National Skills Training Institute
Nationally recognised qualifications and short courses in pet grooming, animal care and dog training. Study the theory online at your own pace, with hands-on practical training.


Nationally recognised · RTO 41462
From a short bathing and brushing course through to the full nationally recognised qualification.
Short course
Get salon ready with the practical skills to work as a professional bather and brusher.
Up to 12 months · $1,500
Short course
Six units drawn from the Certificate III, covering bathing, drying, brushing and cross breed grooms.
6 units · $4,000
ACM30122
The full qualification and the industry standard for a professional grooming career.
17 units · Qld funded from $3,240
Qualifications for working with animals across clinics, kennels, shelters, retail and equine settings.
ACM10121
Start your animal care journey and build the basics of safe handling and workplace skills.
7 units · $2,000
ACM20121
Gain the essential skills to care for animals and begin working in the industry.
12 units · Qld funded from $40
ACM30122
Work confidently across clinics, kennels, shelters and animal retail settings.
17 units · Qld funded from $40
ACM20221
Start your equine career with essential horse care, handling and stable management.
11 units · $3,000
Theory online at your own pace, with practical training blocks delivered hands-on at Master of Puppies.
ACM40322
The core dog trainer qualification. Obedience, behaviour, canine first aid and running sessions with clients.
16 units · $6,000
ACM40322
Train assistance dogs for handlers with disability. Task training, handler instruction and suitability assessment.
5 units · $5,000
ACMSS00035
For handlers bringing a dog into therapy, education or community programs. Safe handling and disability awareness.
3 units · $2,000
Three of our qualifications are funded under the Queensland Government Career Start Program for eligible students, so you pay a small co-contribution instead of the full course fee.
Funding is subject to Queensland Government eligibility criteria and is confirmed at enrolment. Traineeship and school based traineeship funding is also available in Queensland and New South Wales.
Tell us where you are up to and we will give you an honest answer about which course fits, rather than pointing you at the most expensive one.
New to working with animals, or not sure yet? The Certificate I builds the basics, and the Bather / Brusher Course is the quickest way into a grooming salon.
See the Certificate IIf you are already in a salon, clinic or kennel, a full Certificate III formalises what you can do and makes the experience count towards a recognised qualification.
See the Certificate IIITraineeships and school based traineeships let staff or students earn while they train, with government funding in Queensland and New South Wales.
See traineeshipsTell us which course you are interested in and a member of our team will be in touch. We answer enquiries between 7:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.