Technicals in Animal Care Management and Equine Care Management (0172)

Last Updated: 23 Jul 2024

The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care is aimed at learners that are looking to start a career in the animal care industry. Learners could progress into employment, onto an Apprenticeship, or further their studies by taking other qualifications at Level 3.

The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care is aimed at learners that are looking to start a career in the equine industry. Learners could progress into employment, onto an Apprenticeship, or further their studies by taking other qualifications at Level 3.

The Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Animal Management are for learners who are interested in developing the specific technical and professional skills and knowledge that will lead to meaningful employment in the animal care industry. Learners will explore a wide range of industry areas including animal care and management, zoos and wildlife and applied science.

The Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Equine Management are for learners who are interested in developing the specific technical and professional skills and knowledge that will lead to meaningful employment in the equine industry. Learners will explore a wide range of industry areas including stable yard operations, stud, young horse management and business.

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Discover our range of resources and support materials to help you effectively deliver our Technical Qualifications.

Please be aware that some of the qualifications in this suite have been updated with changes for delivery from September 2023. 

Please use the latest handbook indicated in the ‘Centre Documents – September 2023’ tab and refer to the version control table in the front of the handbook for information on the changes.

The Level 2 Technical Certificate is aimed at learners aged 16 – 18; 19+.

The Level 3 suite of Technical qualifications are aimed at learners aged 16 – 18; 19+.


Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Northern Ireland

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form

General Information

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
To deliver these qualifications, centres/colleges will need to provide their learners with a suitable learning environment and the resources they need to complete the practical and theoretical aspects of the qualification.

To find all the resource requirements, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

Level 2

Learners interested in the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care will study theoretical aspects of the subject and apply them to practical tasks.
 
Compulsory topics include:

  • Maintain animal health and welfare
  • Animal feeding and accommodation
  • Animal behaviour and handling
  • Working in the animal care industry
  • Health & safety
  • Work experience (150 hours)

Learners will also be able to choose additional optional topics, including:

  • Animal nursing
  • Animal breeds and grooming
  • The principles of animal biology
  • British wildlife species, habitats and rehabilitation
  • Care of exotic animals
  • Caring for zoo animals
  • Caring for ornamental aquatics
  • Kennels and catteries
  • Caring for horses
  • Presentation and service for retailing in the land-based sector
  • Environmental land-based business
  • Introduction to caring for livestock

Learners interested in the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care will study theoretical aspects of the subject and apply them to practical tasks.
 
Compulsory topics include:

  • Equine health and welfare
  • Health & safety
  • Working in the equine industry
  • Horse tack and equipment
  • Routine stable duties
  • Feeding and watering horses
  • Horse handling and grooming
  • Introduction to lungeing
  • Work experience (150 hours)

Learners will also be able to choose additional optional topics, including:

  • Equine anatomy and physiology
  • Horse behaviour
  • Riding horses on the flat
  • Riding horses for exercise
  • Keeping horses at grass
  • Assisting with the care of competition horses
  • Assisting with the transportation of horses
  • Land and environmental business

 For more information, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care could lead to the following employment opportunities:
  • Trainee animal care assistant
  • Trainee animal care worker
  • Trainee pet shop assistant
  • Trainee kennel or cattery worker
The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care could lead to the following employment opportunities:
  • Junior groom
  • Assistant competition/travelling groom
  • Junior retail assistant
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care (0172-20)
Last Registration Date: 09 Aug 2017

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care

  • Accreditation No: 601/4525/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 360 - 360 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care (0172-21)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2026

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care

  • Accreditation No: 603/0833/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 360 - 360 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £151.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care (0172-25)
Last Registration Date: 09 Aug 2017

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care

  • Accreditation No: 601/4526/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 360 - 360 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care (0172-26)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2026

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care

  • Accreditation No: 603/0834/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 360 - 360 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £151.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3

Learners interested in the Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Animal Management will study theoretical aspects of the subject and apply them to practical tasks.

Compulsory topics include:

  • Health and wellbeing, husbandry and handling
  • Nutrition and feeding
  • Animal behaviours and communication
  • Breed development, breeding and welfare

Learners will also be able to choose additional optional topics, including:

  • Pet store management
  • Kennel and cattery management
  • Care of exotics, avians and aquatics
  • Animal nursing
  • Animal training
  • Zoo animal management
  • Wildlife and rehabilitation
  • Ecology and conservation
  • Pet allied services
  • Science – biology, biochemistry, genetics

You can choose to specialise in:

  • Animal Management
  • Zoos
  • Wildlife
  • Applied Science

Learners interested in the Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Equine Management will study theoretical aspects of the subject and apply them to practical tasks.

Compulsory topics include:

  • Stable yard management skills
  • Equine health checks, health status and health plans
  • Fitting and evaluating of horse tack and equipment

Learners will also be able to choose additional optional topics, including:

  • Feeding and nutrition
  • Behaviour and welfare
  • Fittening and exercising
  • Competition grooming
  • Stud operations
  • Young horse management
  • Riding and coaching
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Retail management

For more information, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
The Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Animal Management could lead to the following employment opportunities:
  • Animal care assistant
  • Kennel and cattery worker/supervisor
  • Pet store assistant/supervisor
  • Hospital care assistant
  • Wildlife assistant
  • Dog grooming assistant
  • Animal feed sales rep
  • Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
  • Trainee zoo keeper or aquarist
  • Trainee animal husbandry technician
The Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Equine Management could lead to the following employment opportunities:
  • Stable yard worker
  • Exercising assistant
  • Competition groom
  • Event supervisor
  • Retail saddlery assistant
  • Apprentice saddle fitter
  • Country store retail assistant
  • Yard office Manager
  • Stud Supervisor
  • Freelance groom/rider
Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Animal Management (0172-30)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Animal Management

  • Accreditation No: 601/7518/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 360 - 360 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £202.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management (540) (0172-31)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management (540)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7520/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 540 - 540 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 900 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £202.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (720) (0172-32)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Animal Management and Science) (720)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7550/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 720 - 720 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1200 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £227.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Zoos and Wildlife) (720)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7550/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 720 - 720 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1200 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £227.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080) (0172-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Animal Management) (1080)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7549/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 1080 - 1080 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1800 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £233.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science) (1080)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7549/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 1080 - 1080 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1800 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £233.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Wildlife) (1080)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7549/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 1080 - 1080 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1800 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £233.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Zoos) (1080)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7549/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 1080 - 1080 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1800 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £233.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Equine Management (0172-35)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Equine Management

  • Accreditation No: 601/7184/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 360 - 360 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £202.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine Management (540) (0172-36)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine Management (540)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7185/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 540 - 540 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 900 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £202.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management (720) (0172-37)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management (720)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7186/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 720 - 720 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1200 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £233.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management (1080) (0172-38)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management (1080)

  • Accreditation No: 601/7187/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 1080 - 1080 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1800 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: 5 This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £233.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form

0172 Level 2

Animal Care

Assessment materials

Equine Care

Assessment materials

0172 Level 3

Animal Management

Assessment materials

Past papers 2018

Synoptic assignments

Unit assignments

Version A