Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:20 PM 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.

Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles

Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE311
State Code
BBD72
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
29/11/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2018
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
20/06/2018
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify non-venomous reptiles and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for non-venomous reptiles. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, zoos or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify reptiles
  • 1.1 Define the profile of non-venomous reptiles commonly held in a facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics
  • 1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify reptiles using industry terminology
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Monitor water quality, heating and lighting and make adjustments to maintain the environment appropriate for the species being housed, as directed by supervisor
  • 2.2 Recognise signs of distressed reptile and report to supervisor
  • 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of reptiles kept and legislation requirements
  • 2.5 Assess and implement enrichment activities for specific reptile species
3. Catch, handle and restrain reptiles
  • 3.1 Identify WHS risks associated with handling and restraining reptiles, and implement methods to minimise risks
  • 3.2 Select and use appropriate equipment used to catch, handle and restrain reptiles
  • 3.3 Approach and catch non-venomous reptiles while minimising risks to animal and others
  • 3.4 Restrain reptiles using approved animal welfare management procedures
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of good health in reptiles
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Implement general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures according to level of job responsibility
  • 4.4 Identify options for enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor
5. Feed reptiles
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to reptile-specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred food sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs
  • 5.5 Distribute feed according to schedule/feeding plan
6. Maintain records
  • 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities
  • 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor
  • 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3933 ACMSPE311A Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODC34 ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles Unit of competency