ACM40322 Certificate IV Animal Behaviour and Training

The Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training is perfect for those with animal care experience who want to take their skills to the next level. You’ll learn how to interpret animal behaviour, apply proven training methods, and create ethical, welfare-focused solutions.

This course isn’t just about theory—it’s about real-world experience. With weekly face-to-face classes and 44 weeks of hands-on placement in behaviour centres or shelters, you’ll get up close with the challenges and rewards of working with animals.

*Please note: Travel to placement locations may be required (at your own expense).

While there are no official prerequisites for this course, placements are limited to ensure you get the most personalised training experience. To stand out, we highly recommend completing a Certificate III in Animal Care Services or having prior experience in the animal care field.

For international students, this course is classified as full-time and is an excellent next step from the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. If you’re ready for your next big move, this could be the perfect fit!

No matter where you’re based in Australia, we’ve got you covered with flexible delivery options.

This 12-month course is designed to combine theory and practice, with three days a week dedicated to learning—one day in the classroom and two days in hands-on placements at behaviour centres or shelters.

We offer five intakes per year: January, February, April, July, and October.

Core Units:

ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the welfare status of an animal using an industry recognised animal welfare assessment framework or model and tool.

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

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow animal health management practices to monitor animal health via daily observations of behaviour and condition. The animals may include a range of species housed long-term or cared for short-term in a workplace

ACMGEN402 Advise on animal industry compliance and practices

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients or carers on animal management, facilities and activities, and to manage workplace compliance within the relevant sector of the animal care and management industry

ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals

This unit will allow you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to identify and interpret behaviour and safely handle, interact and respond to animals in a range of animal care facilities and environments. It can be applied to a range of animal species

ACMBEH402 Develop, implement, and monitor enrichment strategies for animals

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement, monitor and review enrichment strategies for animals, and to communicate the strategies to carers (team members/owners).

ACMBEH403 Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to research, evaluate and select animal conditioning methodologies to design and implement a training or behaviour management and/or modification program. It involves in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour, learning theory and the application of scientifically validated, ethical conditioning methodologies and techniques.

ACMBEH404 Condition animal behaviour

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to condition animals using positive conditioning techniques. It applies to a range of species and includes the individual demonstrating skills and knowledge required for conditioning animals to others.

ACMWHS401 Maintain workplace health and safety processes

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain workplace health and safety processes in an organisation.

Electives:

ACMBEH501 Work collaboratively to manage complex behaviour

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to understand, interpret and assess animal behaviour and work collaboratively with clients and professional stakeholders to develop conditioning, training and management programs to address animal behaviour issues.

ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow animal health management practices to monitor animal health via daily observations of behaviour and condition. The animals may include a range of species housed long-term or cared for short-term in a workplace.

ACMVET411 Prepare, deliver and review animal care education programs

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in the preparation and review of animal care education programs and their implementation within the community at large.

ACMBEH405 Provide individual advice on animal behaviour management and training

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, conduct and review behaviour management and training plans/programs for individual animals and for their owners or carers. Consultations may be conducted in one-on-one sessions with animals and their owners or carers (clients) in a variety of contexts and in suitable venues/environments.

ACMBEH406 Conduct group training classes for animal owners or carers

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, conduct and review training classes for animals and their owners or carers. Training is generally conducted in group sessions in suitable venues/environments.

ACMBEH407 Conduct animal behavioural assessments

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess animal behaviour for suitability for a range of purposes, which may include adoption/rehoming, rehabilitation, training or suitability for specific purposes or activities, including assistance animals. It typically applies to dogs and cats but may be applied to other species. 

BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness

This unit describes the skills, knowledge and outcomes required to lead the performance of a team and to develop team cohesion.

TAEDEL414 Mentor in the workplace

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and develop a professional mentoring relationship with an individual in a workplace. It includes the skills and knowledge to plan and prepare for the mentoring, and implement strategies suited to the mentee, the workplace and the mentoring relationship.

Already have qualifications or experience? Previous qualifications like the Certificate III in Animal Care Services can count towards course credits, reducing your overall fees. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is also available—contact us to learn more.

• Expert Training: Learn from internationally experienced trainers dedicated to your success.
• Exclusive Placements: Hands-on experience in hand-picked, behaviour-focused centres.
• Workplace Insurance: Stay covered throughout your practical training.
• Personalised Learning: Small group sessions designed for focused and tailored instruction.
• Ongoing Support: Mentoring and regular individual progression check-ins to keep you on track.
• Industry Networking: Build valuable connections with professionals to expand your career opportunities.