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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 months 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
This qualification provides an entry point for students interested in joining the northern pastoral industry. As such, no previous experience in the pastoral or rural industries is required.
Depending on the units selected, individuals can be employed not only in rural industries but also in other rural and regional sectors, such as local government, tourism, hospitality, transport, construction, community services, information technology, and metals.
Industry expects individuals with this qualification to carry out routine tasks under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their work.
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:
- AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations
- AHC31421 Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
Fees
2025 Fees
Fee Type | 2025 Course Fees |
NT Government supported* | $1,313.50 - $2,997.00 |
Full Fee | $4,650.50 - $10,611.00 |
*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.
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
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 AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising three (3) Core and twelve (12) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 355 - 810.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 355 - 810.
Station Trainees
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
AHCWHS201 | Participate in work health and safety processes | 20 |
AHCWRK204 | Work effectively in the industry | 20 |
AHCWRK209 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 20 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 60 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY(Select ANY 12 units) | ||
AHCMOM205 | Operate vehicles | 20 |
Horse Group | ||
ACMEQU212 | Handle horses safely | 100 |
ACMEQU214 | Prepare to work safely around horses | 60 |
ACMEQU217 | Load and unload horses Pre-requisite Unit *ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely | 30 |
ACMEQU218 | Perform horse riding skills at walk, trot and canter Pre-requisite Unit *ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely | 80 |
Cattle Group | ||
AHCINF206 | Install, maintain and repair farm fencing | 30 |
AHCLSK202 | Care for health and welfare of livestock | 40 |
AHCLSK204 | Carry out regular livestock observations | 40 |
AHCLSK205 | Handle livestock using basic techniques | 30 |
AHCLSK206 | Identify and mark livestock | 20 |
AHCLSK207 | Load and unload livestock | 20 |
AHCLSK209 | Monitor water supplies | 20 |
AHCLSK210 | Muster and move livestock | 25 |
AHCLSK211 | Provide feed for livestock | 30 |
AHCWRK213 | Participate in workplace communications | 40 |
AHCWRK214 | Observe workplace quality assurance procedures | 30 |
AHCWRK215 | Collect and record production data | 40 |
AHCMOM201 | Operate two wheel motorbikes | 30 |
Other Units | ||
AHCMOM202 | Operate tractors | 40 |
AHCMOM203 | Operate basic machinery and equipment | 20 |
AHCMOM204 | Undertake operational maintenance of machinery | 30 |
AHCMOM207 | Conduct front-end loader operations | 60 |
AHCMOM216 | Operate side-by-side utility vehicles | 50 |
AHCCHM201 | Apply chemicals under supervision | 30 |
AHCINF208 | Fabricate and repair metal or plastic structures | 60 |
AHCBIO303 | Apply biosecurity measures | 100 |
AHCWRK323 | Operate in isolated and remote situations | 40 |
RIISAM203E | Use hand and power tools | 80 |
TLID0020 | Shift materials safely using manual handling methods | 20 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 295 - 750 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 355 - 810 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations, candidates require:
- To be physically fit, active and able to function effectively in a tropical environment, as this is a physically demanding course, and;
- Students must have a work contract with an approved employer to undertake a traineeship
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.
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
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: 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 |
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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