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Changing attitudes towards animals and their role in our lives is driving an increased demand for premium pet products and animal services. This has seen growth in areas of pet grooming, animal health care, assistance animals, and the nursing, rehabilitation and treatment of animals.Companion Animals are being used for the assistance of a wider range of conditions causing an increased demand for companion animals. Primarily dogs are used in this field with an expansion into different types of animals. Pet grooming similarly is seeing an increase in the types of services offered for a range of animals. This is an area with a high demand for skilled workers.Most qualifications related to animal attendants and trainers, pet grooming and styling, companion animals and captive animals have not been fully reviewed since 2010. Industry has indicated that these are no longer considered fit for purpose and need to be updated to reflect the full breadth of the sector and the changing ways animals are valued.
The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) approved this project out of the
2019-2022 Animal Care and Management IRC Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work (see pages 30-35).Skills Impact and the Animal Care and Management Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will manage this project, consistent with the
2012 Standards for Training Package Development.
Download Project Proposal (see pages 30-35)
Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates. Make sure to select ‘Animal Care and Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
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Australians are recognising the importance of their pets’ wellbeing and the value animals add to their lives. This is reflected in how much people are spending on their pets, with household expenditure on pets increasing by 29% between 2013 and 2016 (
Animal Medicines Australia). As pet owners look to a broader range of options to keep their pets healthy and happy, (and keeping themselves healthier and happier as a result) the market is diversifying, which in turn is causing a demand for skilled workers in areas such as pet grooming, animal health care, animal training and regulation.Pet grooming is an expanding sector, driven by the changing perception of the place of a pet in a family. Workers in this sector are traditionally self-employed sole traders, but high demand means veterinary clinics and large pet shop chains are also starting to offer pet grooming services. The popularity of grooming services is so high that businesses like these are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers to perform the work.
There is also growing recognition of and demand for assistance, companion and therapy animals, requiring consistent skill standards for training animals and supporting their wellbeing.Animal regulation plays a key role in promoting animal welfare in our communities, providing services to rehabilitate and rehome lost or abandoned pets.While each of these sectors has its own focus, foundational skills are required across all sectors for managing the wellbeing of animals. Industry has indicated that current skills standards for these areas are not fit for the current industry needs, requiring a review to bring them up to date. Consultation will continue throughout this project to identify skills needs across pet grooming, companion animals, animal control, and pet care and training. In this way industry will have access to skill standards that support with the diverse ways animals are cared for and enrich people’s lives.A project in
Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife is also underway at the same time as this project and you may be interested in having input.
Project Scope
The project involves the review of four separate, but related, industry sectors covered by the
ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package:
- General Animal Studies
- Certificates I, II and III in General Animal Studies
- 1 existing skill set
- 19 ACMGAS existing units
- Companion animals
- Certificates III and IV in Companion Animal Services
- 17 ACMCAS existing units
- Pet Grooming
- Certificate III in Pet Grooming and Certificate IV in Pet Styling
- 5 AHCGRM existing units
- Animal Control and Regulation
- Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
- 9 existing AHCACR units
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Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates. Make sure to select ‘Animal Care and Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
Relevant Occupations
- Kennel, cattery and animal shelter workers
- Animal care attendants
- Pet shop workers and managers
- Companion animal breeders
- Companion and therapy animal trainers
- Pet groomers and stylists
- Local government rangers
Timeline
October – November 2019
Initial scoping
November 2019 – January 2020
Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units
February 2020
Drafts available for broader consultation
June 2020
Validation of final drafts
August 2020
Finalisation of Training Package components
October 2020
IRC consideration for sign-off and submission for endorsementThis project will be submitted at the same time as the
Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project.
Qualification and units
Below is a list of current qualifications and units proposed for revision as part of this project. In preparation for the review of these components, we invite you to provide your input on the current qualifications and units. We would like to know what changes or updates should be made to the components so that they meet the skills needs of the industry.To provide feedback, please use our
feedback form. Alternatively, you can email Tom Vassallo
[email protected].
| Tom Vassallo | Industry Skills Standards Manager/Specialist | [email protected] |
| Diana McNaughton | Industry Engagement Manager | [email protected] |
| Sue Hamilton | Industry Skills Standard Contractor | |
Stakeholder Consultation Process
A list of key stakeholder organisations is being developed for this project. Skills Impact will ensure contact is made with each of these organisations during the development of this project to seek their involvement and their views on the draft qualifications and units.If you are aware of an organisation that you think should be involved, please contact the project team to ensure they are contacted by us.Of course, all and any interested industry participants are encouraged to engage in the consultation of this project, when the draft qualifications and units are available for feedback via this webpage and workshops that take place around Australia. Consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list. This list simply helps us to identify those organisations that, because of their industry role, size or specialty, are likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project.
Opportunities for stakeholder input
Stakeholder input is encouraged throughout the duration of this project. We invite feedback from those working in the industry, so that the qualifications and units reflect real work experience and support a skilled and flexible workforce for the future. There are several ways to contribute:
- Provide comment on the draft materials when they are made available on this website, which is expected to be in February 2020
- Confirm the drafts meet industry needs and by providing validation of final drafts, which is expected to occur in July 2020
- Register your interest for project updates and consultation opportunities by following the newsletter subscription link above
- Provide feedback at any time by contacting the project manager, Tom Vassallo on 03 9321 3526 or [email protected]
Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts will be drawn on throughout this project to help review and draft the revised units, skill set and qualifications.If you are interested in applying to be a subject matter expert and are able to volunteer your time to this project, please email details of your expertise to
[email protected]D
Australian pet owners are becoming more invested in keeping their pets happy and healthy, keeping themselves happier and healthier in turn. As a result, the market for pet products and services is expanding, with more skilled workers required in areas such as pet grooming, animal health care, animal training, assistance, companion and therapy animals, and regulation. Job roles in all these areas require foundational skills for managing the wellbeing of animals in our homes and communities. However, they also require specialised skills relevant to the different contexts in which the work takes place.Work has commenced to review and redevelop the existing General Animal Studies, Companion Animal Services, Pet Grooming and Animal Control and Regulation qualifications and related units of competency in the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package. During October and November 2019, Skills Impact met with Subject Matter Experts from these industry sectors from across Australia to undertake workforce functional analysis to identify the typical job roles and work functions in the industry.
Seeking Your Feedback on Proposed Changes
As a result of consultation and research in the planning stage, it has become clear that the current qualifications, especially those at a Certificate III and IV level should be redesigned to better reflect the current needs of industry. In response, a discussion paper has been created outlining proposed changes to the qualifications. Skills impact is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed qualifications, skill sets, and new units of competency set out in the discussion paper. Please email your feedback to
[email protected] by 17 January 2020. For any queries, call Diana McNaughton on 03 9321 3526.
Click here to download the discussion paperConsultation Workshops and Webinars – Registrations Open!
