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Certificate III in Shearing

This is the qualification that takes a shearer from novice standard to professional pace, the level where a working day means at least 120 adult merino sheep or 140 adult crossbred sheep.

Illustration of a person working as shearer
  • Study mode: Workplace based
  • Course code: AHC32925

Where you can study this course

Where

  • TAFE NSW

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    Campuses
    40 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Many students speak well of the facilities and campus, and some rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching and student support, and some found the organisation and admin frustrating.

  • South Regional TAFE

    Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    Narrogin
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    Traineeship - workplace
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

  • Australian Agricultural Training Pty Ltd

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    Not yet checked
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

Last reviewed 20 September 2026.

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Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Prior to commencing this qualification, individuals must have the skills and knowledge to: • catch and shear sheep to novice level • work independently and within a team in wool harvesting • make judgements on the selection of equipment, techniques and contingency measures relating to safe work practices and animal welfare principles • apply and communicate solutions to predictable situations in an animal care workplace. These skills and knowledge may have been acquired through completion of a Certificate II in Shearing or through industry shearing experience.

  • Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.
  • No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:

  • a steady hand with animals
  • an interest in working outdoors
  • good physical fitness and stamina
  • a willingness to keep learning from the team

What will you learn?

Most of the training happens in the shed, building speed and consistency while keeping fleeces clean and animals calm. Students also learn to sharpen combs and cutters, service handpieces and work safely alongside a team. You need to already shear to novice level before you start, whether that came from a Certificate II in Shearing or from time in the industry.

  • Shearing to professional pace
  • Animal welfare standards
  • Sharpening combs and cutters
  • Servicing shearing handpieces
  • Consistent shearing performance
  • Shed health and safety

Units of competency (7 core, 1 elective)

The qualification is made up of 8 units. Everyone completes the 7 core units below, and the remaining 1 are electives chosen from the list on training.gov.au, so they vary by provider. Select a unit to see what it covers.

  • Loading the details for AHCLSK368…

Career pathways

Roles this qualification is a recognised route into, and what else you need.

  • A recognised route into Shearer

    Shearer

    Shearers remove the fleece from sheep with hand or machine shears, working through a mob at pace while keeping each animal still and free of nicks.

    Explore this career →
    Weekly pay
    $1,240
    Full-time share
    80%
    Employment size
    2,700 workers
    Average age
    31 years
    Average full-time hours
    43 hours
    Gender share
    7% female
    Future growth
    +7.8%
    Job market
    In shortage (regional)

    Complete the qualification and its stated entry and workplace requirements; check employer-specific requirements. Entry requirements: Prior to commencing this qualification, individuals must have the skills and knowledge to: • catch and shear sheep to novice level • work independently and within a team in wool harvesting • make judgements on the selection of equipment, techniques and contingency measures relating to safe work practices and animal welfare principles • apply and communicate solutions to predictable situations in an animal care workplace. These skills and knowledge may have been acquired through completion of a Certificate II in Shearing or through industry shearing experience.

Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).