Certificate Courses

Certificate Courses

Learn how to work with animals

The Taronga Training Institute offers Certificate Courses in Animal Care and Exhibited Animal Care at some of Australia’s most renowned zoos. Earn a nationally recognised qualification while gaining invaluable, hands-on experience in real zoo environments.

View our range of courses and locations below. If you need more information, give our team a call at (02) 9978 4746 or send us an email to tti@zoo.nsw.gov.au.

Register your interest below and be the first find out when applications open.

Keeper with a Barn Owl at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Photo: Chloe Precey
Keeper with a Barn Owl at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Photo: Chloe Precey

Learn from industry experts and zookeepers

Ever wanted to study where the Zoo is your classroom? At Taronga Training Institute (RTO Code 91359), we offer accredited training that lets you learn and gain hands-on experience right on site at the zoo. Get a unique education surrounded by incredible wildlife and industry professionals.

We provide:

  • Practical onsite days learning in a Zoo environment.
  • Our trainers are industry experts, including current zookeepers, education staff, and specialists who bring invaluable knowledge and experience. 
  • Opportunities to participate in Taronga special events, as well as conservation programs such as tree planting and animal release. 
  • Our new online and self-paced learning options for Certificate II in Animal Care provide the flexibility you need to learn at your own pace. 

View the list of available courses and study locations below. 

Keeper with a Barn Owl at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Photo: Chloe Precey

Animal Care Certificate Courses

Cert II in Animal Care

Delivery mode: Face-to-face

Campuses: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Duration: 6 months

Cert II in Animal Care (Online)

Delivery mode: Online + 4 practical days onsite

Campuses: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

Duration: up to 12 months

Cert III in Exhibited Wildlife Care

Delivery mode: Face-to-face

Campuses: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, Zoos Victoria, Perth Zoo & Adelaide Zoo 

Duration: 12 months

Animal Care Career Pathways

Wondering what animal care jobs are out there? Here are some career pathways after you've completed your animal care studies.

How to become a Zookeeper? How to become an Animal Care attendant? How to work in Animal Shelters?

Following these steps will help qualify you to work in as a Zookeeper

1. Complete your Cert II in Animal Care

2. Complete your Cert III in Exhibited Wildlife Care

Following these steps will help qualify you to work in an Animal Shelter 

1. Complete your Cert II in Animal Care

Following these steps will help qualify you to work in an Animal Shelter 

1. Complete your Cert II In Animal Care 

Extra resources

Download the student handbook and view our policies and procedures below.

Student handbook

Download the student handbook here.

Policies and Procedures

View our policies and procedures here.