The revised, redesigned and new draft qualifications, skill sets and units will be made available on this webpage for public consideration and feedback from early February to early March 2020 (under the ‘Drafts Available’ menu above). Face-to-face consultation workshops will also take place, across states and territories, with webinars planned for those unable to attend in person. Registrations for these workshops are now open.Three separate workshops will be available in each location to cater for the stakeholder groups as shown in the table below. It is possible to attend up to three workshops in each location, but registration is required for each workshop. Please register for the workshops that interest you using the links provided.
| Workshop | Job roles | Content focus |
| 1 | Animal regulators |
- Cert IV in Animal Management and Regulation
- ACM Animal control and regulation units of competency
|
| 2 | Animal carers, retailers, and pet groomers |
- Cert I & II in Animal Care
- Cert III in Animal Care Services
- ACM Companion Animal Sector and General Animal Studies units of competency
|
| 3 | Animal Trainers and Animal-Assisted Services |
- Cert III in Animal Care Services
- Cert IV in Animal Management and Training
- ACM related units of competency
|
Face-to-face consultation workshops
Canberra – Thursday 13 February 2020
- 9:30 – 11am – Regulators – register here
- 11:30am – 1:30pm – Animal carers/attendants, pet shop workers & pet groomers – register here
- 1:30 – 3:30pm – Animal trainers & assistance animals – register here
Hobart – Friday 14 February 2020
Melbourne – Monday 17 February 2020
- 9:30 – 11am – Regulators – register here
- 11:30 – 1:15pm – Animal carers/attendants, pet shop workers & pet groomers – register here
- 1:30 – 3:30pm – Animal trainers & assistance animals – register here
Brisbane – Tuesday 18 February 2020
Sydney – Wednesday 19 February 2020
Darwin – Tuesday 25 February 2020
Perth – Wednesday 26 February 2020
- 9:30 – 11am – Regulators – register here
- 11:30 – 1:30pm – Animal carers/attendants, pet shop workers & pet groomers – register here
- 1:30 – 3:30pm – Animal trainers & assistance animals – register here
Adelaide – Thursday 27 February 2020
Consultation webinars
Wednesday 12 February 2020 (all times are Australian
Eastern Daylight Time)
- 11am – 12 pm – Regulators – register here
- 1 – 2pm – Animal carers/attendants, pet shop workers & pet groomers – register here
- 2:30 – 3:30 pm – Animal trainers & assistance animals – register here
Monday 24 February 2020 (all times are Australian
Central Standard Time)
- 2 – 3pm – Regulators – register here
- 3:30 – 4:30pm – Animal trainers & assistance animals – register here
- 7:30 – 8:30pm – Animal carers/attendants, pet shop workers & pet groomers – register here
Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates. Make sure to select ‘Animal Care and Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
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Australians place a great deal of value on the health and happiness of their pets and assistance animals, recognising how this can in turn benefit their own wellbeing. As the importance of pets in our homes and communities increases, the market for pet products and services is expanding. This is causing demand for more skilled workers in areas such as pet grooming, animal health care, animal training, assistance animals, companion and therapy animals, and regulation.Job roles in all these areas require foundational skills for managing the wellbeing of animals, as well as specialised skills relevant to each sub-sector.Thank you to those who provided feedback on the draft qualifications, skill sets and units that were made available on this webpage for feedback from 10 February – 16 April 2020.
During this time, feedback was collected via the online feedback hub, 24 consultation workshops, six webinars and email. The drafts, including any comments made on the feedback hub, are still available for viewing below.
Feedback will inform the work on the final drafts which are expected to available for industry validation in June 2020. Feedback was sought on the following significant changes:
- New draft Certificate IV in Animal Care Facility Management, to replace the existing ACM40217 Certificate IV in Captive Animals and ACM40317 Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services.
- Merging of the three existing Certificate III qualifications in the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package into one qualification with specialisations
- The redesign of the existing Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services as Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
- The replacement of the Certificate IV in Pet Styling with a new skill set
- The potential deletion or redesign of the Certificate I in General Animal Studies
- Two new skill sets for the Animal-Assisted Services sector
- Eight new units that describe emerging skills and knowledge, and the proposed deletion of nine existing units
- Merging of ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals and ACMGAS305 Rescue animals and apply basic first aid into one unit
- A suggestion to combine the two existing unit sectors, Companion Animal Sector (CAS) and General Animal Studies (GAS), into one unit sector.
Another project within Animal Care and Management is currently underway. More information about this project can be found on the
Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project page.
Qualifications & Skill Sets
In particular, feedback was sought on the following:
- The merging of the three existing Certificate III qualifications (General Animal Studies, Companion Animal Services and Pet Grooming) into one qualification - Certificate III in Animal Care Services (with specialisations). This has occurred to remove the duplication across these qualifications, while maintaining the integrity of specialist skills.
- The redesign of the existing Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services as Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. This qualification has been created in response to advice from this sector that a focussed qualification is required to develop the complex skills and knowledge required by this growing industry. It also reflects the feedback from RTOs that interest in the current qualification is solely from people wanting to develop skills in animal behaviour and training, rather than a generalist qualification.
- The creation of two new skill sets to cater for the skills and knowledge required by practitioners in the Animal-Assisted Services sector, which currently lacks specific units.
- The deletion of the Certificate IV in Pet Styling and replacing it with a new skill set that requires five pet grooming units to complete. This change was to ensure at least five grooming units are achieved by a person prior to calling themselves a professional pet groomer.
View documents:
click here.
| Code and Title | Comment | Link |
| Certificate IV in Animal Care Facility Management | New qualification, to replace the existing ACM40217 Certificate IV in Captive Animals and ACM40317 Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services.This qualification reflects the skills and knowledge for team leaders, supervisors, and specialist technical roles within an animal care facility, including companion animal, and zoos and wildlife environments. | View draft qualification |
| ACM1XX20 Certificate I in Animal Care | Title changedOne core unit changed - ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communications replaced with FSKOCM002 Engage in short and simple spoken exchanges at workElective bank comprising FSK Foundation Skills units added to provide greater guidance and to meet needs of target audience. | View draft qualification |
| ACM2XX20 Certificate II in Animal Care | Title changedCore units reduced from 8 to 7ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals updated and level reviewed to indicate Australian Qualification Framework 3 – unit moved to electives.Changes to units in Elective Groups A and B | View draft qualification |
| ACM3XX20 Certificate III in Animal Care Services | New qualification created by the merger of three existing qualifications (Certificate III in Animal Studies, Certificate III in Companion Animal Services and Certificate III in Pet Grooming).The new qualification allows for individuals to complete specialisations in up to two of the following:
- Pet Grooming
- Animal Care
- Customer Service
The new qualification also includes several units that were listed across the existing three qualifications. | View draft qualification |
| ACM40120 Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management | Title changedCore reduced from 7 units to 6 units - ACMWHS401 Maintain WHS processes replaced with ACMWHS301 Contribute to WHS processes to better reflect work undertaken at this levelGeneral elective bank expanded with new and existing unitsACMACR409 Prepare and present animal control and regulation case (listed in Group A) deleted and replaced with PSPINV (investigations) and PSPREG (regulation) units to provide greater mobility and recognition of skills and knowledge. | View draft qualification |
| ACM4XX20 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training | Redesigned qualification with a focus on animal training and behaviour, including two new units on assisted animal services. The revised and new units have been designed to reflect the complexity and problem solving of the work undertaken by this sector.Many of the units of Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services that covered the management of animal care business, services and facilities have been removed from the redesigned qualification and are now packaged in two new skill sets:
- Animal Facility Management Skill Set
- Animal Breeder Skill Set
| View draft qualification |
| Code and Title | Comment | Link |
| ACM40617 Certificate IV in Pet Styling | This qualification is proposed for deletion. It has very low enrolments and duplicates many of the outcomes of the Certificate III in Pet Grooming. Industry has advised that it is no longer required. It is being replaced with a new skill set that requires five pet grooming units to complete. This change was to ensure at least five grooming units are achieved by a person prior to calling themselves a professional pet groomer. | View draft qualification on training.gov.au |
View documents:
click here.
| Code and Title | Comment | Link |
| ACMSS00007 Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set | This existing skill set is designed to prepare individuals with the skills and knowledge to understand, interpret and apply microchip implantation procedures on cats and dogs while exhibiting appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.This skill set component codes and titles have been updated as part of the project. | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS00016 Promote Animal Health in Remote Communities Skill Set | This existing skill set describes the skills and knowledge to work effectively in remote Aboriginal communities to provide advice and services relating to animal health and infection control, particularly community dogs.This skill set has been updated as part of the project. | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X1 Advanced Dog Grooming Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to groom the different coat types that occur in dog breed groups recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council and to identify companion animal coat and skin conditions.The skill set provides credit towards the new Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming). | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X2 Cat Grooming Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to handle and groom cats of different breeds and coat types.The skill set provides credit towards the new Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming). | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X3 Animal Management Coordination in Remote Communities Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to coordinate and oversee animal health and management activities in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (herein referred to as Indigenous) communities.The skill set also provides credit towards the Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management. | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS0000X4 Animal-Assisted Services Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to work as an animal handler providing animal-assisted services to support people with disabilities and special needs.The skill set also provides credit towards the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS0000X5 Animal Breeder Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with some entry level skills to work in animal breeding. It requires four units to complete:
- ACMNEW3X1 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMNEW3X4 Identify behaviour and interact safely with animals
- ACMCAN311 Care for young animals
- ACMCAS406 Manage companion animal breeding
Advice was sought on whether this new skill set will be taken up by RTOs. | View draft skill set |
| ACMSS0000X6 Animal Facility Management Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with some supervisory skills and knowledge required to manage an animal care service and/or facility. It requires four units to complete:
- ACMCAS401 Advise on companion animal industry compliance and practices
- ACMINF401 Oversee site biosecurity and infection controls working with animals
- AHCLSK404 Implement and monitor animal welfare programs
- ACMWHS401 Maintain workplace health and safety processes
Advice was sought on whether this new skill set will be taken up by RTOs. | View draft skill set |
Units of Competency
In particular, feedback was sought on the following:
- The development of new units across sectors to describe emerging skills and knowledge.
