The City & Guilds Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care provides learners with a broad understanding of animal health, welfare, behaviour and husbandry through a combination of practical farm-based learning, classroom teaching, independent research and written assignments.
Building on the Level 2 Certificate, this qualification includes five units covering animal health and welfare, practical feeding, maintaining animal accommodation, animal behaviour and caring for farm livestock.
Learners gain valuable experience working with a variety of animals in a real farm environment, developing practical skills alongside their understanding of responsible animal care.
The qualification also encourages independence, responsibility, communication, organisation, problem-solving and self-study, helping learners develop transferable skills for further education, training and future employment within the animal care sector.
The Extended Certificate is suitable for learners aged 12 and above who have a genuine interest in animals and are ready to work towards a recognised Level 2 qualification.
The Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care is a recognised vocational qualification designed for learners who want to develop a broader range of animal care knowledge and practical skills.
The qualification includes five units covering animal health and welfare, practical feeding, maintaining animal accommodation, understanding animal behaviour and caring for farm livestock.
Learners participate in supervised practical activities, classroom-based teaching, independent research and written assignments. This combination allows learners to develop their understanding and apply their knowledge in everyday animal care situations.
The course may be completed as a two-year progression from the Level 2 Certificate or through a more intensive programme, subject to individual suitability and course availability.
Young people aged 12 and above with an interest in animal care.
Learners looking to achieve a broader recognised Level 2 qualification.
Home-educated learners seeking a structured vocational course.
Learners who benefit from combining practical activities with classroom-based learning.
Young people with SEND or SEMH support needs who are ready to meet the qualification requirements.
Learners considering further education, volunteering or employment involving animals.
No previous animal care qualifications are required.
Learners should have a genuine interest in animals and be able to work towards the practical and written assessment requirements of the qualification.
As the course involves a substantial amount of theory and coursework, learners should have a reasonable standard of English and be able to work towards the written assessment requirements with appropriate support where required.
Course suitability is considered individually, taking into account age, existing knowledge, abilities, support requirements and readiness to meet the assessment criteria.
The Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care covers five units, combining practical animal care skills with theory-based learning, independent research and written assignments.
Develop an understanding of animal health and welfare, including recognising signs of illness, monitoring health, preventative care, basic first aid and responsible animal husbandry.
Learn about the nutritional requirements of different animals, selecting suitable feeds, planning diets and carrying out safe feeding routines. Learners gain practical experience preparing and providing feed.
Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to clean, prepare and maintain suitable animal housing. Topics include bedding, hygiene, biosecurity, cleaning procedures and maintaining safe environments.
Explore natural animal behaviours, communication, body language and factors that influence behaviour. Learners develop skills in observing, recording and interpreting behaviour and understanding its relationship with animal welfare.
Gain an understanding of livestock husbandry, including health, welfare, feeding, housing and routine care. Learners develop practical skills through supervised activities involving farm animals.
Learners apply their knowledge through supervised animal care activities on the farm, supported by classroom-based teaching, research tasks and written assignments.
The qualification encourages independence, responsibility, organisation, problem-solving and self-study, helping learners develop transferable skills for further education, training and employment.
We recognise that learners have different educational needs, circumstances and preferred ways of learning.
Our Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care offers flexible learning arrangements, subject to availability and individual suitability.
Learners attend one day per week over approximately two academic years.
During the first year, learners work towards the Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care, completing Units 201 and 202. During the second year, learners complete Units 203, 206 and 217 to work towards the Extended Certificate.
This allows learners to develop their knowledge and practical skills progressively, with opportunities to achieve the Level 2 Certificate before progressing to the Extended Certificate.
Learners may complete the Extended Certificate over approximately one academic year, typically attending two days per week.
This option is suitable for learners ready to undertake a greater volume of practical learning, classroom-based teaching, independent research and written assignments.
Individual tuition may be available, allowing sessions to be adapted to the learner's pace, confidence, abilities and support requirements.
Learners may complete selected theory activities, research and written assignments remotely, alongside practical sessions and assessments at the farm.
All delivery options remain subject to individual suitability, course availability and City & Guilds qualification requirements.
Learners are assessed throughout the qualification using a combination of practical assessments, tutor observations, written assignments, independent research and portfolio evidence.
Practical assessments take place within the farm environment, allowing learners to demonstrate their ability to complete animal care and husbandry tasks safely and competently.
Written assignments and research activities allow learners to demonstrate their understanding of animal health, welfare, feeding, accommodation, behaviour and livestock care.
Tutors provide appropriate guidance during learning activities, with reasonable adjustments considered where necessary.
Learners must demonstrate that they have met the required assessment criteria to achieve the qualification. Assessment takes place throughout the course rather than through a single final written examination.
After successfully completing the Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care, learners may be able to progress to:
Level 3 Animal Management
Develop more advanced knowledge and understanding of animal health, welfare, management and husbandry through higher-level vocational study.
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Specialist Level 2 Animal Care Certificates
Develop species-specific knowledge and practical competence through individual Certificates of Technical Competence.
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Further Education & Vocational Training
Explore additional land-based qualifications, specialist training or further education programmes related to animal care and management.
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Employment & Work Experience
Explore appropriate opportunities for volunteering, work experience or employment within animal care settings, including farms, kennels, catteries and other animal-related organisations.
Progression depends on each learner's achievements, abilities, interests and readiness for the next level.
Practical Education Beyond the Classroom
Providing practical, farm-based education, recognised qualifications and alternative learning opportunities at Frampton Farm in Kent and Poppies Farm in Berkshire, helping young people develop confidence, independence and skills for the future.
Access course materials, complete theory activities and keep up with your learning using Moodle.
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Fees & Funding
Course Fees
Course fees depend on the learning centre, delivery option and level of individual support required.
The Level 2 Extended Certificate involves a greater amount of learning and assessment than the Level 2 Certificate. Fees therefore vary depending on whether learners complete the qualification through the one-year intensive programme, the two-year progression route or an individual learning arrangement.
Additional City & Guilds registration and certification fees may apply.
Please contact the relevant learning centre for current course fees, availability and payment arrangements.
Privately Funded Places
Parents and carers can enrol learners directly, subject to availability and individual course suitability.
Payment arrangements and qualification registration fees will be explained before enrolment is confirmed.
School & Local Authority Funding
Our Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care may also be commissioned by schools, local authorities or other educational organisations.
This may include vocational education alongside an existing school placement, alternative provision arrangements or an agreed Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) package.
Any placement and associated funding must be agreed with the relevant commissioning organisation.
Enquire About Fees
For further information about course fees, funding options or availability, please contact the relevant learning centre.