ACM30122 – Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming)
The full professional qualification. ACM30122 – Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) is a nationally accredited qualification that prepares you to work confidently as a salon or mobile groomer, delivered as hands-on practical training with us, paired with online theory through the renowned Heiniger Academy.
How it works
- Practical component: 5 weeks (25 days) of hands-on training at The Dog Grooming Store, working on real dogs across a range of breeds and coat types. You'll be assessed by our trainer to ensure compliance with course requirements.
- Theory component: online via Heiniger Academy, with up to 12 months to complete from enrolment. Learning modules include video coursework from industry experts, live bi-monthly Q&A sessions via Microsoft Teams, and a dedicated Student Liaison to support you throughout.
- Entry requirements: no prior experience required. You'll need reliable internet, a computer or device and basic digital literacy for the online theory.
Subjects covered
- Animal handling, care and welfare
- Animal first aid
- Infection control and workplace health & safety
- Environmentally sustainable workplaces
- Reception training
- Correct bathing, brushing and drying processes
- Choosing the correct tool for the job and using products to enhance the groom
- Grooming skills from clipping to scissors, with emphasis on correct pattern and line work
Units of study
The qualification is made up of 17 nationally recognised units of competency: 7 core units plus 10 electives selected for the pet grooming specialisation.
Core units
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing for self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
Elective units
- ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMGRM303 Provide sanitary and hygiene grooms for companion animals
- ACMGRM304 Provide grooms on cross breed dogs
- ACMGRM305 Groom dogs to meet breed style and coat requirements
- ACMGRM403 Enhance companion animal coat and skin condition
- ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
- ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
- BSBINS302 Organise workplace information
Pathway and credit transfer
Already completed one of our accredited short courses? The units you've finished count as credit transfer toward this qualification, so you don't repeat what you've already achieved. Our short courses are:
- Bathe & Prepare Dogs for Grooming (ACMGRM201, ACMGRM403)
- Introduction to Pet Grooming (ACMGRM303, ACMGRM304, ACMGRM305)
- Practical Pet Grooming (ACMGRM201, ACMGRM303, ACMGRM304, ACMGRM305, ACMGRM403)
Who it's for
Career starters and career changers who want to work as professional groomers, and salon staff seeking a nationally recognised qualification. No prior experience required.
The Dog Grooming Store is not a Registered Training Organisation. This course is delivered in conjunction with Heiniger Academy (RTO 40888), the issuing RTO responsible for AQF certification and for the nationally recognised qualification you receive on successful completion.
📅 Dates, fees & enrolment details coming soon. Register your interest and we'll contact you first when enrolments open.