Certificate IV in Farriery

ACM40818

Length

4 Years (part time)

Location

Wangaratta - Tone Road

Study Mode

Block Release On Campus Online & W/place

Certificate IV in Farriery - ACM40818

Home >Study Areas >Land & Animals >Equine

< Equine

Print course information Print Save and compare Save

Explore this course:

Course Overview

Interested in becoming a farrier? You'll be a shoe-in after studying Certificate IV in Farriery. This qualification provides a trade outcome in farriery, where farriers are employed to provide equine hoof care and shoeing services.

Students undertaking this course will learn theoretical knowledge of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and pathologies, and the ability to apply knowledge to technical solutions for a range of predictable and unpredictable problems. Participants will also graduate with the ability to interpret and accurately communicate information to owners/carers and veterinarians concerning equine hoof and shoe care, and related health issues in a variety of circumstances.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

This course will enable graduates to care for equine hoofs and shoeing in a range of equine areas including on horse studs and for general horse owners.

Farriers are generally self-employed, working autonomously in a range of equine-related enterprises.

Further study

After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:

22513VIC Certificate III in Equine Studies
RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.

Wangaratta - Tone Road

(1 commencing soon)

Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Various - 8.30am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus Online & W/place

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 21 core units.

Core units

21 unit(s)

ACMFAR305 Perform welding tasks using a forge
ACMFAR307 Make standard shoes for a range of equines
ACMFAR313 Trim equine hooves
ACMFAR314 Perform routine welding techniques for farriery activities
ACMFAR315 Use and maintain hand and power tools for farriery or hoof care activities
ACMFAR318 Repair and manufacture hand tools used in farriery
ACMFAR319 Handle equines safely during farriery or hoof care services
ACMFAR401 Apply knowledge of equine musculoskeletal system, biomechanics and pathology for effective hoof care
ACMFAR402 Fit shoes to alleviate moderate abnormalities and defects in equines
ACMFAR403 Fit shoes to alleviate severe abnormalities and defects in equines
ACMFAR404 Use farriery techniques to meet special needs of equines
ACMFAR405 Coordinate day-to-day equine service operations
ACMFAR406 Work effectively in the farriery industry
ACMFAR407 Respond to emergencies and apply first aid to equines
ACMFAR408 Determine hoof care and hoof protection plans for equines
ACMFAR409 Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines
BSBFIA301 Maintain financial records
BSBSMB303 Organise finances for the micro business
BSBSMB305 Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business
BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Attendance & commitment

Apprenticeship blended delivery | 4 years course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

Attend Wangaratta Tone Road Campus three days per week (8.30am - 4.30pm) for eight weeks per year for Years 1 to 3 as outlined in their individual training plans. Students must attend 80% of practical training blocks.
Spend approximately 4 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
Attend fortnightly 1-hour webinars (80% attendance required).
Consolidate their learning in the workplace.
Attend monthly virtual catch-ups with their training, timing is arranged directly with the trainer.
Complete 120 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.

Placement

Placement may be undertaken at a student's place of employment.
The unit ACMFAR405 Coordinate day to day equine service operations is delivered in the workplace as part of the apprentice's normal workplace duties.
In situations where all placement tasks are unable to be completed in the workplace, students have the option to gain their practical experience in another workplace, which has the necessary resources and placement opportunities.
Hours are recorded in the practical placement log book, where trainers ensure the minimum 120 hours are met and the duties specified in the unit of competency are met.
A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student, and the host provider and is signed prior to the commencement of placement.
Placement is organised by the student.
GOTAFE uniform/PPE is required to be worn during placement.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

Knowledge questions
Observations
Written tasks
Simulated demonstrations

Before you begin

Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into this course applicants must:

Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
Be over 15 years of age at the time of course commencement.
It is recommended that all successful applicants be immunised against tetanus.
This qualification is only delivered to apprentices.
Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.

Industry requirements

The physical requirements for entry into this course are based on the demands placed on individuals who handle horses and are designed to ensure their safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the horses in their care.
It involves handling large animals which requires a reasonable level of fitness, stamina, and agility to move smoothly, safely, and quickly in response to horse behaviours.
Working in this industry may involve working weekends.

Student resources

Students must have:

A laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
Access to reliable internet, email, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
Workboots, shirt, and jeans/pants.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

Aspirations/career goals
Educational attainment and capability
Literacy and numeracy skills
Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

1. Subsidised Apprentice

$11,498.00

2. Subsidised Apprentice (Concession)

$2,300.00

3. Full Fee

$29,521.00

Course Materials

$994.00

Student Services Fees (per year)

$100.00

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.

Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:

are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.

Course Fees consist of three different components:

Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
1. an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
2. an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
3. ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.

Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.

This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

back back