- Deletion of nine existing units that industry have advised are no longer required or have outcomes covered by other units.
- The merging of ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals and ACMGAS305 Rescue animals and apply basic first aid into one to be titled Provide basic animal first aid.
- Whether ACM10117 Certificate I in General Animal Studies (proposed to be retitled as Certificate I in Animal Care) should be deleted or redeveloped, as it lacks a vocational outcome, but has strong enrolments.
- Name suggestions for a new unit sector, combining Companion Animal Sector (CAS) and General Animal Studies (GAS) into one unit sector as there is considerable synergy between these two sectors.
View documents:
click here.
| Code and Title | Comment | Link |
| ACMACR3X5 Support veterinary activities in remote communities | New unitTargets animal management and environmental health workers in remote communities | View draft unit |
| ACMACR401 Comply with animal control and regulation requirements | Title changed – previously Comply with animal control and regulation requirementsMinor changes to terminology for clarity – control removedRevised PE requirements | View draft unit |
| ACMACR402 Assess and impound animals | Changes to performance criteria - new and merged Performance CriteriaRevised Performance Evidence - increased requirements to two animals of different species | View draft |
| ACMACR403 Identify and respond to animal behaviour | Title changed – previously Identify and respond to animal behaviourSignificant changes to reflect workflow and focus - modified to be applicable to broader sectorsStakeholder advice requested on these changes | View draft unit |
| ACMACR404 Manage conflict situations in an animal management and regulatory environment | Title changed – previously Manage conflict situations in an animal control and regulation environment Minor changes to performance criteria for clarity and consistencyAdditional Knowledge Evidence points | View draft unit |
| ACMACR405 Assist with the euthanasia of animals | Title changed – previously Assist with the Euthanasia of sick, injured or unwanted pound animals Minor changes to Performance Criteria and Assessment Requirements for clarity and consistency | View draft unit |
| ACMACR406 Carry out animal holding facility procedures | Title changed – previously Carry out pound proceduresMinor changes to Performance Criteria and Assessment Requirements for clarity and consistency | View draft unit |
| ACMACR407 Conduct community awareness programs | Minor changes to Performance Criteria for clarity and consistencyPerformance Evidence revised | View draft unit |
| ACMACR408 Coordinate seizure of animals | Minor changes and reordering of Performance Criteria for clarity and consistencyPerformance Evidence revised | View draft unit |
| ACMACR4X3 Plan and monitor remote community animal management activities | New unit targeting individuals who coordinate animal management and veterinary activities in remote communities – see details in New Unit section | View draft unit |
| ACMACR4X4 Develop and implement animal management initiatives | New unitTargets individuals who plan, develop and implement project initiatives aimed at promoting community engagement and improving outcomes relating to animal management and compliance | View draft unit |
View documents:
click here.
| Code and Title | Key changes | Link |
| ACMCAS302 Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care | Minor changes throughout unitElement 5 modified to include sales of services as well as products and animalsStakeholder advice was requested about whether ACMCAS302 and 303 could be merged. | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS303 Provide advice on selection and care of aquatic animals | Minor changes throughout unit for clarity and consistencyElement 5 modified to include sales of services as well as products and animals.Stakeholder advice requested: Could ACMCAS302 and 303 be merged – they are very similar? | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS305 Maintain aquascapes and aquatic animals | Minor changes to performance criteria for clarity | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS401 Advise on companion animal industry compliance and practice | Title changed to reflect changes made to unit – previously Manage compliance in the companion animal industryElements, Performance Criteria and Assessment Requirements reworked significantly to ensure it is applicable to a range of companion animal sectors and workplaces | View draft unit and provide feedback |
| ACMCAS402 Manage and maintain aviaries and bird rooms | Minor changes to Performance Criteria for clarity | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS403 Design, construct and maintain aquascapes | Minor edits to Performance Criteria and Assessment Requirements for clarity and consistency - reworded element 4 | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS404 Develop enrichment strategies for animals | Title changed – previously Develop enrichment strategies for companion animalsChanges to ensure unit is applicable to all animals – not only companion animalsMinor changes to Performance Criteria and Performance Evidence | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS406 Manage companion animal breeding | Minor changes to unit | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS409 Provide individual advice animal behaviour management and training | Title changed to clarify intent of unit – previously Provide training advice to companion animal ownersSignificant changes throughout unit to clarify focus and differentiate from ACMCAS410 - Element 5 deletedPerformance Evidence revised | View draft unit |
| ACMCAS410 Conduct group dog training classes | Title changed to clarify intent of unit, which is group dog training classes – previously Conduct companion animal training classesSignificant rewording of Performance Criteria in elements 1-5 to clarify intent of unit and differences to ACMCAS409Performance Evidence revised to meet industry expectations about dog trainingStakeholder advice requested: Should this unit be dog specific? Note it has changed from companion animal to dog training to be more focussed. Would a general unit be used with other species eg horses? | View draft unit |
View documents:
click here.
| Unit code and Title | Key changes | Link |
| ACMGAS101 Explore job opportunities in animal care and related industries | Title changed from Investigate to Explore to better reflect Australian Qualification Framework requirementsMinor edits throughout unit for consistency and clarityPerformance Evidence requirements revised | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS102 Catch and handle a range of quiet animals | Terminology changes - treatments and inspections replaced with care routine or activity to be applicable to broader number of facilities/services | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS103 Assist in the care of animals | Minor edits throughout unit for consistency and clarity | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS201 Work in the animal care industry | New element 2 added to address content re: identifying various species of animals and their characteristicsAssessment Requirements revisedPerformance Evidence – changes to volume/frequency requirements revisedKnowledge Evidence - some points deleted as not applicable to all workplaces | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communications | New Performance Criteria 4.7 added to address responding to feedbackMinor changes for consistency and clarityStakeholder advice requested: Should this unit be replaced with BSBCMM201 Communicate in the workplace – for improved portability of units? | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS203 Complete animal care hygiene routines | Minor changes to terminology in Performance Criteria for clarity - ie grooming has different meaning to each sectorSome Performance Criteria merged (element 2) and reordered and deleted (element 4) | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS204 Feed and water animals | Minor changes to assessment requirements (Performance Evidence & Knowledge Evidence) | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS205 Assist in health care of animals | Changes to terminology to ensure unit is applicable to all sectors ie cage/enclosure; capture/restrain/secure (Element 2)New Performance Criteria 4.4 on basic first aid added as ACMGAS206 is to be merged with ACMGAS305 at higher level | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS207 Provide reception services for an animal care facility | Changes to Performance Criteria and element 2 for clarityPerformance Evidence revised to address volume/frequency related to tasks rather than specifying a number of hours or days to work in reception - feedback sought on change | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS208 Source information for animal care needs | Minor changes to Performance Criteria in element 1 | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS209 Provide information on companion animals, products and services | Minor edits for clarity and consistency to Performance Criteria and Performance Evidence | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS210 Prepare for and conduct a tour or presentation | Minor edits for consistency across the units. Some duplication with ACMCAN302 Prepare and present information to the publicStakeholder advice was requested on whether:
- This unit should be recoded to Australian Qualification Framework 3?
