OCNLR
Level 1
QN: 601/8457/7
Curriculum Active
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by OCNLR. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 1109 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 1
Awarding Body
OCNLR
Syllabus Units
47 Units
Guided Hours
1109 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Presentation Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify different presentation styles suitable for animal care audiences
- Outline the key elements of effective presentation preparation
- Demonstrate appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication during delivery
- Select and use visual aids to enhance a presentation about an animal-related topic
- Deliver a short presentation on a given animal care theme
- Assess own presentation performance against given criteria
- Suggest improvements for future presentations based on self-reflection
2
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Reading
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the purpose and typical features of common animal care texts
- Use organisational features such as headings and contents pages to locate information
- Extract the main points and summarise key ideas from a short animal care passage
- Differentiate between fact and opinion in animal care articles
- Apply skimming and scanning techniques to find specific details efficiently
- Interpret basic visual information such as tables and diagrams in animal care materials
3
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Improving Personal Productivity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Plan the use of digital software to enhance personal productivity in animal care tasks.
- Use digital systems and software efficiently to complete planned animal care-related tasks.
- Review the selection and application of digital tools to ensure work activities are successful.
- Apply digital tools to improve personal time management and productivity in an animal care setting.
4
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Principles of Preparing and Maintaining Livestock Accommodation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key factors to consider when preparing livestock accommodation for new arrivals.
- Describe the sequence of tasks for cleaning and disinfecting livestock housing.
- Outline the importance of maintaining correct temperature and ventilation levels.
- List the types of bedding materials suitable for different livestock species.
- Explain the role of biosecurity in preventing disease transmission within animal accommodation.
- Identify potential hazards when working in livestock accommodation and the control measures to reduce risk.
- Demonstrate the correct use of personal protective equipment during cleaning and maintenance tasks.
5
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Resilience Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key components of resilience in an animal care context
- Explain the impact of low resilience on job performance and animal welfare
- Describe strategies for developing personal resilience
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to managing workplace stress
- Reflect on personal resilience levels and set improvement goals
- Apply resilience techniques during simulated animal care scenarios
6
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Organisational Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain how effective organisational skills directly impact animal welfare and workplace efficiency.
- Apply a recognised prioritisation technique to rank animal care tasks by urgency and importance.
- Demonstrate the ability to complete a multi-step routine, such as preparing animal diets, within a specified deadline.
- Evaluate the consequences of poor organisational skills in a real or simulated animal care setting.
7
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Time Management Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the impact of poor time management on animal health and welfare.
- Identify three common time management tools used in animal care settings.
- Create a daily task schedule for a given animal care scenario.
- Prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance in a kennel or cattery environment.
- Evaluate personal time management practices to recommend at least two improvements.
8
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Digital Content Creation – Audio and Video
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the purpose and target audience for an animal care-themed digital publication.
- Select and edit audio and video clips to convey key animal welfare messages.
- Apply design principles to create a cohesive layout for a rich media publication.
- Integrate audio and video elements effectively within the publication.
- Format and export a digital publication suitable for its intended distribution platform.
9
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Note Taking
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify situations in animal care where note-taking is critical for safety and welfare
- Demonstrate use of at least two note-taking systems (e.g., linear, Cornell, mind mapping) in animal care contexts
- Produce legible, well-structured notes from a verbal briefing or observation scenario
- Apply notes to complete a given task, such as a handover report or daily care log
10
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Grooming and Washing Horses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify a variety of grooming tools and state their specific purposes
- Demonstrate a systematic grooming sequence from head to tail
- Prepare a horse for washing including appropriate restraint and safety checks
- Select suitable shampoos and equipment based on coat condition and environmental factors
- Perform a full-body wash ensuring thorough rinsing and drying
- Clean, dry, and store all grooming and washing equipment correctly after use
11
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Punctuation and Grammar
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply end-of-sentence punctuation (full stops, question marks, exclamation marks) to convey meaning in routine animal care notes.
- Use commas correctly to separate items in a list of observations or supplies.
- Demonstrate the correct use of apostrophes for possession and contractions in animal care contexts.
- Construct simple, compound, and complex sentences that accurately describe animal behaviour or events.
- Proofread own writing to identify and correct common punctuation and grammar errors.
- Use subject-verb agreement consistently when documenting actions taken in animal care.
