Skip to content
careertips

HomeCoursesAnimal careCertificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

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

  • Course code: RGR40118

Where you can study this course

Where

Last reviewed 17 September 2026.

Set your location

Enter your postcode to see the providers closest to you first.

We use your postcode to sort providers by distance and to understand where people are looking to study. See our privacy policy.

Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

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.

  • 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.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, 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

What will you learn?

You need to already hold a racing Certificate III, or show equivalent skill in caring for and managing horses, because the course assumes you can handle horses with confidence. Study covers planning a horse's training and racing program, keeping horses healthy, supervising stable staff, and the business side of running an establishment: finances, equipment and staff. It also covers racing's integrity rules and what happens during protests and inquiries, and in some states it is the qualification required before you can be licensed.

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

Units of competency (7 core, 9 elective)

The qualification is made up of 16 units. Everyone completes the 7 core units below, and the remaining 9 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 BSBSMB407…

Where this fits

Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) in animal care: the study that leads into it, the study that follows, and other routes at the same level.

Before

Certificate IIICertificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)If you want to ride trackwork rather than run the business, this Certificate III builds your riding skill and racehorse judgement, and local licensing rules differ, so check with your Principal Racing Authority.

You are looking at

Certificate IV

Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

After

No later step listed.

All animal care courses →

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