Learn Hands-On Skills for a Career in Agriculture and Rural Work
The Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32822) provides practical, hands-on training for a career in agriculture, rural industries, and related sectors such as construction. You’ll develop skills in machinery operation, livestock and crop management, and workplace safety, all grounded in real-world industry practices. This nationally recognised qualification prepares you to work confidently on farms, stations, or other rural enterprises, and opens the door to a wide range of opportunities across the agricultural sector.
Course Delivery
Blended
Step 1 - Complete online theory module
Step 2 - Book in and attend 1 day of practical training
Course Duration
3-6 months
Course Outcome
Entry Requirements
No formal prerequisites
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available
Locations
17+ training centres across Queensland and Western Australia
Course Fee
Fees vary depending on location (see table below)
Afterpay available
Funding
Career Start funding available (QLD) - $30 or $50 only if eligible
Certificate III in Rural Operations - Course Information
The Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32822) provides you with the practical skills and knowledge to work confidently and safely across a variety of rural and agricultural settings.
You’ll learn how to:
Operate and maintain machinery, equipment, and vehicles, including tractors, loaders, and quad bikes
Assist with livestock care, feeding, drafting, and health management
Implement crop, pasture, and plant establishment programs
Apply safe work practices and environmental sustainability principles
Prepare, apply, transport, and store chemicals safely
Maintain farm infrastructure, irrigation systems, and fencing
Follow biosecurity and hygiene procedures
Work effectively as part of a rural operations team
Communicate and contribute to day-to-day rural activities
Training is designed around real-world rural operations, giving you the confidence, practical experience, and teamwork skills needed to thrive in agricultural and rural workplaces.
Course delivery and assessment
The Certificate III in Rural Operations is a flexible, blended delivery course designed to fit around your work and lifestyle, giving you up to 12 months to complete your studies at your own pace. The theory component of the course is delivered online, and you will also need to attend face-to-face training sessions to learn hands-on, practical skills. Our trainers will demonstrate key techniques and provide personalised feedback and guidance, helping you build both confidence and competence.
Step 1 - Complete theory module online (within 30 days)
The online modules are self-paced and include assessments (quizzes, written tasks, or short scenario-based exercises) to ensure understanding.
Step 2 - Attend 1 day face-to-face training (appx 4-6 hours)
Your trainer will give you practical tasks to complete based on the information you’ve learned in your online theory module.
You will need to pass both steps in order to successfully complete the course.
What You’ll Study
The Certificate III in Rural Operations is a nationally-recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). On successful completion, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment for the following 16 accredited units of competency:
Core Units - Three (3)
AHCBIO303 Apply biosecurity measures
AHCWHS302 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective Units - Select Thirteen (13)*
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
AHCECR309 Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works
AHCMOM213 Operate and maintain chainsaws
AHCMOM302 Perform machinery maintenance
AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment
AHCMOM305 Operate specialised machinery and equipment
AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program
AHCPCM306 Provide information on plants and their culture
AHCPGD307 Implement a plant establishment program
AHCPMG301 Control weeds
AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
AHCPMG308 Implement pest management strategies
AHCSOL305 Prepare growing media
FWPCOT3301 Trim trees using a pole saw
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
HLTAID013 Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site
PUAFIR210 Prevent injury
RIIHAN309F Conduct telescopic materials handler operations
RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations
RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations
RIIMPO319E Conduct backhoe/loader operations
RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations
RIIMPO321F Conduct civil construction wheeled front end loader operations
RIISAM203E Use hand and power tools
RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces
RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights
Elective units to be confirmed at time of enrolment.
*Elective units may change depending on delivery location and individual requirements
Career pathways
Graduates of this course can pursue entry-level roles or further study leading to careers such as:
Farmhand / Stationhand - assisting with daily farm operations, livestock care, and property management
Livestock or Crop Assistant - supporting the management of animals or crops, including feeding, monitoring, and harvesting
Rural Operations Worker - contributing to a variety of agricultural tasks, machinery operation, and property maintenance
Farm Equipment Operator - operating tractors, harvesters, and other machinery safely and efficiently on farms
Agricultural Field Technician - assisting with data collection, soil testing, and farm productivity monitoring
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to enrol in this course; however, students should have:
basic computer skills and access to the internet
sufficient language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments, and;
a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) - mandatory for all nationally recognised training. If you don't already have a USI, you can apply for one online at www.usi.gov.au or we can apply for one for you.
Support when you need it
Throughout the duration of your course, you can access experienced industry professionals and support staff to guide you through the program. Our trainers are dedicated to helping you succeed and will be available to answer your questions and provide feedback on your progress. They will provide you with the guidance and support you need to fully understand the course material, as well as offer suggestions for further learning opportunities.
Related Courses to Further Your Career
Funding is Available For this Course
This course is approved under Career Start, the Queensland Government’s training initiative replacing the Certificate III Guarantee (effective 1 July 2025). Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with government-subsidised training to help them begin a Certificate III qualification, and potentially an apprenticeship or traineeship, selected from priority or emerging industries.Check your eligibility or contact us for more information.
Career Start Fees for eligible students are:
Concessional Student - $30.00
Non-Concessional Student - $50.00
“The trainers were knowledgeable and supportive, and I now feel ready to take the next step in my career in agriculture.”
Course FAQs
The Certificate III in Rural Operations course fee is $2,500, with Afterpay available
The Certificate III in Rural Operations course is approved under Career Start, the Queensland Government’s training initiative replacing the Certificate III Guarantee (effective 1 July 2025). Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with government-subsidised training to help them begin a Certificate III qualification, and potentially an apprenticeship or traineeship, selected from priority or emerging industries.
The Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32822) course takes approximately 3-6 months to complete. You will be required to complete online learning modules and attend face-to-face training for the practical assessments.
There are no formal entry requirements. However, students will need:
Basic computer skills and internet access (for enrolment and communication)
Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you don’t have one, you can apply at usi.gov.au or we can assist.
Your SOA will be issued within 3-5 business days of successfully completing the course and receiving payment.
Our friendly support team is here to help. Contact us for course advice, enrolment support, or guidance during your training.
1300 248 457 or email info@civilsafety.edu.au
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