Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of two (2) semesters full-time, or up to six (6) semesters part-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification provides a general vocational outcome in horticulture. It provides a broad skill and knowledge base, and builds on skills and knowledge gained from Certificate II in Horticulture or the workplace. It may be appropriate for current or previous horticultural employees who wish to have their skills and knowledge formally recognised.
AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture is available for a traineeship.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- gardener
- landscape construction
- landscape maintenance
- horticulturist
- nursery production
- production horticulturist at a trade level
- retail nursery
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Pathways into the qualification
Further training pathways from this qualification include, but are not limited to AHC40416 Certificate IV in Horticulture.
Fees
2023 course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place range from $3,412.50 - $4,305.00, and for students who are not eligible range from $14,625.00 - $18,450.00 dependent on the units chosen.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to VET Fees and Payments.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Current and discharged members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)

Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Territory's largest Training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster"

Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses"

Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Territory's largest Training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster"

Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses"
What will I study?
To achieve AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture, a total of sixteen (16) units of competency must be completed comprising five (5) Core and eleven (11) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 975 - 1230. The total nominal hours for this qualification will vary depending on the elective units selected.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
AHCPCM302 | Provide information on plants and their culture | 70 |
AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | 70 |
AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | 80 |
AHCSOL303 | Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas | 60 |
AHCWHS301 | Contribute to work health and safety processes | 50 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 330 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (select 11 units) | ||
Select min. 8 and max. 11 units | ||
AHCCHM303 | Prepare and apply chemicals | 70 |
AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 |
AHCLSC301 | Set out site for construction works | 50 |
AHCLSC302 | Construct landscape features using concrete | 80 |
AHCLSC306 | Implement a paving project | 100 |
AHCNSY306 | Implement a propagation plan | 90 |
AHCPCM301 | Implement a plant nutrition program | 60 |
AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens | 80 |
AHCPGD301 | Implement a plant establishment program | 80 |
AHCPGD304 | Implement a landscape maintenance program | 100 |
AHCWRK305 | Coordinate work site activities | 70 |
Unnamed elective units (maximum of 3 units may be selected from the list below) | ||
AHCPCM204 | Recognise plants | 40 |
AHCPGD203 | Prune shrubs and small trees | 35 |
AHCIRG345 | Install pressurized irrigation systems | 70 |
AHCINF303 | Plan and construct conventional fencing | 60 |
AHCMOM213 | Operate and maintain chainsaws | 40 |
AHCPMG201 | Treat weeds | 40 |
AHCPCM202 | Collect, prepare and preserve plant specimens | 30 |
AHCNAR304 | Undertake direct seeding | 80 |
FWPCOT3259 | Operate a four wheel drive on unsealed roads | 40 |
FWPFGM3215 | Perform complex 4x4 operations | 80 |
AHCECR305 | Collect native seed | 40 |
AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | 40 |
AHCLPW306 | Undertake sampling and testing of water | 70 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 645 - 900 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 975 - 1230 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture is available for direct entry, however, it is recommended that candidates have:
- Successfully completed AHC20416 Certificate II in Horticulture or related qualification; or
- Minimum 1 year previous/current employment within the Horticulture industry.
- Trainees must have an existing work contract.
I learned everything I know about native plants from CDU. Before that, I only knew about European veggie gardens. Now I'm using what I learned at CDU at work.
Chloe
CDU student

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student

I learned everything I know about native plants from CDU. Before that, I only knew about European veggie gardens. Now I'm using what I learned at CDU at work.
Chloe
CDU student

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
Share this course