ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping

The ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping is a vocational qualification designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in animal care, welfare, and zoo operations. Building on the foundations of the Level 3 Award, this certificate offers a broader and more detailed exploration of animal behaviour, enrichment techniques, health monitoring, and visitor engagement. It is ideal for learners who wish to take on more responsible roles in zoos, wildlife parks, and conservation projects.

This program emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of welfare and safety while supporting the daily operations of animal care facilities. Learners will gain practical expertise in designing enrichment activities, monitoring animal health, and managing captive environments that meet species‑specific needs. The course also highlights the role of zoos in conservation and education, preparing participants to contribute to public awareness and biodiversity protection.

By completing this certificate, learners will develop transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and responsibility, while gaining confidence in applying structured animal care practices. The qualification serves as a pathway into higher vocational diplomas and opens opportunities for volunteering, employment, and advanced study in zoo management and wildlife conservation.

Course overview

Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping

To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment.
  • Educational Background: Completion of the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping or an equivalent qualification is recommended. Learners should demonstrate prior knowledge of animal behaviour, welfare, and husbandry practices.
  • Professional Experience:No formal work experience is required. However, prior exposure through volunteering, pet care, or assisting in animal facilities will be beneficial.
  • English Proficiency:Learners must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English (or the language of instruction) to engage with course materials and complete assessments.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping, consists of 5 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Zoo Management
  2. Animal Welfare and Ethical Standards
  3. Habitat Design and Maintenance
  4. Record Keeping and Animal Data Management
  5. Conservation Awareness and Public Education

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping:

Principles of Zoo Management

  • Demonstrate understanding of the organizational structure and daily operations of zoos.
  • Identify the responsibilities of zoo staff in maintaining welfare and safety standards.
  • Apply basic management practices to support effective zoo operations.
  • Recognize the role of zoos in conservation, education, and community engagement.

Animal Welfare and Ethical Standards

  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles in animal care and management.
  • Identify welfare responsibilities and legal standards in captive environments.
  • Apply practices that promote respect, dignity, and wellbeing for all animals.
  • Recognize signs of poor welfare and take appropriate action under supervision.

Habitat Design and Maintenance

  • Demonstrate understanding of enclosure design principles for different species.
  • Identify features that support welfare, enrichment, and safety in captive habitats.
  • Apply maintenance routines to ensure enclosures remain secure and hygienic.
  • Recognize the importance of habitat design in conservation and public education.

Record Keeping and Animal Data Management

  • Demonstrate skills in maintaining accurate records of animal health, feeding, and behaviour.
  • Identify the importance of data management in supporting welfare and conservation goals.
  • Apply basic systems for recording and reporting animal care information.
  • Recognize how records contribute to research, breeding, and long‑term management.

Conservation Awareness and Public Education

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the role of zoos in global conservation efforts.
  • Identify effective methods for raising public awareness about wildlife protection.
  • Apply communication skills to support educational talks, tours, and outreach activities.
  • Recognize the importance of engaging communities in conservation and ethical zoo practices.

The ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping provides learners with advanced skills in animal welfare, habitat design, and conservation education. This qualification prepares participants for more responsible roles in zoos, wildlife parks, and conservation projects while opening pathways into higher vocational diplomas. Learners can build on their achievements through structured training, volunteering, and career development opportunities that strengthen both practical expertise and professional growth.

  • Progression to ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping for advanced study.
  • Opportunities to volunteer or work in zoos, sanctuaries, and wildlife parks to apply skills in practice.
  • Development of expertise in habitat design, maintenance, and welfare monitoring.
  • Pathways into supervisory roles supporting daily animal care and zoo operations.
  • Opportunities to contribute to conservation awareness programs and public education initiatives.
  • Building confidence in record keeping and animal data management for research and welfare.
  • Preparation for advanced vocational diplomas focusing on zoo operations and wildlife conservation.
  • Pathways into structured training in captive breeding, rehabilitation, and conservation project support.
  • Opportunities to assist in research projects on animal behaviour, welfare, and conservation.
  • Development of transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork in animal care settings.
  • Entry into roles supporting visitor engagement, guided tours, and educational outreach activities.
  • Pathways into long‑term career routes in zoo management, animal keeping, and conservation support.

FAQs

This course is designed for learners who want to advance their knowledge in zoo management and animal keeping. It is ideal for individuals seeking roles in zoos, wildlife parks, or conservation projects, as well as those progressing from the Level 3 Award to gain broader expertise in animal welfare, habitat design, and public education.

Learners will develop advanced skills in zoo operations, animal welfare, and ethical standards. They will gain practical expertise in habitat design and maintenance, record keeping, and animal data management. The course also strengthens communication skills for conservation awareness and public education, preparing learners for responsible roles in animal care and management.

The Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping is a 15 days programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Zoo Management and Animal Keeping, includes assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ understanding of the course material and their ability to apply concepts in practical situations. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the assessments.cal situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%