12
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Developing Confidence and Self-Esteem
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the impact of low confidence on safe and effective animal handling
- Define self-esteem and differentiate it from self-confidence using animal care examples
- Identify three practical strategies to build confidence when working with unfamiliar animals
- Describe how self-esteem influences professional interactions with clients and team members
- Reflect on personal strengths and areas for development in relation to self-esteem
- Apply confidence-building techniques to a simulated animal care scenario
13
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Spelling
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify personal spelling weaknesses through self-assessment exercises.
- Apply strategies to find correct spellings of common animal care terms using glossaries.
- Develop a personal spelling programme with measurable goals and practice methods.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of personal spelling strategies in written assignments.
- Demonstrate correct spelling of essential veterinary and animal care vocabulary.
14
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Spreadsheets
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know different uses for spreadsheets in animal care contexts
- Be able to enter and edit data accurately into spreadsheet cells
- Be able to use multiple worksheets within a workbook to organise related information
- Be able to construct formulas to perform automatic calculations on data
- Be able to create appropriate graphs to represent data trends visually
- Be able to sort and filter data to extract meaningful subsets
- Be able to prepare and print a spreadsheet with correct layout and formatting
15
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Teamwork Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify personal roles and responsibilities within an animal care team context.
- Contribute to the formulation of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) team goals.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills when planning and undertaking team-based animal care activities.
- Execute allocated tasks competently within a team activity, adhering to health and safety and animal welfare standards.
- Evaluate the success of a team activity against set goals and suggest constructive improvements.
16
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Creating and Publishing Web Pages
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the purpose and target audience for a web page in an animal care setting
- Outline the key steps in planning a web page layout and content hierarchy
- Demonstrate the use of website software tools to create a simple web page with text, images, and hyperlinks
- Apply formatting techniques such as headings, paragraphs, and lists to enhance readability and user experience
- Upload and publish a completed web page using a hosting platform or service
- Test a published web page for functionality, including links and display on different devices
17
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Digital Content Creation – Text and Image
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Plan a digital publication layout incorporating text and images for an animal care context.
- Source and select appropriate images to complement written content on animal care topics.
- Input and format text using basic word processing or desktop publishing tools.
- Combine text and images to create a cohesive publication, such as a pet care leaflet.
- Produce a final digital publication in a suitable file format for sharing or printing.
18
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Following Instructions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key reasons why following instructions is essential for maintaining health and safety in an animal care environment.
- Outline the potential consequences of not adhering to instructions when handling animals or using equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to accurately follow a set of verbal instructions to complete a basic animal husbandry task.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and follow written instructions, such as a feeding chart or cleaning rota.
19
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Word Processing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Enter and edit text accurately within a word processor to create a basic animal care document.
- Combine text with other information such as images or tables to enhance understanding in a document like a care sheet.
- Apply appropriate formatting techniques, including font styles, alignment, and spacing, to improve document readability for client communications.
- Structure a document using headings, bullet points, and sections to logically organise information for animal health records.
- Utilise word processing tools such as spell check and print preview to ensure error-free, professional presentation.
- Create and modify tables to present numerical data, such as weight charts or medication schedules, clearly.
20
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Maintain the Health of Horses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the physical and behavioural indicators of equine health and ill-health.
- Apply appropriate care procedures for a horse with a minor illness, including isolation and monitoring.
- Describe common horse injuries and ailments, and outline basic first aid responses.
- Demonstrate safe haltering, leading, and turning out techniques in line with industry practice.
- Explain the importance of routine health checks and record-keeping in equine care.
21
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
The Fish Farm
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate the correct procedure for weighing and measuring fish and accurately recording results.
- Differentiate between feed types and feeding regimes appropriate for fry, fingerling, and adult fish.
- Outline the legal and practical requirements for moving live fish, including transport conditions and water quality management.
- List physical and behavioural signs that indicate a healthy fish.
- Identify common diseases and predators that pose a risk to fish stocks and describe their impact.
- Explain potential pollution sources on a fish farm and the consequences for fish health and the environment.
22
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Farm Animal Health
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common farm animal species, breeds, and relevant terminology.
- Recognise signs of good health and indicators of illness in cattle, sheep, and pigs.
- Apply correct identification methods including tags, brands, and electronic IDs.
- Demonstrate safe techniques for moving and restraining farm animals.
- Assist in administering prescribed veterinary treatments under supervision.
- Implement safe working practices to minimise risk and prevent disease transmission.
23
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Problem Solving Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify typical problems that can occur in animal care routines and their potential impact on welfare.
