AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture

The AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture is a nationally recognised qualification designed for those seeking to build foundational skills and knowledge for work in the horticulture industry. This practical qualification covers a broad range of horticultural activities including plant recognition, propagation, pest and weed control, machinery operation, turf maintenance, and landscape construction. It is ideal for learners with little or no prior experience and prepares them for entry-level roles or further horticultural training.

Horticulture

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Certificate II in Horticulture, learners will be able to:

Recognise and name a variety of plants and understand their growing requirements.
Propagate and care for plants through propagation and maintenance activities.
Identify and control weeds, pests, diseases, and disorders in plants.
Operate basic machinery and equipment safely in horticultural settings.
Assist with landscape construction tasks including laying paving and retaining walls.
Support turf establishment and maintain sports turf areas.
Apply workplace health and safety practices and participate in environmentally sustainable work.
Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing to support plant health.

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:

  • 15 units of competency:
  • 8 core units plus
  • 7 elective units.

Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment
and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
The electives are to be chosen as follows:

  • 5 units must be from the electives listed below
  • The remaining 2 units must be from the electives listed below, or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course
  • AHCMOM203 Operate basic machinery and equipment
  • AHCPCM204 Recognise plants
  • AHCPGD207 Plant trees and shrubs
  • AHCPMG201 Treat weeds
  • AHCPMG202 Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
  • AHCSOL203 Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing
  • AHCWHS202 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
  • AHCWRK211 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • AHCBIO204 Follow site biosecurity procedures
  • AHCCHM201 Apply chemicals under supervision
  • AHCMOM202 Operate tractors
  • AHCMOM216 Operate side by side utility vehicles
  • AHCNSY205 Pot up plants
  • AHCNSY206 Care for nursery plants
  • AHCNSY207 Undertake propagation activities
  • AHCPER222 Use and maintain basic hand tools and equipment for garden and farm
  • AHCPGD102 Support gardening work
  • AHCWRK210 Observe and report on weather

Training and Education Pathways

Graduates can progress to Certificate III or IV qualifications in Horticulture or related fields such as Production Horticulture or Applied Horticultural Science.
Pathways to specialised areas include landscape construction, parks and gardens, sports turf management, and nursery operations.
This qualification provides a solid foundation for apprenticeships or traineeships in the horticulture industry.
Further study options include diplomas in horticulture or other agricultural and environmental management qualifications.

Possible Careers

Landscape or garden assistant
Nursery worker or propagator
Turf management assistant or sports turf worker
Parks and gardens maintenance worker employed by councils or landscaping companies
Production horticulture assistant in commercial growing enterprises
Groundskeeper in public or private sectors

The Certificate II in Horticulture equips learners with practical, job-ready skills aligned with industry standards that enable employment in various horticulture roles while providing pathways to advanced qualifications and specialised career areas within the sector.