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Conservation and Ecosystem Management
TAFE

AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s

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

Online
Not available to international students.

Course code

AHC40924

Overview

Availability:Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 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 has the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for specialised or skilled work in the conservation and ecosystem management industry.

The qualification provides for advanced skills and/or supervisory roles in a broad range of conservation and ecological work or can focus on areas of specific needs including:

  • supervisory and management
  • indigenous land management
  • ecosystem management
  • pest controller
  • fire management

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Delivery Details
LocationOnline
Duration1 year full-time
2 years part-time
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeOnline
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide
Start Date02/02/2026 to 27/11/2026
*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. 
*A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course.
AttendanceOnline self-paced

Career opportunities

Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Senior conservation worker
  • Park ranger

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.

If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree. 

The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification. 

Completed Qualification
HE
VET
Bachelor Degree
Maximum Credit Available
Certificate IV
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Certificate IV
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points

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 AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

Professional Recognition



Course Structure


To achieve the AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management a total of twelve (12) units of competency must be completed comprising two (2) core and ten (10) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

2 core units plus
10 elective units chosen as follows:

  • at least 3 units must be selected from Group A
  • remaining units may be selected from Group A or B or C and up to 4 units may be selected from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course
  • Elective Group C can only be selected if required as a prerequisite

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 930.  

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Core units of competency
AHCECR308Conduct a site inspection for ecological restoration80
AHCWHS402Maintain work health and safety processes70
Total nominal hours for core units150
Elective units of competency (Select 10)
Group A
AHCBUS407Cost a project50
AHCBUS410Report on project60
AHCECR401Supervise ecological restoration works80
AHCECR402Plan the implementation of revegetation works80
Group B
AHCLPW410Produce maps for land management purposes120
AHCPCM404Recommend plants and cultural practices

80

AHCPMG412Develop a pest management plan90
AHCPMG413Define the pest problem100
SITTPPD013Develop interpretive activities60
Unnamed Elective
CPPSSI5064Conduct complex spatial data analysis (unnamed)60
Total nominal hours for elective units780
Total nominal hours for the qualification930



If applicable select Timetables
and follow the instructions provided for information on
class times at Casuarina, Palmerston or Alice Springs
Campuses.
Check the University
Bookshop
for detail on any textbooks that may be
required.


Employability Skills


Course Fees

2026 Fees

  Fee Type  2026 Course Fees
  Fee Free TAFE*  Free
  Full Fee  $12,322.50

*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.


General Description


Availability:Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 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 has the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for specialised or skilled work in the conservation and ecosystem management industry.

The qualification provides for advanced skills and/or supervisory roles in a broad range of conservation and ecological work or can focus on areas of specific needs including:

  • supervisory and management
  • indigenous land management
  • ecosystem management
  • pest controller
  • fire management

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Delivery Details
LocationOnline
Duration1 year full-time
2 years part-time
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeOnline
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide
Start Date02/02/2026 to 27/11/2026
*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. 
*A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course.
AttendanceOnline self-paced


Course Information Flyer(s)

AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management - 2026

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.

Locations and Study Mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.

Locations: Online

Study Mode: Online


Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Entry Requirements Domestic

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 AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management it is advisable candidates have either:

  • Completed AHC31421 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, its equivalent or other relevant qualification; or
  • Be employed within the conservation industry

Students enrolled in this qualification must have access to a conservation worksite, either through paid or unpaid / voluntary work, to provide the opportunity to complete tasks.


Duration

Estimated completion time: 1 year/s
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.

Career Opportunities

Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Senior conservation worker
  • Park ranger


Marketing Professional Recognition



Marketing Course Description



Marketing Career Opportunities


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Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

Fees

2026 Fees

  Fee Type  2026 Course Fees
  Fee Free TAFE*  Free
  Full Fee  $12,322.50

*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)

CDU Aquaculture students

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
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

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
CDU Aquaculture students

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
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

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 the AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management a total of twelve (12) units of competency must be completed comprising two (2) core and ten (10) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

Course structure

2 core units plus
10 elective units chosen as follows:

  • at least 3 units must be selected from Group A
  • remaining units may be selected from Group A or B or C and up to 4 units may be selected from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course
  • Elective Group C can only be selected if required as a prerequisite

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 930.  

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Core units of competency
AHCECR308Conduct a site inspection for ecological restoration80
AHCWHS402Maintain work health and safety processes70
Total nominal hours for core units150
Elective units of competency (Select 10)
Group A
AHCBUS407Cost a project50
AHCBUS410Report on project60
AHCECR401Supervise ecological restoration works80
AHCECR402Plan the implementation of revegetation works80
Group B
AHCLPW410Produce maps for land management purposes120
AHCPCM404Recommend plants and cultural practices

80

AHCPMG412Develop a pest management plan90
AHCPMG413Define the pest problem100
SITTPPD013Develop interpretive activities60
Unnamed Elective
CPPSSI5064Conduct complex spatial data analysis (unnamed)60
Total nominal hours for elective units780
Total nominal hours for the qualification930

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 AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management it is advisable candidates have either:

  • Completed AHC31421 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, its equivalent or other relevant qualification; or
  • Be employed within the conservation industry

Students enrolled in this qualification must have access to a conservation worksite, either through paid or unpaid / voluntary work, to provide the opportunity to complete tasks.

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

Yulila Shche writing at a desk / working from home

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

hema giri

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

Yulila Shche writing at a desk / working from home

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

hema giri

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: Online

Study Mode: Online


Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
PRIMARY INDUSTRY
Occupation types
Conservation Officer
Area of study
Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

VET Environmental Studies
Location: Casuarina and Alice Springs Campus
Phone: 08 8946 7505 (CAS)
Email: TAFE@cdu.edu.au

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.

We are here to help

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.

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