- Evaluate the reliability of different sources of evidence (e.g., observations, records, supervisor input) when tackling animal-related problems.
- Apply a step-by-step problem-solving process (e.g., define, analyse, plan, implement, review) to a given animal care scenario.
- Explain how personal factors, such as experience and stress, can influence one's approach to problem solving in a workplace setting.
- Propose solutions for a common animal care problem, justifying choices with appropriate evidence.
24
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Care of Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common indicators of animal health and ill-health through observation.
- Prepare and provide species-appropriate food and fresh water.
- Demonstrate correct cleaning and disinfection procedures for animal enclosures.
- Apply health and safety measures including PPE usage and safe manual handling.
- Record and report animal health observations in line with workplace procedures.
25
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Preparing, Cleaning And Maintaining Animal Accommodation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify appropriate bedding and environmental enrichment for specific animal species
- Demonstrate safe handling of cleaning equipment and disinfectants
- Prepare accommodation to meet the physical and psychological needs of animals
- Perform cleaning procedures to eliminate pathogens and waste
- Carry out maintenance checks on accommodation fixtures and fittings
- Report maintenance issues effectively using communication protocols
26
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define the terms 'mental health' and 'wellbeing'
- Explain the difference between mental health and mental illness
- Identify factors that can affect mental health and wellbeing
- Describe how mental health issues may affect different groups of people
- Identify sources of support for mental health issues
- Explain how to access mental health support services
- Describe strategies to promote good mental health and wellbeing in self
- Evaluate the importance of self-care for maintaining mental health
27
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Action Planning for Own Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify own skills, knowledge and abilities relevant to animal care roles.
- Match own skills, knowledge, abilities and personal requirements with possible career paths in animal care.
- Identify routes for own learning and development that align with possible career paths.
- Create a personal development plan with clear goals and actions.
- Implement actions from the personal development plan to support own development.
28
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Writing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply a structured planning method to organise content for a short animal care report.
- Construct paragraphs with a single main idea, using topic sentences and supporting details.
- Demonstrate the ability to sequence information logically when describing animal care procedures.
- Employ proofreading techniques to detect and amend spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors in own writing.
- Evaluate the suitability of a draft text for its intended audience and purpose within an animal care setting.
29
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Introduction to Study Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify personal learning styles and preferences to improve study effectiveness.
- Apply techniques for locating, selecting, and referencing information relevant to animal care topics.
- Develop a structured personal study plan with measurable goals and deadlines.
- Demonstrate effective time management by prioritising tasks and meeting submission dates.
- Produce a piece of coursework that shows planning, drafting, and final review stages.
30
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Building Confidence and Self Esteem
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify how enhanced confidence can improve animal handling and welfare outcomes.
- Describe a specific way in which confidence and self-esteem can be undermined in a vocational setting.
- Explain at least two practical techniques to boost self-esteem when faced with challenging animal care tasks.
- Recognise and articulate personal emotional responses associated with varying levels of confidence.
- Apply a simple action plan to build self-confidence in a work-related scenario.
- Evaluate the relationship between self-esteem and effective communication with clients or team members.
31
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Feedstuffs for Small Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common types of feedstuffs for small animals and their appropriate uses.
- Describe the correct procedures for receiving and checking feed deliveries.
- Demonstrate safe handling and storage techniques to prevent contamination and spoilage.
- Prepare feed portions accurately according to species-specific dietary guidelines.
- Maintain hygiene standards when handling feed to minimise health risks.
32
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Fishing and the Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the types of fishing licences required for different water bodies
- Outline key health and safety risks when fishing and how to mitigate them
- Describe the stages of the water cycle and their relevance to fishing environments
- Know basic safety procedures for using small watercraft
- Explain why fishing permits are important for conservation
33
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Speaking and Listening Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate ability to communicate instructions clearly to a colleague about animal handling procedures.
- Present information on an animal care topic accurately and coherently to a small group.
- Apply effective questioning to obtain specific information from a client about an animal's symptoms or behaviour.
- Engage actively in a group discussion, contributing relevant ideas and responding appropriately to others' viewpoints.
34
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Revision and Exam Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose of academic examinations in demonstrating animal care knowledge and competence.
- Design a personalised study environment that minimises distractions and supports focused revision.
- Apply at least three active revision techniques (e.g., mind mapping animal welfare legislation, flashcards for anatomical terms).
- Create a weekly revision timetable that balances study sessions with regular breaks and self-care activities.