- Whether all tours mentioned in Element 3 would include animal involvement and if the element be modified?
| View draft unit |
| ACMGAS301 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | Minor edits for clarity and consistency to Performance Criteria | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS302 Provide enrichment for animals | Changes to terminology to reflect contemporary language relating to behaviour and training eg mental/emotional states, maladaptive/ undesirable behaviourPerformance Evidence revised in line with change in terminology | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS303 Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animals | Title changed – previously Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animalsElement 2 revised – feedback indicated that the unit was too high for Cert III as most people at this level would not be planning diets for animals. | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS304 Carry out simple breeding procedures | Minor changes for consistencyRevised Performance Evidence - reduced volume/frequency from 4 to 2 animals as breeding some species may be more difficult, time-consuming and difficult to access | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS305 Provide basic animal first aid | Title changed – previously Rescue animals and apply basic first aidRedesigned unit that incorporates the outcomes of ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid and ACMGAS305 Rescue animals and apply basic first aid | View draft unit |
| ACMGAS306 Assist with conditioning animals | Minor changes to Performance Criteria and Assessment Requirements for clarity and consistencyRevised Assessment Requirements - Performance Evidence and additional points in Knowledge Evidence | View draft unit |
View documents:
click here.| Code and Title | Comments | Link |
| ACMNEW3X1 Assess the welfare status of an animal | Covers assessing the welfare status of an animal using an industry recognised animal welfare assessment framework or model and tool. Refer to Exhibited Animals & Marine Wildlife Project for further details. | This unit is also being reviewed as part of the Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project. A final draft of this unit will be available for validation in April. Stakeholders that are subscribed to receive news alerts for the animal care and management industry will be contacted when the final draft is released. Subscribe here. |
| ACMNEW3X2 Promote positive wellbeing in animal care industries | Covers managing personal wellbeing and psychological health and safety in workplaces involving animals. It includes identifying the hazards and challenges of the work, developing a proactive self-care action plan and contributing to positive support strategies. Refer to Exhibited Animals & Marine Wildlife Project for further details. | This unit is also being reviewed as part of the Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project. A final draft of this unit will be available for validation in April. Stakeholders that are subscribed to receive news alerts for the animal care and management industry will be contacted when the final draft is released. Subscribe here. |
| ACMNEW3X3 Walk and exercise dogs | Covers managing walking and exercise activities for individual and groups of dogs. | View draft unit |
| ACMNEW3X4 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals | Covers identifying and interpreting behaviour and safely handling, interacting and responding to animals in a range of animal care facilities and environments. It can be applied to a range of animal species. | View draft unit and provide feedback |
| ACMNEW4X1 Conduct animal behavioural suitability assessments | Covers assessing animal behaviour for suitability for a range of purposes, which may include adoption/rehoming or for specific purposes or activities. It typically applies dogs and cats but may be applied to other species. | View draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X2 Apply animal learning theory and training methodology | Covers reviewing, evaluating and selecting animal training methodologies and techniques to achieve stated objectives within welfare, workplace and safety requirements. It involves in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour, species-specific learning theory and the application of scientifically validated, ethical training methodologies and techniques. | View draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X5 Work in animal-assisted services sector | Covers working as an animal handler and team member with an animal-assisted service provider. It involves organising animal care, access to facilities and interactions with people. Services may involve working with individual participants (clients, students, patients), professional educators and/or health care practitioners supporting people with a range of disabilities or special needs. | View draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X6 Apply disability awareness to animal-assisted services | Covers working in the animal-assisted services sector. It includes a broad knowledge of a range of disabilities and special needs, types of animal-assisted services to support those needs and relevant legislative and industry requirements. | View draft unit |
| ACMNEW5X1 Manage complex animal behaviour | Covers interpreting and assessing animal behaviour and working with veterinary behaviour consultants and veterinarians to develop programs to address complex animal behaviour issues. | View draft unit |
View documents:
click here.
| Code and Title | Comments | Link |
| ACMGRM2X1 Bathe, dry and brush domestic dogs | New UnitCovers bathing/washing, drying and brushing domestic dogs with different coat types | View draft unit |
| ACMGRM301 Perform dog grooms on different coat types | Prerequisites removed - delivery advice for sequencing units to be provided in Companion Volume Implementation Guide | View draft unit |
| ACMGRM302 Perform grooms on cross breed dogs | Title changed - previously Perform grooms on cross breed dogsPrerequisites removed - delivery advice to be included in Companion Volume Implementation GuideChanged order of PCs for clarification and to better reflect flow of workAssessment requirements revisedPerformance Evidence - clarification of industry expectations and more detail about coat types and equipment to be assessedKnowledge Evidence - additional points - grooming equipment and personal protective equipment | View draft unit |
| ACMGRM3X5 Provide sanitary and hygienegrooms for companion animals | Title and code sector changed - previously ACMCAS306 Provide grooming services for companion animal comfortPrerequisites removed - delivery advice to be included in Companion Volume Implementation GuideMinor edits to most Performance Criteria for clarity and consistencyAssessment requirements revisedPerformance Evidence - clarification of industry expectations and more detail about types of grooms and equipmentKnowledge Evidence - additional points | View draft unit |
| ACMGRM405 Groom cats of different breeds and coat types | Title and code sector changed - previously Carry out styling on cats of different breeds and coat typesPrerequisites removed - delivery advice to be included in the Companion Volume Implementation GuideMinor edits to many PCs for clarity, consistency and plain EnglishAssessment requirements revisedPerformance Evidence - clarification of industry expectations and more detail about types of grooms and equipmentKnowledge Evidence - additional points | View draft unit |
| ACMGRM406 Carry out breed standard styling on dog breed groups | Prerequisites removed - delivery advice to be included in ACM CVIGMinor edits to many Performance Criteria for clarity, consistency and plain EnglishAssessment Requirements revisedPerformance Evidence - clarification of industry expectations and more detail about types of grooms and equipmentKnowledge Evidence - additional points | View draft unit |
| ACMGRM4X1 Enhance companion animal coat and skin condition | New UnitCovers identifying and evaluating the condition of companion animal coat and skin and providing appropriate products and services in consultation with clients/carers. | View draft unit |
| Code | Comments | Link |
| ACMACR409 Prepare and present animal control and regulation case | This unit is proposed for deletion. Industry has advised that this unit is to general for its requirements and that the skills and knowledge are covered in other units added to the qualification (coded PSPINV and PSPREG) are better suited to their needs. The use of imported units assists individuals with the portability of skills and knowledge for individuals undertaking similar work within government and other compliance sectors. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS301 Work effectively in the companion animal industry | This unit is proposed for deletion. Industry has advised the outcomes of this unit are included in other existing units and that this unit is not required. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS304 Capture, handle and transport companion animals | This unit is proposed for deletion as much of the content is covered in the new unit ACMNEW3X4 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS307 Provide companion animal hydro bathing services | This unit is proposed for deletion as it covers one type of bathing technique only. It will be replaced byACMGRM2X1 Bathe, dry and brush domestic dogs. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS405 Purchase companion animal livestock | This unit is proposed for deletion due to low enrolments and advice from industry that it is not needed. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS408 Manage the operation of a mobile hydro-bathing facility | This unit is proposed for deletion as it does not cover the full range of services and does not meet industry requirements. There have been very low enrolments. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS407 Provide professional companion animal grooming services | This unit is not required by the grooming industry. The unit content is covered in other ACMGRM units. Pet groomers need to undertake several of the ACMGRM units to develop the required skills and knowledge – not one general unit. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMGAS206 Provide basic animal first aid | The content of ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals and ACMGAS305 Rescue animals and apply basic first aid is very similar. The units have been merged to address duplication and concerns relating to ACMGAS206 being too high a level for Australian Qualification Framework 2 coded unit. The revised unit is aligned to Australian Qualification Framework 3. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMGRM404 Provide creative styling for | Industry has advised that this unit is not required. The grooming techniques required for creative styling/grooming are covered in other existing units that are being revised as part of this project. | View unit on training.gov.au |
Consultation to date
These draft components have been created with advice from more than 30 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from relevant industry sectors across Australia. Workforce Functional Analysis workshops were held with the SMEs during October and November 2019 to identify the current job roles and work functions required by industry.As a result of industry consultation and research it became clear that the current qualifications, especially those at a Certificate III and IV level should be redesigned to better reflect the current needs of industry and reduce significant duplication. In response, a discussion paper was published on this website in December 2020 outlining proposed changes to the qualifications and proposing new skill sets and units. Skills Impact would like to thank the people that submitted feedback on the proposals set out in the discussion paper.
Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates. Make sure to select ‘Animal Care and Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
V
Pets and assistance animals are highly valued by Australians for their contributions to our communities, as evidenced by the expanding market for pet products and services. As assistance animals become more common and the public look to a broader range of options to keep their pets healthy and happy, demand is increasing for skilled workers in areas such as pet grooming, animal health care, animal training, assistance animals, companion and therapy animals, and regulation. Job roles in these areas require similar skills at a foundational level to care for animal wellbeing, as well as specialist expertise to perform tasks relevant to each role. This project involves consultation with industry to describe the skills standards for these job roles.Thank you to those who provided feedback on the final draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency that were made available on this page from 24 June - 8 July 2020.The final drafts will shortly progress through to the Finalisation stage of the project which includes quality assurance of the documents and review and feedback from the State/Territory Training Authorities. They will then be forwarded to the Animal Care and Management Industry Reference Committee (IRC) for consideration and sign off, before being submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and Stae/Territory Ministers to consider and approve for publication on training.gov.au.These qualifications, skill sets and units were revised considering feedback from broader stakeholders to better reflect industry needs, including current job roles, work functions and industry expectations. A brief summary of the changes that have occurred at this stage is detailed next to each document listed below – click on the grey heading to reveal the list and view the summary of changes.
Key Changes
Using the feedback collected, the qualifications, skills and units were revised and updated with guidance from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), including industry experts from each sector and from various States and Territories. Some of the major changes that occurred include:
- A proposed new Animal Shelter Workers Skill Set
- Dropping the proposed Animal Facility Management Skill Set (no longer needed since the proposed new Certificate IV in Animal Care Facility Management that was released for feedback on 13 March 2020)
- Proposed deletion of the following units as more appropriate units already exist:
- ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communications
- ACMGAS210 Prepare for and conduct a tour or presentation
- Proposed merging of ACMGAS208 Source information for animal care needs and ACMGAS209 Provide information on companion animals, products and services
- Redesign of the Certificate I and its related units as an Animal Care Industry Pathways qualification, with a focus on pathways for further learning, community involvement and supervised animal care tasks under direct supervisor
- Significant changes to several units Animal Control & Regulation (ACR) units and the new units related to Animal Behaviour and Training (listed cross sector CAS/GAS) below.
Summary of consultation to date
Thank you to those stakeholders who provided feedback on the drafts that were made available from 10 February – 16 April 2020
, under the ‘Drafts Available’ stage. During this time, feedback was collected via the online feedback hub and emails, 23 face-to-face consultation workshops held around the country, six webinars, a national industry conference for Animal Assisted Therapies professionals, and via phone calls. The units were drafted with guidance from Subject Matter Experts, made up of workplace experts and industry. In addition, Skills Impact surveyed all the Registered Training Organisations that have the existing Certificate I in Animal Studies on Scope of Registration to seek information about:
- The learners and their reasons for undertaking the qualification
- The outcomes of the qualification in terms of work or future learning
- Possible alternatives to the Certificate I if it was removed from the ACM Training Package.
A description of how feedback has been considered and applied in these final drafts can be downloaded below. Please click the ‘Download Summary of Feedback, Responses and Actions’ button. Qualifications & Skill Sets
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACM1XX20 Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways | Title updatedThe Application statement has been updated to reflect that the qualification is a pathway program to further learning or provides skills community involvement or work under direct supervision.Changes to the core and elective units to strengthen foundation skills.ACM units coded ACMGAS101, 102 and 103 have been updated.ACMINF101 Take responsibility for the health and welfare of animals in own care added to the electives | View final draft qualification |
| ACM2XX20 Certificate II in Animal Care | Core:
- Packaging rules updated - core units reduced from 8 to 7
- ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communications proposed to be replaced with BSBCMM201 Communicate in the workplace in the revised Certificate II in Animal Care
Electives:
- Changes to units in Elective Groups A and B
- ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals updated and level reviewed to indicative AQF3 – unit moved to electives.
- ACMGAS209 Provide information on companion animals, products and services proposed to be merged with ACMGAS208 Source and provide information for animal care needs
| View final draft qualification |
| ACM3XX20 Certificate III in Animal Care Services | Packaging rules updated:Increase in 1 unit (total and core) as a result of ACMINF301 moving to core - this allows individuals to achieve two specialisations.Packaging rules for Group C changed to: must select:
- ACMCAS302 Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care
- ACMGAS208 Source and provide information on animal care needs
- BSBCUS301 Deliver and monitor a service to customers
Core:
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work moved from electives to core
Electives:Group A (Animal care)
- ACMGAS307 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work added as an elective
Group B (Pet Grooming)
- Prerequisite units for GRM units updated
Group C (Customer service)
- SITXCCS007 Enhance customer service experiences - deleted
- BSBCUS301 Deliver and monitor a service to customers - added
- BSBCUS402 Address customer needs - added
Group D - addition of finance / small business units:
- BSBFIA301 Maintain financial records
- BSBSMB305 Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business
- BSBSMB421 Manage small business finances
| View final draft qualification |
| ACM40120 Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management | Packaging rules:
- Core units increased by one
- Elective units decreased by one
Core:
- Confirmed deletion of ACMACR409 Prepare and present animal control and regulation case due to overlap with PSPRERG006 and PSPREG010
- PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes added to core
| View final draft qualification |
| ACM4XX20 Certificate IV in Animal Care Facility Management | New qualification, to replace the existing ACM40217 Certificate IV in Captive Animals and ACM40317 Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. It also takes the place of the proposed new skill set ACMSS0000X6 Animal Facility Management Skill SetThis qualification reflects the skills and knowledge for team leaders, supervisors, and specialist technical roles within an animal care facility, including companion animal, and zoos and wildlife environments.Additional units were added to each specialisation group (companion animal and wildlife/exhibited animal facilities) and the general electives. | View final draft qualification |
| ACM4X920 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training | Changes to the application statement to better reflect and clarify the intent of qualification to relate to general animal (not species-specific) behaviour and training.Packaging rules updated – total number of units reduced from 18 to 16 (8 core and 8 electives)Updated titles to some unitsElective group headings updatedList of existing units for horses and dogs reviewed for currency and included in a ‘species-specific’ elective group | View final draft qualification |
| Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACM40617 Certificate IV in Pet Styling | This qualification is proposed for deletion. It has very low enrolments and industry has advised that it is no longer required. It is being replaced with a new skill set that requires five pet grooming units to complete. This change was to ensure at least five grooming units are achieved by a person prior to calling them self a professional pet groomer. | View draft qualification on training.gov.au |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACMSS00007 Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set | Unit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS00016 Promote Animal Health in Remote Communities Skill Set | Unit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X1 Advanced Dog Grooming Skill Set | Unit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X2 Cat Grooming Skill Set | Changes to unitsACMGRM2X1 Bath, dry and brush dogs and ACMGRM3X5 Provide sanitary and hygiene grooms for companion animals (previously prerequisite units) removed from the Skill SetUnit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X3 Animal Management Coordination in Remote Communities Skill Set | No changesUnit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS0000X4 Animal-Assisted Services Skill Set | No changesUnit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS0000X5 Animal Breeder Skill Set | ACMGAS304 Carry out simple breeding procedures added to Skill SetUnit and qualification codes to be updated | View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS000X7 Animal Shelter Worker Skill Set | This new skill set provides individuals with the skills and knowledge required to work in animal shelters or holding facilities. It requires seven units to complete:
- ACMACR406 Carry out animal holding facility procedures
- ACMCAS302 Provide advice on companion animal selection and care
- ACMGAS301 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGAS302 Provide enrichment for animals
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMNEW3X1 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMNEW3X4 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
| View final draft skill set |
| ACMSS0000X6 Animal Facility Management Skill Set | This skill set was proposed for development, but is no longer being pursed as industry feedback indicated these skills could be captured in the ACM4XX20 Certificate IV in Animal Care Facility Management. |
