This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification provides a trade outcome in farriery. It relates to the work activities undertaken by a farrier who is engaged or employed to provide equine hoof care and shoeing services. Farriers are generally self-employed, working autonomously and taking responsibility for their own functions and outputs in a range of varied contexts that may be complex and non-routine.
Farriers require 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. 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 is required.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 120 hours of work placement as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of ACMFAR405 Coordinate day to day equine service operations.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
This course has 120 mandatory work placement hours.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years - Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply knowledge of equine musculoskeletal system, biomechanics and pathology for effective hoof care | Core |
| Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business | Core |
| Coordinate day-to-day equine service operations | Core |
| Determine hoof care and hoof protection plans for equines | Core |
| Fit shoes to alleviate moderate abnormalities and defects in equines | Core |
| Fit shoes to alleviate severe abnormalities and defects in equines | Core |
| Handle equines safely during farriery or hoof care services | Core |
| Maintain financial records | Core |
| Maintain workplace safety | Core |
| Make standard shoes for a range of equines | Core |
| Organise finances for the micro business | Core |
| Perform routine welding techniques for farriery activities | Core |
| Perform welding tasks using a forge | Core |
| Provide First Aid | Core |
| Repair and manufacture hand tools used in farriery | Core |
| Respond to emergencies and apply first aid to equines | Core |
| Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines | Core |
| Trim equine hooves | Core |
| Use and maintain hand and power tools for farriery or hoof care activities | Core |
| Use farriery techniques to meet special needs of equines | Core |
| Work effectively in the farriery industry | Core |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Farriery sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Farrier
ANZSCO 322113
Farriers inspect, trim and shape horses hooves, and form, fit and nail horseshoes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Farriery
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
This course has a mandatory work placement. Skills Assure Suppliers help you to arrange a work placement. This service may not be available through other training providers.
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UQ SKILLS (RTO code 1511)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Educational Services and Consultants Pty Ltd (RTO code 40061)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.