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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of up 6 months full-time, or 2 years part-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications are open for 2026.
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 provides the skills and theoretical and practical knowledge for work or further learning in the conservation and ecosystem management industry. The qualification provides for work roles encompassing a broad range of skills including:
- Indigenous land management
- Ecological restoration
- Land, parks and wildlife management
- Pest controller
- Conservation earthworks
- Mined land rehabilitation
Individuals with this qualification perform a range of conservation and ecosystem management activities including, site restoration, rehabilitation and renewal and management of the rural and natural landscapes, degraded sites, and marine environments. They contribute to the preservation and maintenance of wildlife and their habitat in the natural ecosystem, parks and reserves. Activities frequently involve working with and preservation of indigenous culture and heritage resources.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina |
| Duration | 6 months full-time 2 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 | 14/07/2026 to 20/11/2026 *Students can enrol at any time after the identified start date and will commence at the start of the next available unit. A specific commencement date will be determined in consultation with the delivery team. |
| Attendance | Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Indigenous lands worker
- National parks worker
- Revegetation worker
- Land rehabilitation worker
- Ecological restoration worker
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.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free (limited places available^) |
| Full Fee | $11,593.75 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
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.
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 AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, a total of sixteen (16) units of competency must be completed comprising two (2) core and fourteen (14) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
2 core units plus
14 elective units of which:
- at least 6 must be selected from any of groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G and/or H
- up to 6 from Group I
- up to 4 may be selected from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 875.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| AHCECR309 | Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works | 100 |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | 50 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 150 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select xxx) | ||
| Groups A - H | ||
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas | 80 |
| AHCECR305 | Collect native seed | 40 |
| AHCECR307 | Read and interpret maps | 40 |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | 40 |
| AHCPCM204 | Recognise plants | 40 |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | 70 |
| AHCPMG305 | Survey pests | 70 |
| AHCWRK323 | Operate in isolated and remote situations | 40 |
| FWPCOT3325 | Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads | 40 |
| Group I | ||
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | 70 |
| FWPCOT3326 | Recover four wheel drive vehicle | 25 |
| FWPCOT3329 | Perform complex four wheel drive operations | 80 |
| AHCMOM213 | Operate and maintain chainsaws | 40 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 725 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 875 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management is available direct entry, however candidates require:
- Complete Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management or a relevant qualification; or
- Be employed within the conservation industry.
Sometimes it is considered that the student's needs are better met by enrolling in another qualification level. Students may be given the option to enrol in the Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management as a pathway into Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.
Yulia
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 wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.
Yulia
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
Location and study mode
Locations: Casuarina
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 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.
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