Frequently Asked Questions

Each course and qualification specifies GLH (Guided Learning Hours), this is the approximate time it will take to complete the course. So that students remain motivated, we place a time limit of 2 years for course completion. Some courses must be completed sooner than 2 years and where this is the case, this will be made clear on the website.

Yes, many of our students choose to do this and this is absolutely fine.

Most of our courses are set at Level 3 as this is the accepted entry level for study; Level 1 is very basic and intended for junior students and there is no need to first complete Levels 1 and 2.

Our courses have been constructed according to the standards set in the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) for Vocational or work-related qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Please click here to see a comparison table for the various qualification levels.

Yes. Animal Courses Direct Education Centre offers various Ofqual regulated qualifications, non-regulated courses endorsed by Open College Network West Midlands Quality Endorsement Licence (QEL) and courses accredited by the CPD Standards Office:

Ofqual Regulated: The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the UK government department that regulates qualifications, examinations and tests in England. Colloquially and publicly, Ofqual is often referred to as the exam “watchdog”. For training to be defined as a qualification, it must go through the rigorous process of Ofqual approval. This means that it has been written, checked and validated, and is verified regularly for appropriate levelling, quality of materials and assessment. Animal Courses Direct is the world leader for offering Ofqual Regulated Animal Care Qualifications. Our Qualifications are industry approved and recognised by employers across the animal care sector.

QEL Accreditation: Animal Courses Direct has undergone an external quality check to ensure that our organisation and the courses we offer meet defined quality criteria. This approval provides assurance that the content of a training course is of a high standard and meets the rigorous quality assurance requirements of a national awarding organisation. The Ofqual Approved Awarding Organisation, Open College Network West Midland endorsement of our courses involves robust and rigorous quality assurance audits by external auditors to ensure ongoing quality of courses. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process, and QEL numbers for each accredited course are shown clearly on each approved course page.

CPD status: Animal Courses Direct has undergone a rigorous assessment process that focusses on the high standards of development and delivery of our training and assures a set number of Continued Professional Development hours can be formally achieved for our learners.

The Ofqual regulated qualifications have a minimum student age of 16 or 18 (stated on each course). There is no minimum student age for studying our non-regulated courses.

Yes, our courses can be studied from anywhere in the world and we have many students from around the world who study our online and practical courses. How much do your courses cost in other currencies? We can’t respond to individual requests for course prices in different currencies and we suggest student’s use the XE.com currency converter website for the latest conversion rates.

There are many different career options working with animals, our Working and Volunteering with Animals ebooks are packed with unique information, these are available to purchase and download from our website. Additionally, we have a careers advisor who is happy to provide information about our courses, please contact us by phone or email for careers and training advice.

Yes, we have many student reviews, please click on this link for student success stories. We are rated Excellent on Trustpilot, please click here to read our reviews.

No, our courses are studied from home and there is no need to travel to attend a college. We do have several practical courses if you prefer studying in this way.

We cannot guarantee that they will lead to employment but they will certainly enhance your CV and give you an improved chance of finding the work you are looking for. Upon completion of a course, we suggest that students visit our Job Board where you can upload your CV and search for the latest vacancies. We are dedicated to assisting students every step of the way and will assist in any way possible.

Most of our courses do not require students to have a work placement. Where a work placement is required, this is stated clearly on the course page.

Yes you can. If you have a specific learning disability we will try to adapt your chosen course where possible to reflect the neurodiverse way in which individuals learn. Please let your tutor or student support officer know if you have any specific requirements and we will work with you to make the course material as inclusive for you as possible.

Unless stated otherwise, students can can start studying at any time convenient to you. Simply click on the ‘enrol now’ button and once you have paid your enrolment fee, we will assign you a tutor and get you started on your studies. Students have 2 years to complete a course.

Some of our courses have instalment payment options that allow you to spread the cost of your studies. If a course has instalment payment options, this will be shown clearly on the course page.

It is possible that you may be able to get assistance with funding your studies, please click on this link for more information.

You may cancel your order up to 14 days after purchase. Please see our refund and privacy polices.

The Ofqual regulated Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management is a highly sought after qualification for working as a Canine Behaviourist. This qualification consists of 3 parts and is split into 30 theory units. This comprehensive qualification includes 10 intensive practical training and assessment days. We have mapped out a training path with the canine courses we offer that will enable students to gain extensive knowledge and progress right up to Level 6.

As part of the new Animal Activity Licensing (AAL) regulations, as from 1st October 2018, staff working for Dog Boarding Kennels, Boarding Cattery, Day Care for Dogs, Dog Home Boarding, Dog Breeding and Pet Shops, must have must have clear evidence of knowledge & experience or a minimum of an Ofqual regulated Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject. Or, to meet the Higher Standard, a member of staff with a relevant Ofqual regulated Level 3 qualification must be present during the working day.

All of the Ofqual regulated qualifications offered by Animal Courses Direct meet the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) requirements.

Yes, that’s absolutely fine. Once payment has been made, a Student Registration Form is sent by email; please ask the person who has paid to put your information on the Student Registration Form and we will enrol you.