iPET Network Level 3 Award in Reptile Keeping, Health and Welfare – Qualification Number 610/6317/4 (link to qualification on Ofqual register) 

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Reptile Keeping, Health and Welfare has been developed to provide Learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to care for reptiles safely, ethically, and in line with current legislative and welfare standards. It is suitable for those working with reptiles in private collections, zoos, pet shops, education, or rescue settings, as well as for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of reptile husbandry.

Learners will explore key areas including reptile classification, welfare considerations, and the legal responsibilities involved in reptile keeping, including in relation to venomous species. The qualification develops competency in conducting reptile health checks, safe handling and restraint techniques and implementing effective husbandry practices such as enclosure design, environmental monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance.

Learners will explore the nutritional requirements of reptiles and how enrichment can support natural behaviours and overall well-being. The qualification also covers safe and lawful methods of transporting reptiles and highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records to effectively track feeding, health status, and enclosure conditions.

Learners will develop an understanding of reptile anatomy and physiology to help identify common ailments and injuries. They will explore basic first aid techniques and supportive care methods to promote recovery. The qualification also ensures that responses to reptile health concerns align with current legislation and best practice within the industry.

Overall, this qualification supports safe, responsible, and informed reptile care, with a strong emphasis on animal welfare, legal compliance, and ethical practice.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, Learners will have a strong foundation to progress to further study or work in reptile or exotic animal care.

This qualification has been designed to enable Learners to:

• Understand the general classification of reptiles, their welfare needs and ethical issues.

• Understand the safety and legal requirements of keeping reptiles, including those specific to venomous species.

• Understand and be able to carry out reptile health checks and appropriate handling.

• Understand reptile accommodation design, environmental requirements, cleaning requirements, maintenance and record keeping.

• Be able to measure environmental conditions, perform cleaning tasks, feed reptiles in accordance with species-specific requirements and keep records.

• Understand the nutritional and enrichment needs of reptiles to support their health and natural behaviours.

• Understand the needs of reptiles during transportation and demonstrate safe and appropriate transportation.

• Understand and be able to keep appropriate accurate records.

• Understand basic reptile anatomy and physiology, common ailments and injuries, first aid and the appropriate actions to take in response.

• Understand the euthanasia process.

This qualification consists of the following theoretical and practical units:

395: Introduction to Reptile Biology, Welfare and Ethics

397: Principles of Reptile Health and Husbandry

398: Reptile Anatomy and Disease

399: Practical Reptile Health and Husbandry

EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE, FOR PETS, FOR THE FUTURE