Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

This is the qualification behind a licensed racehorse training business, in either the thoroughbred or harness code.

Compare 1 provider

How long it takes: 6 to 24 months; typical for this level
Main job: Racehorse Trainer; $62,400 (estimate) median pay
Taught by: 1 provider; VIC, SA

Is this course right for you?

What the Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) asks of you, and what you might want to check first.

It helps to have

confidence handling horses
an interest in planning training and racing programs
a head for business finances and equipment
good communication skills for leading stable staff

Before you start

To undertake this qualification the individual must have: a racing industry Certificate III qualification demonstrating industry-relevant experience in the care, welfare and management of horses such as RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) , or RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand) , or RGR30318 Certificate III in Racing (Driving Stablehand) . or demonstrated equivalent skills and knowledge in the care, welfare and management of horses commensurate with the qualifications above.

Where this course can take you

Jobs this qualification is a recognised route into, and the study that can follow it.

Jobs you can do with it

Racehorse Trainer
Racehorse trainers prepare thoroughbreds for racing, planning each horse's training, feed and race schedule so it stays sound and runs to its ability.
What else you need
Racing authorities in some states require this qualification before considering a trainer licence, but the certificate does not itself grant a licence. You must apply to your state racing authority and meet its other licensing requirements; check the rules for your state. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median pay$62,400 (estimate)

If you study further

Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure.

Where you can study this course

There's one place you can study this course. No provider pays to be listed here.

Skillinvest
6 campuses, SA, VIC
4.5from 11 Google reviews
Website for Skillinvest (opens in a new tab)

What you’ll learn

16 units: 7 that everyone takes and 9 you choose.

Running a training business
Horse health and welfare
Supervising stable staff
Workplace safety
Racing integrity rules
Protests and inquiries

See all 7 core units

Core units

Everyone completes these. Select a unit to see what it covers.

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Questions to ask before you enrol

Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.

When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?

Questions people ask

Who is this qualification for?

It is for people who want to run a licensed racehorse training business, in the thoroughbred or harness code. Trainers plan and organise their own work, lead others, and handle complex, non-routine tasks. It can lead to roles such as Racehorse Trainer.

Do I need experience or other qualifications first?

You must hold a racing industry Certificate III in the care, welfare and management of horses, such as Trackwork Rider, Stablehand or Driving Stablehand, or show equivalent skills and knowledge. Providers can set their own conditions, so check with the one you choose.