Snakehandler: Accredited Reptile and Venomous Snake Control Courses Across Australia

 

Setting the Standard in National Reptile Training and Safety

At Snakehandler, we are proud to deliver specialised training courses in Reptile and Venomous Snake Control tailored for larger groups and diverse sites across Australia. Our reach extends to nearly every corner of the country, with the exception of Western Australia and Tasmania—strict animal quarantine regulations in these states currently preclude on-site training. For all other regions, we ensure that the necessary permits are secured by our team, allowing us to conduct courses at your location for maximum convenience and relevance.

Unique National Accreditation

What truly distinguishes our course is its singular recognition and accreditation in Australia. This is the only course in Reptile and Venomous Snake Control Australia that is formally recognised and accredited by the VRQA (Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority), meeting rigorous national quality training standards. Our course is listed on the official training.gov.au website, a testament to its legitimacy and compliance with national educational benchmarks.

Creating the Australian Standard

Having established the Australian Standard in the Training and Handling of Reptiles, Snakehandler is the sole provider of a qualification in Venomous Snake Handling that is valid and recognised Australia-wide. Successful completion of our program does not merely confer knowledge—it provides the only official Qualification in this highly specialised and essential field. Those who complete our training become part of a select group who meet the highest standards of safety, ethics, and skill in reptile management.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Our commitment to excellence is unwavering. The course and our trainers are required to adhere to 13 nationally recognised education and training standards, ensuring a rigorous, consistent, and high-quality learning experience. Oversight is provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), reinforcing the integrity of the course delivery and assessment process.

We recognise that some may suggest these standards are not a necessity. However, at Snakehandler, we believe that safety and quality cannot be compromised. Our adherence to strict protocols and our pursuit of continuous improvement reflect our dedication to the well-being of both participants and reptiles.

Why Choose Snakehandler?

·      Nationally Accredited: The only recognised and accredited course of its kind in Australia.

·      Flexible Locations: Training delivered on-site at your premises (except WA and Tasmania).

·      Comprehensive Standards: Full compliance with 13 national education and training benchmarks.

·      Expert Trainers: Courses overseen by a Registered Training Organisation for guaranteed quality.

·      Australian Standard: Receive the exclusive Qualification in Venomous Snake Handling accepted Australia-wide.

Embark on your journey to becoming a recognised professional in reptile and venomous snake control with Snakehandler—the gold standard for training, safety, and accreditation across Australia.

Nationally Recognised and Ethically Approved

Our venomous snake relocation course stands among the select few recognised by all Wildlife Departments across Australia, as well as many international authorities. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively relocate venomous snakes. We frequently provide training for staff from a range of organisations, including defence forces such as those from New Zealand prior to overseas deployments.

In Queensland, course participants must demonstrate competency or provide two statutory declarations of relevant experience. Notably, ours is the only course in Australia authorised to issue a statement of attainment for Nationally Recognised Training in this field.

This program has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by two independent Animal Ethics Committees, ensuring that all techniques taught meet the highest ethical standards. Our lead instructor, Sean, holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment & Training as well as a Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety. As an experienced educator and environmental scientist, Sean is uniquely qualified to deliver complex material in a clear, accessible manner.

We are proud to be one of the very few providers in Australia with Animal Ethics Committee approvals and Scientific Research and Teaching Permits in every required state, including New South Wales (NSW), Northern Territory (NT), and Queensland (QLD).

 

Elements from the course:

• Provide information on the nature of reptiles
• Conform to legislative and OHS requirements for snake handling
• Provide advice for snakebite prevention and demonstrate snakebite first aid
• Identify snakes
• Handle reptiles

 

Animals used: (in Australia, similar animals are required for international course)

• Dragon lizards
• Monitor lizards
• Pythons
• Rear fanged venomous colubrids.
• Elapids including but not limited to*:
• Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus
• Red Bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus
• Copperhead Austrelaps superbus
• Collett's snake Pseudechis colletti
• Brown snake Pseudonaja textilis
• Death adder Acanthansis spp
• Mulga snake Pseudechis australis
• Western Brown Snake Pseudonaja nuchalis
• Dugite Pseudonaja affinis

 *Elapids are subject to state and territory licensing restrictions; where a species is not permitted to be kept another elapid species may be substituted.

How to Book

In order to book onsite training we require further details. Please contact us  for further assistance. You can choose to have the two day face to face course or the E-Learning course plus one day of practical handling and assessment.