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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 1 to 2 years. 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 not available for online application. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.
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 job roles in agriculture, conservation land management and other related rural industries.
Depending on the units selected individuals can be employed not only in the agriculture industry but also other rural and regional sectors, and community organisations.
Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors and may include:
- Machinery operator
- Vegetable/orchard worker
- Station hand
- Animal care worker
- Pastoral worker
- Animal attendant/stock person
- Rural services
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks under broad supervision involving a broad range of skills that are applied in a variety of contexts, which will involve discretion and judgement in selecting and operating equipment, coordinating resources and applying contingency measures during work.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Katherine Remote |
| Duration | 1 - 2 years *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 | *A specific commencement date will be determined in consultation with the delivery team. *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Attendance is by arrangement with the delivery team. |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Machinery operator
- Station hand
- Pastoral worker
- Rural services
- Vegetable/orchard worder
- Animal care worker
- Animal attendant/stockperson
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:
- AHC40122 - Certificate IV in Agriculture
- AHC40422 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Not currently available at CDU)
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $2,425.50 - $8,347.50 |
| Full Fee | $5043.50 - $17,357.50 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported 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.
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:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- 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.
- 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 AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations, a total of sixteen (16) units of competency must be completed comprising three (3) core and thirteen (13) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
3 core units plus
13 elective units, chosen as follows:
- 6 units must be from the listed electives
- the remaining 7 units must be selected from the listed electives, or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 640 - 1280.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| AHCBIO303 | Apply biosecurity measures | 100 |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | 50 |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | 60 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 210 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select 13) (no more than 7 may be unnamed) | ||
| Horse Group | ||
| AHCLSK235 | Ride educated horses to carry out basic stock work (unnamed) | 50 |
| AHCLSK236 | Handle horses safely (unnamed) | 100 |
| AHCLSK372* | Train, care for and ride horses for stock work (unnamed) | 100 |
| ACMEQU212 | Handle horses safely | 100 |
| ACMEQU214 | Prepare to work safely around horses | 60 |
| ACMEQU217* | Load and unload horses (unnamed) | 30 |
| ACMEQU218* | Perform horse riding skills at walk, trot and canter | 80 |
| Cattle Group | ||
| AHCLSK344 | Administer medication to livestock | 80 |
| AHCLSK347 | Maintain livestock water supplies | 30 |
| AHCLSK350 | Identify and draft livestock | 40 |
| AHCLSK353 | Implement feeding plans for livestock | 140 |
| AHCLSK359 | Coordinate and monitor livestock transport (unnamed) | 60 |
| AHCLSK364 | Castrate livestock | 20 |
| AHCLSK368 | Comply with industry animal welfare requirements | 40 |
| AHCWRK317 | Coordinate work site activities | 70 |
| AHCWRK318 | Comply with industry quality assurance requirements | 40 |
| AHCWRK323 | Operate in isolated and remote situations | 40 |
| PUATEA001 | Work in a team | 20 |
| Other Units | ||
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | 70 |
| AHCINF206 | Install, maintain and repair farm fencing (unnamed) | 30 |
| AHCLSK229 | Provide feed for livestock | 30 |
| AHCLSK349 | Euthanase livestock | 40 |
| AHCLSK355 | Prepare livestock for competition | 90 |
| AHCLSK356 | Plan to exhibit livestock (unnamed) | 80 |
| AHCLSK358 | Slaughter livestock (unnamed) | 40 |
| AHCLSK424 | Implement and monitor animal welfare programs (unnamed) | 80 |
| AHCMOM201 | Operate two wheel motorbikes (unnamed) | 30 |
| AHCMOM205 | Operate vehicles (unnamed) | 20 |
| AHCMOM216 | Operate side by side utility vehicles (unnamed) | 50 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 420 - 1100 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 630 - 1310 | |
*Unit contains prerequisite unit requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy 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 AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations, candidates are required to:
- be physically fit, active, and able to function effectively in a tropical environment, as this is a physically demanding course
- have a work contract with an approved employer to undertake a traineeship
Required Resources
Students are issues with learning materials and handouts relevant for their units but are required to provide some of their protective clothing for working outdoors, i.e. hat, sunglasses, appropriate footwear, long trousers, and long sleeve shirt.
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
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations:Katherine, Remote
Study Mode: Workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Agriculture and Rural Operations |
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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