ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
This course is designed for those people intending to or working in the arboriculture industry.
This craftsman-level course is ideal for those wishing to start or develop their career in arboriculture. It covers all the theoretical knowledge required in order to achieve theABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture and the theory part of the RFS Certificate in Arboriculture. You will explore the physiology, selection, planting and aftercare of woody plants and learn about tree surgery, including how to correctly survey trees before starting work. Ecology and the current law that applies to trees are also important themes. It provides a route into a career working with trees – for example as an arborist, tree surgeon or woodland manager – and is also an excellent foundation for further training.
- A course that delivers a good theoretical knowledge of arboriculture leading to an industry recognised qualification endorsed by the Royal Forestry Society
- Flexible home-study learning so you can fit your learning around your work and life
- Quality course material and excellent tutor support – to help you achieve your goals
- Follows the ABC/RFS syllabus with guidance in producing your portfolio, which on completion is externally assessed for the ABC qualification
- If your completed portfolio of coursework achieves the required standard for all 6 units you will receive your ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture*
- Suitable for both amateurs and professionals who wish to have their work assessed for the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture. If you do not wish to achieve this certificate, we recommend you do the The HCC Certificate in Arboriculture course.
- No previous experience needed
How the course works
How the courses work
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.
Support
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.
What you will learn
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
Study length
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.
Qualifications
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 £64.20 should be paid when you enrol on the course, but no later than 30 days after your enrolment date. The ABC fee is correct at time of publishing.
Career opportunities/progression
- 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)
Entry requirements
You do not need previous gardening or arboricultural knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.
Enrol now
There are 2 ways you can enrol
- Pay the total course fee of £445* in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
- or
- Pay a deposit of just £95*, followed by 7 instalments of £50
* In addition, the ABC fee of £64.20 should be paid when you enrol on the course, but no later than 30 days after your enrolment date. The ABC fee is correct at time of publishing.
