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Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 6 months to 3 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for general vocational job roles in the amenity horticulture industry.
This qualification is not intended to be used as a substitute for AHC Training Package trade qualifications.
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks under broad supervision involving a broad range of skills that are applied in a wide variety of contexts, which will involve discretion and judgement in selecting and operating equipment, coordinating resources and applying contingency measures during work.
Work must comply with work health and safety and environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina Remote |
| Duration | 6 months full-time Up to 3 years part-time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 3 and Term 4 (Semester 2) 14/07/2026 to 20/11/2026 *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm |
Career opportunities
Possible 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)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to AHC40722 - Certificate IV in Horticulture.
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | Free |
| Full Fee | $12,628.45 - $15,591.55 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.
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 TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa 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.
- 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.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture a total of 17 units of competency must be completed comprising 11 core and 6 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 895 - 1105.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | 70 |
| AHCIRG346 | Operate pressurised irrigation systems | 50 |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | 40 |
| AHCPCM308 | Identify and select plants | 90 |
| AHCPGD309 | Perform specialist amenity pruning | 65 |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | 70 |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | 80 |
| AHCSOL304 | Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas | 60 |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | 50 |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | 60 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 685 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select 6) | ||
| AHCMOM203 | Operate basic machinery and equipment | 20 |
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants | 40 |
| AHCPCM204 | Recognise plants | 40 |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens | 80 |
| AHCPCM306 | Provide information on plants and their culture | 70 |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program | 80 |
| AHCPGD310 | Implement a landscape maintenance program | 100 |
| Unnamed Electives (up to 3 may be selected) | ||
| AHCECR305 | Collect native seed | 40 |
| AHCMOM213 | Operate and maintain chainsaws | 40 |
| AHCNSY207 | Undertake propagation activities | 30 |
| AHCMOM216 | Operate side by side utility vehicles | 50 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 210 - 420 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 895 - 1105 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture is available for direct entry however it is recommended that candidates:
- Have successfully completed AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture or related qualification; or
- Have at least 1 year previous/current employment within the Horticulture industry; or
- Be a trainee with an existing work contract
Required Resources
Students can access assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.
Students are issued with learning materials and handouts relevant to each unit.
Students are required to provide some of their own protective clothing for working outdoors, i.e. hat, closed-in-shoes, sunglasses, long trousers, and a long-sleeve shirt.
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.
Away from base
AFB: This is an approved Away From Base (AFB) 'mixed-mode' course.
For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb
Location and study mode
Locations: Casuarina, Remote
Study Mode: On campus
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
VET Environmental Studies |
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 CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
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.
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