ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by arboriculture experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. You will be guided in the preparation of your portfolio work. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

You will be assessed, through a portfolio of completed coursework for the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture (in partnership with the RFS) – A 6-unit study programme following the ABC/RFS syllabus.

Students must complete the following 5 units:

Unit 1 – The Interaction of Soil Environments and Woody Plants

Unit 2 – Woody Plant Physiology

Unit 3 – The Supply, Planting and Aftercare of Woody Plants

Unit 4 – Principles of Tree Surgery Operations

Unit 5 – Tree inspections and Statute and Common Law Applied to Trees

Plus 1 of the following options:

Unit 6 – Principles of Woodlands, Forestry and Ecology

Or

Unit 7 – Principles of Aerial Surgery

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 12-18 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

*Please note that this course will no longer be available to new enrolments after 31 July 2026. Registration fees must be paid by 15 August 2026 at the latest. Registered students will have until 1 July 2028 to complete their work in order to receive their qualification by 31 August 2028*

ABC and RFS qualifications:

Assessment is through a portfolio of completed coursework. When you pass all six units you will be awarded:

ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture¹

The ABC qualification covers the theory component of and can lead to the:

RFS Certificate in Arboriculture

To gain the full RFS certificate – widely recognised throughout the arboriculture industry and strongly advised for those pursuing a related career – you will also need to complete a suite of practical competence tests. For details of how to apply for the RFS Certificate in Arboriculture please click here.

¹ The ABC fee of £73.50 should be paid when you enrol on the course, but no later than 30 days after your enrolment date.  Registration fees must be paid by 15^th August 2026 at the latest.  The ABC fee is correct at time of publishing.

• With further practical experience you could work in the public and/or private sector as a:
  • Ground worker/climber (many arborists start their career as a ground worker, with some progressing onto a career as a climber)
  • Tree surgeon/arboriculturist cultivating and managing trees or shrubs
  • Arboricultural officer within a local authority managing tree stock and tree maintenance staff
  • Woodland manager
• If you already work in arboriculture or forestry, or in the planning/grounds maintenance/environmental services section within a local authority, this course would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients a sound theoretical understanding of tree care.
• You could gain the full RFS Certificate in Arboriculture by completing the relevant practical competence tests (see details in ‘Qualifications’ section)

You do not need previous gardening or arboricultural knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.