ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training – Assistance Specialisation

The Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training – Assistance Specialisation equips you with advanced skills to interpret animal behaviour, apply proven learning theories, and implement best-practice training techniques. This course uniquely focuses on preparing you for specialised roles, including training assistance animals to enhance the lives of their handlers.

With a blend of weekly face-to-face theory classes and 12 months of hands-on placement, you’ll gain immersive experience in real-world settings. The curriculum emphasises ethical training practices and welfare needs across various species. Placements are tailored to give you exposure to assistance-focused roles, setting you up for a rewarding career.

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

While there are no official prerequisites, placements for this highly sought-after course are limited to ensure personalised training. To increase your chances, we recommend completing a Certificate III in Animal Care Services or having relevant industry experience.

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

This comprehensive 12-month program combines one day per week of face-to-face theory classes with two days of hands-on placement in assistance-focused training facilities. This schedule ensures a balanced approach to mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

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.

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.

Specific Electives:

ACMADT301 Select appropriate equipment for an assistance dog and handler

This unit focuses on identifying and selecting suitable equipment for assistance dogs and their handlers, ensuring it meets the needs of both parties. This is consistent with the unit's objective to equip individuals with the skills to choose appropriate tools for effective training and functionality.

ACMADT401 Assess prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog

This unit involves evaluating a prospective handler’s suitability for working with an assistance dog, including assessing compatibility and the ability to meet the dog's care and training needs. This aligns with the unit's goal to ensure handlers are well-prepared for their roles.

ACMADT402 Instruct handlers with disability to train assistance dogs

This unit covers guiding handlers with disabilities in training their assistance dogs, focusing on providing tailored instruction to develop effective partnerships. This matches the unit's purpose of empowering handlers through customized training approaches.

ACMADT403 Train dogs using operant and classical conditioning techniques

This unit explores applying operant and classical conditioning techniques to train dogs, involving understanding behavioral science principles and applying ethical, evidence-based methods. This is in line with the unit's aim to teach effective and humane training methodologies.

Course Credits

Students with previously attained qualifications, such as the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, may be eligible for course credits. These credits are automatically applied during enrolment, reducing your overall fees. Additional credits will be reflected in your final course costs, as outlined in your Letter of Offer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Leverage your prior skills and knowledge through our RPL process. This allows us to assess your experience and apply it toward your qualification. For more details on the process and associated fees, please contact our team.

• Expert Training
  Learn from industry-leading trainers with extensive experience in animal behaviour and training.
• Exclusive Placements
  Immerse yourself in practical learning with hands-on placements at specialised behaviour centres and assistance dog training facilities.
• Personalised Learning
  Enjoy small class sizes, one-on-one mentoring, and tailored support throughout your course.
• Comprehensive Support
  Benefit from regular individual progress check-ins and mentoring to keep you on track and confident in your journey.
• Industry Networking
  Build valuable connections with professionals and organisations, opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
• Workplace Insurance
  Stay fully covered during your practical training and placement activities.

• Comprehensive digital textbooks and study resources.
• Additional tools to support your learning journey.