Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 1:41 AM AWST
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Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
ACM40322
BHX6
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 16/07/2022 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge required for an animal trainer and/or animal training practitioner working with a specific species or across a range of species and workplaces where they are required to work closely with animal carers or owners (clients). The qualification provides options for individuals wanting to work in animal-assisted services, animal rehoming/adoption, rehabilitation roles, exhibited animal facilities or who specialise in conditioning or training different species.
The qualification is for individuals with experience in working with and caring for animals, to develop the skills required to interpret animal behaviour, apply animal learning theory, and to evaluate best practice conditioning and training methodologies and techniques to meet the welfare needs of animals, and to provide ethical services for carers/clients.
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:Sixteen (16) units of competency:
- eight (8) core units plus
- eight (8) elective units.
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Electives can be chosen to provide a general qualification or a qualification with a specialisation.
For the award of the general qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training choose:
- at least four (4) from the electives listed in Group A
- up to four (4) from the electives listed in Groups A, B, C, D or E not already selected
- up to three (3) from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
For the award of the qualification with an Assistance dog training specialisation, ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Assistance Dog Training), choose:
- at least two (2) units from Group A
- all five (5) units from Group E
- one (1) may be selected from any group not already selected
- one (1) may be from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
Prerequisite requirements
Note: Units listed in the Prerequisite requirement column that have their own prerequisite requirements are shown with an asterisk (*) on training.gov.au (TGA).
1. Core Units
All eight (8) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODC79 | ACMGEN402 | Advise on animal industry compliance and practices | 65 | Unit of competency |
| ODC52 | ACMGEN303 | Assess the welfare status of an animal | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODC25 | ACMBEH404 | Condition animal behaviour | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODC98 | ACMBEH402 | Develop, implement and monitor enrichment strategies for animals | 80 | Unit of competency |
| ODC96 | ACMBEH403 | Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design | 65 | Unit of competency |
| ODC20 | ACMBEH301 | Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals | 55 | Unit of competency |
| BBE34 | ACMWHS401 | Maintain workplace health and safety processes | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODC50 | ACMGEN304 | Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces | 35 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Elective Units: General Animal
At least four (4) units must be selected for award of the general qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
At least two (2) units must be selected for award of specialisation ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Assistance Dog Training).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODC84 | ACMBEH407 | Conduct animal behavioural assessments | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODC16 | ACMARM407 | Conduct community awareness programs | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODD01 | ACMBEH406 | Conduct group training classes for animal owners or carers | 90 | Unit of competency |
| ODC33 | ACMBEH401 | Develop, monitor and review behavioural husbandry strategies | 40 | Unit of competency |
| ODC76 | ACMGEN311 | Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | 80 | Unit of competency |
| OAL10 | ACMVET411 | Prepare, deliver and review animal care education programs | 30 | Unit of competency |
| ODC49 | ACMGEN305 | Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care | 65 | Unit of competency |
| ODC44 | ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid | 35 | Unit of competency |
| ODC78 | ACMBEH405 | Provide individual advice on animal behaviour management and training | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODC91 | ACMBEH501 | Work collaboratively to manage complex animal behaviour | 55 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B Elective Units: Animal-assisted Services
Up to three (3) units may be selected for award of the general qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Up to one (1) unit may be selected for award of specialisation ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Assistance Dog Training).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODC30 | ACMAAS402 | Apply disability awareness to animal-assisted services | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODC86 | ACMAAS401 | Manage animals and facilitate human-animal interaction in animal-assisted services | 55 | Unit of competency |
| AVC10 | CHCDIS010 | Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs | 45 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C Elective Units: Species-specific
Up to four (4) units may be selected for award of the general qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Up to one (1) unit may be selected for award of specialisation ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Assistance Dog Training).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
5. Group D Elective Units: General
Up to four (4) units may be selected for award of the general qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Up to one (1) unit may be selected for award of specialisation ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Assistance Dog Training).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCG33 | BSBESB305 | Address compliance requirements for new business ventures | 45 | Unit of competency |
| OCE80 | BSBESB406 | Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures | 40 | Unit of competency |
| OCE82 | BSBOPS404 | Implement customer service strategies | 35 | Unit of competency |
| OCF94 | BSBLDR414 | Lead team effectiveness | 45 | Unit of competency |
| OCF11 | BSBESB407 | Manage finances for new business ventures | 50 | Unit of competency |
| OCG11 | BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures | 45 | Unit of competency |
| AWY80 | TAEDEL404 | Mentor in the workplace | 30 | Unit of competency |
| AWY84 | TAEDEL402 | Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace | 25 | Unit of competency |
| OCD30 | HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 | Unit of competency |
| AWY86 | TAEDEL301 | Provide work skill instruction | 40 | Unit of competency |
| AVC09 | CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 30 | Unit of competency |
6. Group E Elective Units: Assistance Dog Training
Up to four (4) units must be selected for award of the general qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
All five (5) units must be selected for award of specialisation ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Assistance Dog Training).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OED14 | ACMADT401 | Assess prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OED15 | ACMADT402 | Instruct handlers with disability to train assistance dogs | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OEC20 | ACMADT501 | Plan and conduct assistance dog training in specific and complex tasks | 65 | Unit of competency |
| OED19 | ACMADT301 | Select appropriate equipment for an assistance dog and handler | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OED16 | ACMADT403 | Train dogs using operant and classical conditioning techniques | 65 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGR0 | ACM40321 | Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
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