What is ChemCert?

ChemCert is an organisation that was set up by the rural industries in 1989.   It’s purpose is to promote, encourage and support high quality training in agricultural and veterinary chemical use.  There is a ChemCert office in each state working with trainers to help them deliver training across the nation.

ChemCert Victoria has registered more than 60,000 people (April 2007) as being trained in AgVet chemical use .

 What is the ChemCert course?

The first "Farm Chemical Users Course" was delivered in 1989.

The course was aimed at providing the level of training needed by producers to make sure that they understood the requirements to use agricultural and veterinary chemicals safely and effectively.  The course also encouraged people to think about using alternatives to chemicals in their production systems by taking a risk management approach.

The ChemCert course has become the industry standard for AgVet chemical training and provides the necessary outcomes for

• participation in most of the industry quality assurance programs e.g. CattleCare, FlockCare, GrainCare, FreshCare, MilkCare etc

• issue by the Victorian  Department of Primary Industry of the Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP). For an application form to obtain an ACUP click here.

Satisfactory completion of the ChemCert AgVet Chemical Users Course results in ChemCert registration and the award by the training provider of a Statement of Attainment for two nationally recognised competency standards:

              RTC 3704A           Prepare and apply chemicals

              RTC 3705A           Transport handle and store chemicals

The ChemCert course is generally delivered by trainers over two days, plus additional assessment activities.

What is the Update/Refresher  course?

The rural industries wanted producers to have the opportunity to keep up to date with changes in things such as chemical legislation, chemical labelling etc and to have  a reminder about safe work practices and use.

 A short course was developed to meet this need.  ChemCert sends a reminder to participants 5 years after they have completed the course with the recommendation that they undertake the Update course.  It is not compulsory but many of the industry Quality Assurance programs require that people have done training to keep their industry accreditation current.  

The course is generally delivered by trainers in half a day.

Additional courses now available

ChemCert has been active in developing additional courses to help meet the training needs of clients in agricultural and veterinary chemical use. 

• Using Chemicals Safely

This is an entry level course. It is designed as an introductory course for people who have no background in using agricultural or veterinary chemicals - people new to farming, home gardeners, students, workers under supervision etc. It is also suitable for people with learning difficulties and languages other than English.  It is a registered Level II course addressing a number of specific competency standards. 

Topics include:

• Minimising Chemical Use

• Understanding the Label

• Safety Requirements

• Application Techniques

• Regulations

• Clean Up Procedures

The course is generally delivered by trainers over two days.

• Chemical Risk Management

This is a more advanced course and requires ChemCert or equivalent training as a pre-requisite.  It is designed for supervisors and those who manage workplaces and need to comply with the requirements of OH&S legislation in chemical transport, storage and use.  It is a registered Level IV course addressing a specific competency standard.  This course will also meet the requirements for a ChemCert Update. 

The course is generally delivered by trainers in one day plus additional assessment activities.

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