- Identify signs of exam-related stress and describe two strategies to maintain personal well-being.
- Demonstrate effective time management and question interpretation skills in a mock examination.
35
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Internet Safety for IT users
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common internet risks encountered in animal care workplaces
- Apply strategies to protect personal and professional information online
- Demonstrate safe browsing habits to avoid malware and phishing attacks
- Explain the importance of data security when handling client and animal records
- Evaluate the consequences of poor internet safety on animal care practice
36
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Planning and Carrying Out Research
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Develop a simple research plan that includes a clear aim, method, and resource requirements.
- Carry out the research plan by systematically collecting and recording data using appropriate techniques.
- Present research findings in a structured format, drawing conclusions relevant to the initial question.
- Review own performance throughout the research process, identifying strengths and areas for development.
37
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Critical Thinking
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify assumptions and biases in case studies related to animal welfare.
- Explain how stereotypes can affect decision-making in animal care professions.
- Outline the key components of a logical argument.
- Construct a simple argument to support a recommended animal care practice.
- Formulate critical questions to evaluate a source of animal care information.
38
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Principles Of Preparing For And Monitoring Livestock Outdoors
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify key factors for selecting an appropriate outdoor site for specific livestock species.
- Describe the steps to prepare a field or paddock, including fencing, water supply, and shelter.
- List the health and safety checks required before introducing livestock to an outdoor site.
- Explain how to introduce new livestock to an outdoor environment to minimise stress.
- Demonstrate basic techniques for monitoring livestock health and behaviour on a daily basis.
- State the importance of maintaining clean and safe outdoor environments for livestock.
39
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Undertaking an Enterprise Project
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify viable enterprise project ideas that align with a specific target market in animal care.
- Calculate the initial and ongoing costs involved in setting up an animal-related product or service.
- Explain how effective marketing contributes to the success of an enterprise project.
- Produce a project plan that includes monitoring methods and a review process to assess outcomes.
40
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Fish and the Aquatic Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify key water parameters (pH, temperature, ammonia) and their effects on aquatic organisms.
- Describe the lifecycle stages of common aquatic plants and animals.
- Compare freshwater, marine, and brackish environments in terms of species adaptation.
- Explain the specific care requirements for at least three common ornamental fish species.
- Evaluate the suitability of different aquatic environments for maintaining fish health.
41
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Developing Confidence Working with Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify key health and safety protocols when handling different species of domesticated animals.
- Explain how an animal's natural habitat and ancestral behaviour influence its welfare needs in a domestic setting.
- Recognise basic signals of animal communication, such as body posture and vocalisation, indicating mood or stress.
- Describe appropriate ways to meet the physical needs (e.g., nutrition, shelter, exercise) and emotional needs (e.g., enrichment, social interaction) of common domestic animals.
- Demonstrate safe and confident handling techniques for a specified animal, adapting to its behavioural cues.
- Reflect on personal emotional responses during animal interactions and how they impact animal behaviour and personal safety.
42
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Collaborative Working Using Digital Technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify appropriate digital tools for specific animal care collaboration tasks.
- Demonstrate safe login and data sharing practices when using collaborative platforms.
- Apply basic troubleshooting techniques for common digital collaboration issues.
- Contribute to a group task by adding information to a shared document or virtual meeting.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of digital tools in supporting animal care teamwork.
43
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Introduction to Programming
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Use variables to store and manipulate animal-related data such as weights, temperatures, or feed quantities.
- Design sequences of instructions that represent step-by-step procedures in animal care routines.
- Apply repetition structures (loops) to perform repeated tasks such as monitoring animal vitals at regular intervals.
- Construct Boolean expressions to evaluate conditions (e.g., checking if a temperature is within a safe range).
- Implement selection statements (if-else) to make decisions based on animal health data.
- Plan, code, test, and debug a simple program that addresses a basic requirement in an animal care context.
44
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Assist with Feeding and Watering Horses
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to assist with providing feed and water for horses., Be able to work safely.
45
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Action Planning to Improve Performance in Mathematics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to identify own strengths in mathematics., Be able to identify areas to improve in mathematics., Be able to set personal targets for improvements in mathematics.
46
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Assist with the Movement and Handling of Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to assist with handling animals safely., Be able to assist with moving animals.
47
OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Animal Care
Essay Writing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand an essay task., Be able to plan an essay., Be able to research information for the purpose of essay writing., Be able to present information in essay form.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/8457/7
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- OCNLR
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Mar 2016