Units of Competency
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACMACR401 Administer animal management and regulatory requirement | Title updated (previously Comply with animal control and regulation requirements)Element 2 reworded to Review and implement relevant animal management legislative and regulatory requirementsKnowledge evidence updated | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR402 Assess and impound animals | New /revised Performance Criteria:
- 1.2 Identify animal behaviours indicating increased risk of an adverse reaction to capture and handling
- 2.2 Select appropriate equipment and fit or use correctly to restrain the animal
- 2.7 Apply basic changes to containment or behavioural husbandry to address behavioural signs of distress
- 3.1 Ensure vehicle and transport arrangements comply with hygiene and infectious disease control and safe transportation requirements according to regulatory guidelines
- 3.7 Accurately enter and store information, including sex and approximate age of animal, into relevant management system according to legislative and workplace procedures
Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence:
- Terminology changes - low stress added to relevant points; temperament deleted
Knowledge Evidence – new points added:
- Strategies for communicating with owners/carers and/or onlookers
- Environmental conditions, including weather and temperature, that impact on animal welfare during transportation
- Workplace record keeping requirements and overview of types of data collected
| View final draft unit |
| ACMACR403 Identify and respond to animal behaviour in animal management and regulation environment | Title updated (previously Identify and respond to animal behaviour)Element 3 – reworded to Address unwanted, unusual or maladaptive behaviourFS – oral communication reworded to include current, best practice terminologyAssessment requirements updated | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR404 Manage conflict situations in an animal management and regulatory environment | Wording changes to PCs to reflect approaches used to avoid escalation of conflictKnowledge Evidence point added - overview of social issues surrounding pet ownership and caretaking | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR405 Assist with the euthanasia of animals | Title updatedMinor changes throughout unitPerformance Evidence: updated | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR406 Carry out animal holding facility procedures | Minor changes throughout unit relating to terminology - temperament replaced with behaviour; low stress addedElement 4 - PC 4.4 clarified: Prepare animals not discharged, for adoption, transfer or to owners, within a given period to be euthanased according to workplace proceduresKnowledge Evidence points updated relating to low stress handling and best practice approaches in animal holding facility procedures | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR407 Conduct community awareness programs | Application: updated to: required to prepare, deliver and evaluate programs to educate, engage and increase community awareness on matters relating to animal management regulationPC.1.1 reference to data addedNew Performance Criteria added:
- 1.2 Explore and identify social issues surrounding pet ownership and caretaking
- 4.3 Review impact of program on department operations
| View final draft unit |
| ACMACR408 Coordinate seizure of animals | Performance Criteria reworded:
- 2.8 Assist veterinarian or authorised personnel with chemical restraints if requested and if required for the situation
- 3.7 Handle animals appropriately, examine for health and welfare problems and, monitor sedated animals during recovery where required
- 3.8 Dispose of deceased animals appropriately, if required, according to workplace policies and procedures, owner's request and legislative requirements
Knowledge Evidence – wording modified:
- Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements for use of firearms, capture guns and chemical agents used for sedation or anaesthesia
| View final draft unit |
| ACMACR3X5 Support veterinary activities in remote communities | Low stress handling’ added to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence.Modified PC 1.3 to reflect intent of feedback. | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR4X3 Plan and monitor remote community animal management activities | Minor changes to the Application statementNew PC 2.4 added | View final draft unit |
| ACMACR4X4 Develop and implement animal management initiatives | New PCs added:1.3 Explore and identify social issues surrounding pet ownership and caretaking2.2 Investigate community resources currently available and explore opportunities for collaboration with other organisations to assist with better engagement | View final draft unit |
Alternatively, you can provide validation by emailing Tom Vassallo [email protected].
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACMCAS302 Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care | Elements and Performance Criteria – rewording and additions:1.2 Provide information on the characteristics of different species and/or breeds of animals, including written information where availableElement 3. Advise on health, nutritional and mental wellbeing requirements3.5 Discuss the animal's social and enrichment needs, including those that impact on behaviour and mental wellbeing4.3 Advise client on safe, low stress and humane animal transportationTerminology – low stress handling and mental wellbeing added to Performance Criteria and Knowledge Evidence | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS303 Provide advice on selection and care of aquatic animals | Minor changes for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS305 Maintain aquascapes and aquatic animals | Minor changes for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS401 Advise on animal industry compliance and practice | Unit broadened and made applicable to all animals not only companion animalsTitle updated (previously Advise on companion animal industry compliance and practice)Knowledge Evidence – point expanded:Key requirements of Commonwealth, state/territory and local government legislation, regulations and codes of practice relating to animal care and management relevant to the workplace, including:Health and safety of workersAnimal welfareOwnership or care of domestic/companion, native wildlife or exotic animalsBiosecurityTransportation | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS402 Manage and maintain aviaries and bird rooms | Minor changes for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS403 Design, construct and maintain aquascapes | Minor changes for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS404 Development, implement and monitor enrichment strategies for animals | Title updated (previously Develop enrichment strategies for animals)Performance Criteria - changes to focus on developing environmental and behavioural enrichment for all animals not only those with behavioural concerns (in line with changes made to ACMGAS302 Provide enrichment for animals)Knowledge Evidence points added to cover:Types and purpose of enrichment strategiesLow stress handling | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS406 Manage companion animal breeding | Changes throughout unit to emphasise animal welfare and ethics - PC 1.1, 1.5 and 4.1New Performance Criteria:2.2 Identify genetic conditions that may preclude breeding2.3 Consult breed registration group and association requirements in selecting breeding stock, if appropriate4.3 Assess procedures for managing the welfare of offspring4.4 Provide outcomes for retired or non-breeding stock that ensure good quality of lifeKnowledge Evidence – points added:Breed or species specific health testing proceduresWorkplace and/or industry record keeping requirements | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS409 Provide individual advice on behaviour management and training | Application section – wording revised to clarify intent of unit and to make the application across the units that reflect AQF level 4 more consistent.Performance Criteria updated:1.3 Offer referral to an appropriate professional colleague with more specialised skills if the case is beyond personal expertise (behaviourist terminology updated)1.4 options added - Discuss options and determine management and training needs with client1.5 Conduct an assessment of the animal, client/animal relationship and environment in which the behaviour occurs1.6 (new) Determine the client's capacity to carry out the agreed training and behaviour program3.1 animal welfare and ethics added - Select, prepare and use appropriate training equipment according to management and training plan and animal welfare and ethics3.5 reworded to cover a range of media - Provide client with individualised and/or general information about the session using appropriate media, in a timely mannerKnowledge Evidence and terminology updated where relevant - i.e. low stress handling addedAssessment Criteria added: Species-specific reinforcers, shaping items, targeting items, bridging items (clicker/whistle) | View final draft unit |
| ACMCAS410 Conduct group training classes for animal owners | Title updated (previously Conduct group dog training classes)Changes to reflect that the focus of the unit is for animals in general rather than dog specific.Application - wording revised to clarify intent of unit and for consistency with ACMCAS409Performance Evidence – volume and frequency requirements reviewed: increase training requirements from 3 to 4 desirable behaviours | View final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Unit | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACMGAS101 Explore job opportunities in animal care and related industries | Elements 2 and 3 combinedPerformance Criteria revised and re-organised | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals | Title updated (previously Catch and handle a range of quiet animals)Terminology updated throughout unitLow stress added to PC 5.3, Performance Evidence and Knowledge EvidenceCatch replaced with approach or secureQuiet animals replaced with calm animalsKnowledge Evidence – points updated for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS103 Assist in the care of animals | Elements 1 and 4 combinedPerformance Criteria revised and reorganised | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS201 Work in the animal care industry | New element 2 added Recognise and identify animals in the workplaceMapping – equivalence reviewed, and the unit considered Not equivalentKnowledge Evidence reviewed and updated | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS203 Complete animal care hygiene routines | Minor changes for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS204 Feed and water animals | Minor changes for clarity | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS205 Assist in health care of animals | New PC (4.2) reworded and reordered for a more logical workflow --: Assist supervisor to provide basic first aidTerminology - low stress handling added to PC 3.1, Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence.The SME Working Group considered the suggestion for a level 2 First Aid unit and support the addition of a new PC 4.2 to this unit to address basic first aid at this level. | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS207 Provide reception services for an animal care facility | Foundation Skills – oral communication. Additional point - Use active listening skills and questioning techniques to determine and respond to client needsTerminology - low stress handling added to PC 3.2 | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS208 Source and provide information for animal care needs | Title updated (previously Source information for animal care needs)Redesigned unit that merges the outcomes of GAS208 and ACMGAS209 Provide information on companion animals, products and services.Changes to elements and PCs for clarity and for broader use across Animal Care and Management sectorsNote that BSBCUS201 Deliver a service to customers has been added as an elective in the revised Certificate II in Animal Care | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS301 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | Performance Criteria minor rewording:
- 1.4 Prepare and maintain isolation and quarantine areas in accordance with workplace protocols
- 2.1 Examine the anatomy and physiology of a range of animal species to identify differences in physical appearance and body structure
- 4.3 Store treatments and medications appropriately according to workplace procedures
Knowledge Evidence - minor updates to reflect changes in unit | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS302 Provide enrichment for animals | Elements, Performance Criteria and Knowledge Evidence reviewed to ensure focus of unit is on preparing environmental and behavioural enrichment for all animals not only those with behavioural concerns.Element 2 reworded to Assist with preparing an enrichment programElement 3: PC 3.1 and 3.2 revised for consistency with element 2.Knowledge Evidence – added – sensory enrichment and cognitive ability of animal speciesTerminology: undesirable deleted and low stress added. | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS303 Provide nutritional requirements for animals | Title updatedRevised PCs to be less ‘scientific’ / technical2.5 Identify key food groups of animal food or diet2.7 Document diet plans according to instructions and workplace proceduresKnowledge Evidence – point added:Key food groups in animal food or diet, including protein, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral supplement and fibre content (from PC 2.5) | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS304 Carry out simple breeding procedures | Previously Plan for and provide nutritional requirements for animalsAnimal welfare and ethics strengthened throughout the unit in:Application section, PC 1.3, and Knowledge EvidencePE added 'followed animal welfare and ethics requirements relating to breeding animals'. | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS305 Provide basic animal first aid | Minor changes to Unit Mapping and Assessment Requirements for clarity(Note – Redesigned unit to reduce overlap between ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals and ACMGAS305 Rescue animals and apply basic first aid. The skills and knowledge required for first aid reflect AQF level 3 outcomes given the problem solving and responsibility involved). | View final draft unit |
| ACMGAS4XX Condition animal behaviour | Title and code updated (previously ACMGAS306 Assist with conditioning animals)Changes to unit to undertake rather than assist with conditioningThe AQF level was reviewed (reflected in code change) and an element on explaining and demonstrating the conditioning process to others included. | View final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACMNEW3X3 Walk and exercise dogs | PC 3.2 reworded - body replaced with visual -Reinforce training relating to walking on lead including use of lead, positioning dog, speed and direction, visual and verbal cues. | View final draft unit |
| ACMNEW3X4 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals | Current title confirmedPC 3.6 deleted – covered in other Performance CriteriaPerformance Evidence – revised to add more options for a range of ACM sectors – refer to validation draftKnowledge Evidence – addedCore emotional states in animals, including positive, ambivalent and negative statesConcept of anthropomorphism | View final draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X1 Conduct animal behavioural assessments | Title updated (previously Conduct animal behavioural suitability assessments)Changes to Performance Criteria:2.3 (reworded) Record objective descriptions of animal behaviour using workplace criteria, tools and formats3.2 (new) - Identify and review factors which may have compromised the quality of the behavioural information collectedPE revised and updatedKnowledge Evidence – several points added and updated | View final draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X2 Evaluate animal training methodology and program design | Title updated (previously Apply animal learning theory and training methodology)Performance Criteria - added and/or modified:1.3 (new) Identify behavioural indicators of compromised physical health and welfare1.4 (modified) Investigate species-specific animal cognition and developmental stages3.5 (new) Seek and incorporate feedback on the training or behaviour modification program from a mentor or more experienced trainerElement 4 added - Implement and review the training or behaviour modification programKnowledge Evidence - points added to reflect changes in Performance Criteria | View final draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X5 Manage animals and facilitate human-animal interaction in animal-assisted services | Title updated to better reflect content (previously Work in animal-assisted service sector)Element 4 – revised wording to reflect role of handler in facilitating human-animal bondTerminology updated and used consistently for clarity – participant, handler and practitionerPerformance Evidence: added point 'complied with relevant regulations, policies and reporting procedures'.Knowledge Evidence - points addedClient care, support and safety roleFacility standards, care, safety awareness | View final draft unit |
| ACMNEW4X6 Apply disability awareness to animal assisted services | Performance Criteria – minor changesKnowledge Evidence – changes to points:Added - Code of Conduct and …codeAdded - relevant stakeholdersAdded Australian to DDADeleted - United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesAdded - police check | View final draft unit |
| ACMNEW5X1 Work collaboratively to manage complex animal behaviour | Title updated to better reflect unit content (previously Manage complex animal behaviour)Terminology - veterinary behaviour consultant changed to behaviour veterinarian or other qualified professional due to veterinary board restrictions on terms such as consultant or specialist. | View final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all skill sets in this group. | Code and Title | Key changes from first draft to validation draft | Link |
| ACMGRM2X1 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs | Title updated – Bathe changed to Bath (previously Bathe, dry and brush domestic dogs)Performance Evidence – added requirement to:Use at least 2 bathing systems/equipmentZBath dogs with different coat typesKnowledge Evidence – added bathing systems/equipmentAssessment Criteria – updated to reflect change to Performance Evidence | View final draft unit |
| ACMGRM301 Groom dogs to meet breed style and coat requirements | Title updated (previously Perform dog grooms on different coat types)Revised wording in Application sectionRevised PC 4.4Performance Evidence – types of coats and suitable breeds added | View final draft unit |
| ACMGRM302 Perform grooms on cross breed dogs | PC 6.4 reworded for clarityPerformance Evidence – wording changed - at least one dog must have special handling requirements - select one from:Inexperienced or reactive dog (nervous deleted)Senior dog or dog with restricted movementPuppy. | View final draft unit |
| ACMGRM3X5 Provide sanitary and hygiene grooms for companion animals | A redesigned version of ACMCAS306 Provide grooming services for companion animal comfortChanges to Performance Criteria:1.4 reworded for clarity2.1 and 2.5 merged to reduce duplicationElements 3 and 4 reworded and reordered for clarityPerformance Evidence – nail trimming addedOne sanitary/hygiene maintenance groom covering face, feet and sanitary areas and nail trimming or grinding. | View final draft unit |
| ACMGRM405 Groom cats of different breeds and coat types | PC 3.5 and 3.6 merged and reworded to remove duplication (3.5) Clip or shave cats to remove excess coat, mats or knots for cat health and comfort. | View final draft unit |
| ACMGRM406 Carry out advanced breed standard styling on dog breed group | Title updated (previously Carry out breed standard styling on dog breed groups)Minor revisions to Performance Criteria for clarity3.4 Remove stains from white or light coloured coats, if requiredPerformance Evidence – Breeds reviewedFoundation Skills - duplicated table deleted | View final draft unit |
| ACMGRM4X1 Enhance companion animal coat and skin condition | Changes made to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence and to Element 2 (reworded to) Recognise clinical signs of coat and skin conditionsMinor wording changes made to use common language/terminology for skin conditions. | View final draft unit |
| Code | Comments | Link |
