7) core units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OAL28 | ACMINF302 | Follow equine biosecurity and infection control procedures | 55 | Unit of competency |
| OCD74 | BSBINS410 | Implement records systems for small business | 40 | Unit of competency |
| ODV42 | ACMEQU412 | Interpret and address horse behaviour and welfare | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODV61 | ACMEQU422 | Maintain and monitor horse health | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OAB16 | RGRPSH308 | Provide first aid and emergency care for horses or other equines | 100 | Unit of competency |
| BAM82 | AHCWRK509 | Provide specialist advice to clients | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODV43 | ACMEQU415 | Relate musculoskeletal system to horse conformation and movement | 110 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Safety Involving Horses
At least one (1) and up to two (2) units must be chosen from Group A. Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBF45 | SISOEQU010 | Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks for horse handling and riding activities | 25 | Unit of competency |
| ODV77 | ACMEQU313 | Work safely in equine workplaces | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODV59 | ACMEQU413 | Work safely in providing equine services as a contractor | 55 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B Fitness and Performance Trainer
Up to seven (7) units to be chosen from Groups B to F. Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODV33 | ACMEQU505 | Manage fitness in horses | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODV47 | ACMEQU414 | Manage horses to meet sport event requirements | 80 | Unit of competency |
| ODV72 | ACMEQU416 | Manage presentation of horses for sale or show | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODV34 | ACMEQU418 | Select horses based on analysis of pedigree | 55 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C Horse educator
Up to seven (7) units to be chosen from Groups B to F. Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBD65 | ACMEQU407 | Educate horses in initial handling | 90 | Unit of competency |
| OBD63 | ACMEQU409 | Educate horses to be driven | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OBD64 | ACMEQU408 | Educate horses to be ridden | 145 | Unit of competency |
| OBD62 | ACMEQU410 | Educate pack horses | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODV64 | ACMEQU424 | Evaluate equine service or therapy provision | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODV63 | ACMEQU411 | Evaluate horse education methodologies and individual programs | 45 | Unit of competency |
| ODV68 | ACMEQU425 | Provide horse clipping services | 55 | Unit of competency |
5. Group D Gear Fitter and Checker
Up to seven (7) units to be chosen from Groups B to F. Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODV71 | ACMEQU419 | Evaluate saddlery and gear fit for horse and rider combination | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODV70 | ACMEQU420 | Fit and adjust bits and bridles | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODV41 | ACMEQU421 | Provide saddle fitting and adjustment services | 160 | Unit of competency |
6. Group E Horse Clipper
Up to seven (7) units to be chosen from Groups B to F. Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODV68 | ACMEQU425 | Provide horse clipping services | 55 | Unit of competency |
7. Group F General Electives
Up to seven (7) units to be chosen from Groups B to F. Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
No information
No information
Entry Requirements
Prior to commencing this qualificationan individual must:
have completed the following units of competency (or equivalent):
ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely
ACMEQU213 Follow safe work practices in equine industries
ACMEQU306 Provide routine care for horses
OR
have relevant equivalent skills and knowledge acquired through participation in the equine industry.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships