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ACM10121
Certificate I
Animal Care Industry Pathways

Course Features

  • Self Paced, up to 12 months
  • Enrol & start anytime
  • Online & Work Placement learning
  • Nationally Recognised Qualification
  • $2,000
  • Payment plans available

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Overview

ACM101212 Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways is a great starting point for animal carers and young learners to develop basic animal care skills. This animal care course qualification prepares students for entry into sectors of the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as pet shops, animal shelters, kennels, catteries, groomers, and sanctuaries.

The ACM10121 Animal Care Pathways Course will give you an introduction to the animal care industry and teach you how to conduct animal care work practices in an ethical and humane manner. Learn how to complete animal care hygiene routines, feed and water animals, provide basic first aid, and assist in the health care of animals. You’ll also gain workplace skills in effective workplace communication, workplace health and safety, and animal handling practices.

Course Details

Core Units

  • ACMGEN101 Explore job opportunities in animal care and related industries
  • ACMGEN102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals
  • ACMGEN103 Assist in the care of animals
  • ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
  • FSKOCM002 Engage in short and simple spoken exchanges at work
  • ACMINF101 Take responsibility for the health and welfare of animals in own care
  • BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills

The Australian Qualifications Framework determines that the duration of this qualification is 6 months – 1 year, however with both face-to-face training, and flexible online learning, learners are typically completing within the first 6 months. How quickly a student is able to complete the course will depend on how fast they work through the content, their commitment to learning and their level of competence.

This course is taught using a blended approach which includes online theory lessons and work placement.

Online

The theory components for the course are delivered online which means students are not required to attend classes or lectures. Students will receive access to our ‘Learning Portal’ where they will find the course materials, interactive learning materials, videos and assessments. In addition, students will also receive a hard copy of the Learner Resource.

​While studying online, students will have access to our teaching support team via email, online chat or phone. Our teaching team will help support and guide students every step on their journey.

Work Placement

In order to acquire the necessary practical skills to successfully complete a Certificate I Animal Care Industry Pathways qualification, a workplace-based training program (known as a Work Placement) is mandatory. Work placement can be paid employment OR volunteering. Students are required to complete a minimum of 10 full days of work placement.

​It is the students responsibility to search and secure a work placement position that meets their location, schedule, and interests. If a student is currently working or volunteering in an animal- related business, they may be able to use their current employment or volunteering position for the workplace training.

​Students are also able to complete their practical training at the Academy (Gold Coast)

​In the animal and pet sectors, work placements are essential for students to acquire critical skills such as animal handling, animal care, effective communication with clients and customers, as well as teamwork.

Digital Learning – Access all course theory and assessments through an easy-to-use online platform.

Learning Portal – 24/7 access to the National Skills Training Institute Learning Management System (LMS)

Course Checklist – A clear, step-by-step guide to track your progress through both theory and practical components.

Student Learning Resource – Hard copy of the study material for easy reference.

Practical Assessment Forms – Essential documents for completing and recording your practical training.

Inclusive Learning Support – Flexible strategies to ensure learners with disabilities can fully participate.

  • Online quizzes and knowledge checks
  • Written assignments and theory assessments
  • Practical tasks and demonstrations
  • Workplace or simulated observations
  • Role-play and scenario assessments
  • Logbook or skills journal
  • Third-party reports
  • Oral questioning and interviews

Course Requirements

  • Minimum 15 Years of Age
  • Completed Year 8 or equivalent
  • Access to a computer, laptop or tablet
  • Internet access and email address
  • Physically capable of restraining animals and standing for extended periods of time

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a personal reference number that creates a secure online record of all your nationally recognised training in Australia. Every student must have a USI to enrol in accredited courses and to receive their qualification or statement of attainment.

If you are currently working—or have previously worked—in a relevant animal care or grooming industry role, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL allows your existing skills and workplace experience to be formally assessed against the units of competency for this course, potentially reducing the amount of study you need to complete.

To explore RPL opportunities, please contact our Team at admin@nsti.edu.au to discuss your experience and begin the assessment process.

Course Enrollment Process

  • Apply to Enrol – Submit your application form and required personal details.
  • LLND Assessment – Complete the mandatory Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills check to identify any support needs.
  • Enrolment – Confirm your place by providing identification and signing the student agreement.
  • Payment Options & Funding – Choose a payment plan and, if eligible, apply for government funding or subsidies.
  • Access Study Portal – Receive login details to the online learning platform to begin your course.

Fees and Payment Options

Course Fees – $2,000

Students have a choice of payment options that best suit their financial circumstances:
  • $19.50 per week (24 months)
  • $26 per week (18 months)
  • $39 per week (12 months)
  • $100 per week (18 months)
  • $150 per week (12 months)

Pay in four (4) installments –

  • 1st installment $500 enrolment fee plus
  • 3 x $500 installments

FAQ'S

Yes, all courses offered by the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) are nationally accredited in Australia. Our programs meet the rigorous standards set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), ensuring that our students receive high-quality, industry-relevant education and training that is recognised nationwide.

NSTI is a Registered Training Organisation and our number is 41462. You can view our registration details on the Australian Government’s training website, training.gov.au, which provides information on registered courses and training providers –View our details here

We highly recommend using the RTO website to research any training organisation you are considering.

At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we understand the importance of flexibility in education. That’s why we allow students to start their course at any time. Enrol today and begin your journey with NSTI at your convenience!

Yes, you can finish the course faster than the set duration. At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), our courses are designed to accommodate different learning paces. If you are committed and dedicated to your studies, you may be able to complete the course more quickly. Your progress will depend on your individual effort and the time you are able to dedicate to your coursework.

At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need more time to complete your course. We provide course extensions to support our students in these situations.

Course Extensions:

Yes, you can extend the duration of your course if you do not finish it in time. We typically do not charge any fee for this extension, as we believe in supporting our students through their learning journey without added financial stress. If you find yourself needing an extension, please reach out to our support team, and we will guide you through the process.
Competency-based training is an educational approach that focuses on equipping learners with the specific skills and knowledge required to perform tasks to industry standards. Rather than traditional time-based education, competency-based training allows students to progress at their own pace, ensuring they master each competency before moving on. This method is highly practical and outcome-focused, making it ideal for vocational education and training. By emphasising real-world application and hands-on experience, competency-based training ensures that graduates are job-ready and meet the performance expectations of their chosen industry.

Work placement, also known as Structured Workplace Learning, is an integral part of many of our courses at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI). This practical component allows students to apply and expand their learning in a real-world setting, providing invaluable hands-on experience.
During your work placement, you will undertake tasks and be assessed on your performance, ensuring you develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired in your course. This experience not only enhances your learning but also helps you build professional connections that can be beneficial for your future career. Many of our students find work placement to be one of the most rewarding aspects of their education.

Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one workplace. This flexibility allows you to gain diverse experiences and insights from different environments, enhancing your learning. However, we recommend limiting your placements to no more than two organizations to maintain a consistent learning experience.
When selecting your workplaces, ensure that your practical placement aligns with the species-specific unit you have chosen as your elective. Additionally, a signed ‘Workplace Approval Form’ is required for each placement to confirm its suitability for your studies.

Students at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) are assessed through a comprehensive Practical Task Portfolio during their work placement. This portfolio includes a logbook and practical assessments such as workplace assignments, which may involve case studies, photographs, written descriptions of workplace procedures, and video evidence of practical tasks. These assessments are designed to evaluate how effectively students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Each unit also features Practical Task Worksheets that outline specific tasks to be completed during the placement. Supervisors sign off on each task once it is successfully completed. All practical assessments, including the signed worksheets, must be submitted via our online learning platform for evaluation by our tutors. Additionally, students must maintain an attendance record signed by their supervisor to verify the completion of required placement hours. Regular feedback from supervisors is collected and shared with students to ensure continuous improvement and skill development.

If you are already working in a role that aligns with your field of study, you may be able to complete your work placement with your existing employer, provided they agree. This option is viable if your current workplace can fulfill all the requirements of the Structured Workplace Learning component of your course. If it cannot, you will need to complete the necessary hours elsewhere. Additionally, your work placement must be supervised by a suitably qualified individual who has been approved by the National Skills Training Institute.

Yes, you can volunteer at an organisation for your work placement for an animal qualification. Many of our Animal Studies and Animal Care students complete their required hours in a voluntary position, whether at an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.
Before starting your work placement, you will need to submit a Workplace Supervisor Form. Once we receive this form, our teaching team will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course. This process helps ensure you gain relevant and valuable experience in a suitable environment.

Online learning at NSTI offers flexibility and convenience that sets it apart from traditional classroom-based courses. With online study, you have the freedom to learn from anywhere—there’s no need to be physically present on campus. You can simply log on to our online learning portal, to access all your learning materials and assessment tasks.
Additionally, our online courses are designed without set deadlines, allowing you to build your knowledge and skills at your own pace, as long as you complete your course by the specified expiry date. This self-paced learning model accommodates your personal schedule, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.

If you’re new to studying or haven’t done so in a while, it’s natural to feel uncertain about online learning. However, online study is designed to be accessible and flexible, making it a great option for almost everyone.
At NSTI, we provide all your learning materials and assessments through our online campus, so everything you need is in one convenient place. With just a computer and internet connection, you can start your learning journey. Plus, our dedicated Student Support team is here to assist you with any questions, time management tips, or study advice you might need.

With the introduction of our custom-designed learning platform, you can complete your coursework using a computer, laptop, tablet, or even a mobile device. Our platform is mobile responsive and user-friendly, allowing you to study anywhere, anytime.
All coursework is automatically saved, providing you with the flexibility to continue your studies without interruption. Whether you use a laptop or tablet, you’ll have a seamless and engaging learning experience.

At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), our online courses are designed to be accessible to individuals with varying levels of computer proficiency, from beginners to advanced users. Basic computing skills you will need include the ability to create, save, and edit documents, access and search the web, and upload and save documents.
While these are the essential skills, having additional abilities can enhance your learning experience. These include participating in online discussions and webinars, uploading documents through websites, compressing image files, and creating different file types such as Word documents and PDFs. If you’re comfortable with these tasks, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in our online courses.

Online study offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to learn when and where it suits you best. By delivering course materials through a customized online learning platform, students can avoid the need for travel to a physical campus, saving both time and money. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for those balancing family, work, or personal commitments, as it enables the creation of a personalized study schedule that fits their unique lifestyle.
Moreover, online study promotes independent learning, catering to various learning preferences and paces. Students can choose alternative study methods that align with their individual learning processes, whether that means working independently or taking more time to absorb content. This mode of learning is ideal for those who need to manage other responsibilities alongside their education and prefer a more self-directed approach to developing their skills.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is a process used by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia to assess and formally acknowledge the skills, knowledge, and experience that an individual has acquired through previous education, work, and life experiences. RPL allows individuals to gain credit towards a qualification without having to complete the entire coursework. This process helps to avoid redundancy in learning, enabling learners to fast-track their education and reduce the time and cost required to achieve a formal qualification. By recognising the value of their prior learning, RPL ensures that individuals receive the qualifications they deserve based on their existing competencies.

Credit Transfer is a process that allows students to receive formal recognition for the competencies they have previously achieved through other accredited education or training programs. At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we acknowledge the qualifications and units of competency you have completed elsewhere, ensuring that your prior learning and achievements are not duplicated. This means you can progress through your course more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary repetition and potentially reducing the time and cost required to complete your qualification. To apply for a Credit Transfer, simply provide your certified transcripts and relevant documentation when you enroll, and our team will assess your eligibility based on national guidelines.

To apply for credit transfer at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), you need to provide certified copies of your previous qualifications and transcripts, which will be assessed by our academic team. Once submitted, our team will review your application and determine the eligibility of your previous studies for credit transfer. This process ensures that you receive recognition for your past learning and can progress through your course more efficiently.