| ACMACR409 Prepare and present animal control and regulation case | This unit is only listed in ACM40117 Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation.Industry has advised that this unit is too general for its requirements and that there are more robust and appropriate units available from the Public Sector Training Package. A selection of PSPINV and PSPREG have been listed in the redesigned Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS301 Work effectively in the companion animal industry | This unit is listed in ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming and ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services that are being merged into the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services as part of the current project.Industry has advised the outcomes of this unit are included in other existing units and that this unit is not required. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS304 Capture, handle and transport companion animals | This unit is listed in ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming and ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services that are being merged into the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services as part of the current project.A new unit ACMNEW3X4 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals has been developed that includes much of the content of this existing unit. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS307 Provide companion animal hydro bathing services | This unit is listed in ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming and ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services that are being merged into the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services as part of the current project. It is also listed in ACM40617 Certificate IV in Pet Styling which is being proposed for deletion as part of the current project.This unit only covers one type of bathing technique. I will be replaced by new unit - ACMGRM2X1 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs, which allows for several bathing techniques. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS405 Purchase companion animal livestock | This unit is only listed in ACM40317 Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services that has been redesigned as part of the current project as Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.This unit has very low enrolments and Industry has advised that it is no longer required. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS407 Provide professional companion animal grooming services | This unit is listed in ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming and ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services that are being merged into the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services as part of the current project.The Pet Grooming industry have advised that this unit is to general, not fit for purpose and therefore not required by the industry. The unit’s outcomes are covered more effectively in several other redesigned ACMGRM units that have been included in the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMCAS408 Manage the operation of a mobile hydro-bathing facility | This unit is listed in ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming and ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services that are being merged into the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services as part of the current project.This unit has very low enrolments and Industry has advised that it is no longer required. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communications | This unit duplicates the outcomes of BSBCMM201 Communicate in the workplace. In the revised Certificate II in Animal Care, industry have advised to list BSBCMM201 instead of ACMGAS202. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMGAS210 Prepare for and conduct a tour or presentation | Industry advised that this work function reflects AQF level 3 outcomes and that ACMGAS210 duplicates many of the outcomes of ACMCAN302 Prepare and present information to the public. ACMGAS210 will be replaced with the revised ACMCAN302 in the Certificate II and III qualifications. | View unit on training.gov.au |
| ACMGRM404 Provide creative styling for dogs | This unit is listed in ACM40617 Certificate IV in Pet Styling which is being proposed for deletion as part of the current project. It is also listed in ACM30617 Certificate III in Pet Grooming being merged into the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services as part of the current project.It has had no enrolments during 2017 – 2018 and the Pet Grooming industry have advised that this unit is not required. The unit’s outcomes are covered more effectively in several other redesigned ACMGRM units that have been included in the redesigned Certificate III in Animal Care Services. | View unit on training.gov.au |
These units were developed as part of the
Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project, but are relevant to rob roles in Pet Care and Animal Training. They are listed in some of the qualifications and skill sets in the Pet Care and Animal Training Project.
| ACMNEW3X1 Assess the welfare status of an animal |
| ACMNEW3X2 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces (Previously Promote positive wellbeing in animal care industries) |
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People in Australia place a great deal of value on the health and happiness of their pets and assistance animals, recognising how this can in turn benefit their own wellbeing. As the importance of pets in our homes and communities increases, including the use of assistance animal, people are looking to a broader range of options to keep their pets healthy and happy. This is causing demand for more skilled workers in areas such as pet grooming, animal health care, animal training, animal-assisted services and animal regulation and management. Job roles in these areas rely on similar foundational skills to care for animal wellbeing, while also requiring specialist expertise to perform tasks relevant to each field.
Consultation took place across Australia to describe the skills standards for these job roles. The final versions were published on the training.gov.au website within the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package on 14 April 2020.Industry feedback resulted in the revision and update of qualifications and skills standards for general animal care, animal behaviour and training, pet grooming and animal regulation and management. The qualifications and skills standards were updated to reflect the full breadth of the sector and the changing ways animals are valued, managed and cared for. They were also restructured to promote more flexible career pathways.
Key Outcomes
- A Certificate IV in Animal Care Facility Management was developed to replace the existing Certificate IV in Captive Animals and Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. The revised qualification reflects the skills and knowledge for team leaders, supervisors, and specialist technical roles within an animal care facility, including companion animal and exhibited and wildlife environments.
- A Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training was developed to offer an entry level qualification for animal trainers and/or animal behaviour practitioners working with a specific species, or across a range of species and workplaces.
- The Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation was revised and retitled to Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management. It was updated to include specialisations for investigations, animal holding facilities/shelters, animal management education, and rural and remote communities, and reflect current work practices and community values.
- The Certificate III in Animal Studies, Certificate III in Companion Animal Services and Certificate III in Pet Grooming was merged to create a Certificate III in Animal Care Services. This qualification can be undertaken as a general qualification or individuals can select to specialise in one or two of the following areas: animal care, pet grooming or customer service.
- The Certificate II in Animal Studies was revised and retitled to Certificate II in Animal Care to better reflect the vocational outcomes of entry level and support roles in the animal care and management industry.
- The Certificate I in Animal Studies was revised and retitled to Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways to better reflect its outcomes and users – many of whom are learners with special needs and/or people seeking community engagement, doing animal care work activities undertaken under close supervision.
- Forty-one units of competency were revised and 11 units developed, to support skills across animal-assisted services, grooming and behaviour and training. Five units are proposed for deletion, as industry advised they are no longer required. In addition, four existing units have been merged into two units to reduce duplication.
- Two skills sets were revised for microchipping dogs and cats and promoting animal health in remote communities. Six skill sets were developed that cover grooming, animal shelter work, animal assisted services, animal breeding and animal management coordination in remote communities.
Summary of consultation to date
The units and qualifications were developed with guidance from a group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The broader industry were then consulted on the draft documents at two different stages – the ‘Drafts Available’ and ‘Validation’ stages.Feedback was collected via the online feedback hub and emails, 23 face-to-face consultation workshops held around the country, six webinars, a national industry conference for Animal Assisted Therapies professionals, and via phone calls.A description of how feedback has been considered and applied at the 'Drafts Available' stage can be downloaded below. A summary of feedback for the 'Validation' stage will be available shortly.
The
qualifications, skill sets and units were endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (read the communique from the February 23 meeting) and State and Territory Ministers after undergoing an edit and equity and independent quality assurance process and consideration by the State/Territory Training Authorities (STAs/TTAs). A Case for Endorsement was submitted alongside the draft qualifications and units, including a rationale of why these changes are needed and evidence of industry support.Please find below links to the final documents, that are published on the
training.gov.au website.
Click here to download the Case for EndorsementCompanion Volume Implementation GuideA Companion Volume Implementation Guide has also been produced to assist industry and registered training providers (RTOs) deliver the qualifications, skill sets and units of competency. It contains key information to help trainers adapt to any new changes, as well as additional information about the impacts of regulation and licensing implications and workplace health and safety on their training.
Click here to download the Companion Volume Implementation Guide Part 1
Click here to download the Companion Volume Implementation Guide Part 2
Qualifications & Skill Sets
Units of Competency
Units Developed as Part of Another ProjectThe two units below were developed as part of the Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project. They are relevant to rob roles in pet care and animal training and are listed in some of the qualifications and skill sets that make up this project.
