Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 6:22 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Certificate IV in Nursery Operations
Certificate IV in Nursery Operations
AHC40620
BGG2
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 24/12/2020 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for supervisory/managerial job roles in the nursery industry including integrated pest manager, production nursery irrigation manager, dispatch manager, head grower, sales manager, site manager, quality assurance manager, retail nursery stock supervisor, sales manager, green life buyer, nursery manager and merchandiser.
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks involving technical skills, problem solving and supervisory skills to operate, monitor and improve performance of nursery systems and and may supervise nursery staff.
Work must comply with work health and safety and environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:- Fourteen (14) units of competency:
- Four (4) core units plus
- Ten (10) elective units.
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. The electives are to be chosen as follows:
For the award of the Certificate IV in Nursery Operations choose:
- at least seven (7) units from groups A, B or C
- up to three (3) units from the remaining units listed in groups A, B or C or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
For the award of the Certificate IV in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production) choose:
- at least four (4) units from group A
- up to three (3) units from the remaining units listed in groups A, B or C
- up to three (3) units from the remaining units listed in groups A, B or C, or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course packaged at Certificate IV or Diploma.
For the award of the Certificate IV in Nursery Operations (Retail Nursery) choose:
- at least four (4) units from group B
- up to three (3) units from the remaining units listed in groups A, B or C
- up to three (3) units from the remaining units listed in groups A, B or C, or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course packaged at Certificate IV or Diploma.
Where two specialisations are completed, award of the qualification would read (for example), Certificate Certificate IV in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production, Retail Nursery)
1. Core Units
All four (4) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCF90 | BSBHRM415 | Coordinate recruitment and onboarding | 45 | Unit of competency |
| OCF94 | BSBLDR414 | Lead team effectiveness | 45 | Unit of competency |
| BAT82 | AHCWHS401 | Maintain work health and safety processes | 40 | Unit of competency |
| BAS43 | AHCWRK403 | Supervise work routines and staff performance | 40 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A (nursery production)
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBK58 | AHCAGB405 | Analyse and interpret production data | 35 | Unit of competency |
| OCT08 | AHCPCM405 | Implement an integrated pest management program | 70 | Unit of competency |
| BAN47 | AHCWRK401 | Implement and monitor quality assurance procedures | 30 | Unit of competency |
| OBK59 | AHCAGB302 | Keep production records for a primary production business | 55 | Unit of competency |
| OCT70 | AHCNSY403 | Plan a growing-on program | 70 | Unit of competency |
| OCT66 | AHCNSY404 | Plan a propagation program | 110 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B (retail nursery)
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWX47 | SIRRINV002 | Control stock | 35 | Unit of competency |
| OCS19 | AHCMER408 | Coordinate customer service and networking activities | 30 | Unit of competency |
| BAN14 | AHCPGD401 | Design plant displays | 30 | Unit of competency |
| OCT16 | AHCSOL405 | Provide information on fertilisers and soil ameliorants | 80 | Unit of competency |
| OCT81 | AHCPCM404 | Recommend plants and cultural practices | 70 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C (electives)
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDB1 | AHC40616 | Certificate IV in Production Nursery | Qualification |
| BCW9 | AHC40716 | Certificate IV in Retail Nursery | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJR7 | AHC40624 | Certificate IV in Nursery Operations | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
To commence this qualification, individuals must demonstrate they have skills and knowledge in the application of:
cultivating, growing and harvesting/production skills for a variety of plant types, including pest and disease control
technology and equipment that apply in a production nursery or retail nursery workplace
health and safety, pest management and biosecurity processes and regulations that apply in a production nursery or retail nursery workplace
The skills and knowledge may have been acquired through completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification relating to nursery or horticulture, or industry experience.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships